Full-coverage formula resists sweat and sunscreen transfer—apply after SPF settles and gently blot tackiness to avoid creasing.
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I dabbed on concealer in the morning feeling pretty confident, then the combo of sunscreen and humidity turned it into a shiny crease under my eyes before I even finished my first errand. It is such a specific kind of summer annoyance, like your face is melting in slow motion while you are trying to look awake. Once I started using a drugstore concealer that actually sets and stays put, I stopped hunting for a mirror every hour and just got on with my day.
In-depth Reviews
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer
- High coverage with strong staying power
- Works well for spot concealing and discoloration
- Sets down without needing a heavy powder layer
- Can look heavy if overapplied, especially under eyes
- Needs careful blending to avoid a dry edge
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
- Lightweight, comfortable wear that stays flexible
- Easy, forgiving blend for under-eyes
- Natural finish that plays well with minimal makeup
- Not the best choice for the fullest spot coverage
- May need setting on oily zones in humidity
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
- High coverage for the price
- Sets down well for longer wear
- Good choice when you want a more perfected look
- Can emphasize texture if layered too heavily
- Needs quick blending before it sets
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
- Brightens and smooths the under-eye area nicely
- Thin texture that blends fast
- Easy to use for quick makeup days
- Sponge tip is not everyone’s favorite for hygiene
- May crease if you apply too much and skip setting
Covergirl Clean Fresh Radiant Concealer
- Radiant, natural finish that looks fresh in daylight
- Comfortable for dry or normal skin types
- Great for light, everyday coverage
- Not the most sweat-proof option on oily skin
- Less effective for heavy spot coverage
Buying Guide
Summer Concealer Tricks That Make a Bigger Difference Than the Concealer
Let your sunscreen finish settling. A lot of “concealer melting” is really just product mixing with a sunscreen that is still wet or tacky. After SPF, give it a minute or two, then gently press (not rub) a tissue over the areas where you plan to conceal. You are not removing protection, you are just taking down the surface slip so makeup has something to hold onto.
Use less product, then spot-build. In summer, thick concealer layers are what crack, crease, and slide. Start with a pinhead amount, tap it out wider than you think (thin at the edges), and only add a second micro-layer exactly where coverage is still needed. For blemishes, let the dot sit for a few seconds before blending so it stays concentrated right where you want it.
Set strategically, not aggressively. You do not need to powder your whole face to make concealer last. Press a tiny bit of finely milled powder only where you crease (usually inner under-eye, smile lines, and sides of the nose), then stop. If you want extra insurance for outdoor events, finish with a light setting spray misted over everything, then let it dry fully before touching your face.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: For true summer staying power, L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear is my top pick because it grips well, covers quickly, and holds up when temperatures climb. If you want the most comfortable, skin-like feel, NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum is a close second, especially for under-eyes and dry-leaning skin.
See also
If creasing is your main summer struggle, start with our guide to concealing dark circles without creasing, then cross-check formulas in our best concealers for dry skin roundup.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review
- NYX Bare With Me concealer serum review
- Best concealer for acne (top picks for breakouts)
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What kind of concealer is best for hot, humid weather?
Look for a formula that sets down on its own (or sets easily with a tiny bit of powder), plus a finish that is satin or natural instead of very dewy. In summer, a concealer that is slightly more self-setting usually wears longer and is less likely to grab onto sunscreen slip. You can still keep it looking like skin by applying a thin layer and tapping the edges out well.
How do I keep concealer from melting off over sunscreen?
Give your sunscreen a real minute or two to set before makeup, and apply concealer in light layers instead of one thick swipe. If your sunscreen stays tacky, press (do not rub) concealer on with a damp sponge or clean fingers, then set just the concealed areas with a small amount of finely milled powder. If you use setting spray, mist it after powder so you do not break up coverage.
Should I go lighter or darker with concealer in the summer?
For under-eyes, going one shade lighter can brighten, but in bright summer light it can also look obvious in photos. A safer approach is a close match to your skin tone for seamless coverage, then a tiny touch of brightening concealer only at the inner corner if needed. For blemishes or hyperpigmentation, always match your skin (not your under-eye shade) so the spot disappears instead of turning ashy.
What is the best way to set concealer without looking dry?
Use the smallest amount of powder possible and press it in, focusing only where you crease or get oily. A soft, fluffy brush can dust away too much coverage, so try a small puff or a dense brush and gently press. If you start looking dry, lightly tap a clean sponge over the area to re-melt the powder into the concealer.
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