The Best Concealer Brushes, According to Makeup Artists

Keep blemishes, breakouts, redness and fine lines under wraps by ensuring you have the perfect concealer brush on hand. Makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic explains the benefits of using a quality brush, telling Us, “A brush is my favorite and preferred tool to apply and blend concealer into the skin. I find that it gives the best blend if you are using the right type of brush and applying properly.”
Concealer brushes are especially helpful when it comes to targeting dark circles and eye bags. For this, Dominic recommends using a brush with a “domed shape and pointed tip, which allows for perfect placement and blending in the areas of the face that can be trickier to get into, such as under the eyes and around the nose.”
The pro also shared her top tips for expert application.
“You can either apply concealer to the back of your hand, then work it onto a concealer brush or apply concealer directly to your skin and then blend in with a brush,” she told Us. “Either way, don’t overdo it with the amount of concealer you apply, otherwise the amount of blending you’ll have to do will be more tedious. When blending, focus on pressing and melting the product into your skin versus swiping it around.”
Check out our list of the best concealer brushes worth adding to your collection — including makeup artist recommendations, bestsellers and tried and tested favorites.
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Finding the Best Concealer Brushes
When looking to create a flawless base, there is one tiny tool that will help to conceal any imperfections and leave your skin looking smooth. Adding a concealer brush to your makeup bag will not only improve the finish of your base but will also allow you to get the most out of your products.
“Applying concealer with a brush allows for a more full coverage application even if the product isn’t full coverage,” makeup artist Natalie Dresher explains. “You don’t need to use too much product when using a brush — only a small amount is needed.”
Check out our guide below for tips on how to pick the best concealer brush for your skin.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Concealer Brushes
Product
The type of concealer you wear will determine which brush will work best for you. If you prefer a cream concealer, a flat brush is the ideal choice, but if you use liquid or powder, a slightly fluffy brush will ensure your product is blended seamlessly.
Application
If your skin is going through a particularly bad breakout, you can apply concealer before your foundation to achieve a smoother finish. Alternatively, once you have your base on, go in with your concealer to cover any problem areas. Always ensure your skin is well prepped with moisturizer beforehand to avoid your makeup caking throughout the day.
Brand
Depending on your budget, there are concealer brushes available at every price point. All of the brushes on our list have been tried and tested. If you are looking for a more affordable brush, we love wet n wild, Milani, and e.l.f. For those that want to invest in a luxury option, Hourglass and Sigma are well worth the price tag and will last you for years to come.
Bristles
All of the brushes on our list are cruelty-free. If you use powder concealer or have sensitive skin, opt for a soft-haired brush, which is less likely to cause irritation. Flat, straight bristles work better with cream products and stipple bristles are perfect for blending liquid concealers.
Setting
To ensure your concealer lasts all day, you will need to set it with either a finishing powder or setting spray. Once you’ve finished applying your makeup, lightly dust your face with powder or mist it with a spray to set the products in place.
What are the Different Types of Concealer Brushes?
Flat
Flat concealer brushes have tightly packed, straight bristles. If you are looking for a concealer brush to use under your eyes, choose a flat brush with a domed tip, which will mold perfectly into the area.
Tapered
Tapered concealer brushes are ideal for achieving a lightweight, natural look while still effectively covering any imperfections.
Stipple
Stipple brushes use duo fibres to ensure the product is worked into the skin for a streak-free finish. If you use liquid concealers, this is the type of brush to go for.
Best Overall: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Precision Concealer Brush 180
Pros
- Soft bristles
- Cruelty-free
- Flexible angles shape
Cons
- Only available in pink
- Some may prefer a slightly smaller brush
This concealer brush from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty takes the top spot on our list due to its super soft feel and custom-cut angled bristles. It can be used with cream, liquid or powder products to achieve a precise finish, even in hard-to-apply areas such as the under eyes.
This small, rounded brush ensures your concealer is successfully blended in with your foundation, leaving you with a smooth and seamless-looking base.
Best Budget: wet n wild Concealer Brush
Pros
- Great price
- Ergonomic handle
- Two-tone polymax fibers
Cons
- White handle gets stained more easily
- Some may prefer angled bristles
If you are looking for something on the affordable side, you can’t go wrong with this option from wet n wild. Coming in at just under $2, this duo-fiber concealer brush ensures a flawless finish even in the midst of a breakout.
If you’re a beginner when it comes to makeup and are still honing your application skills, the ergonomic handle of this brush makes it especially easy to use. The polymax fiber bristles also ensure that it picks up just the right amount of product without absorbing any.
Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Concealer Brush
Pros
- PETA certified
- Ideal for blending
- Super soft bristles
Cons
- Excessive packaging
- Only available in black
We absolutely love this concealer brush from e.l.f. — it’s one we reach for whenever we need to tackle dark circles or undereye bags. The soft hairs mold perfectly into the eye area to expertly place and blend concealer, resulting in a brighter, revitalized appearance.
It can also be used to conceal blemishes, acne, fine lines and pigmentation, as the flat design and rounded tip make it perfect for placing, building and blending products.
Best Luxury: Hourglass Nº 5 Concealer Brush
Pros
- High-grade bristles
- Quality handle
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Only comes in one color
This luxurious brush from Hourglass ensures that makeup goes on easy and smooth. The high-quality Taklon bristles are what set this one apart and it’s the perfect pick for those who prefer higher quality makeup tools.
The super-soft feel of the hair also means it’s made for those with delicate skin or who are prone to redness. The weighted metal handle is also a perk, making it durable and guaranteed to last a long time.
Best for Stipple: HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Concealer Brush
Pros
- Innovative shape
- Cruelty-free
- Densely packed bristles
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Some may prefer a smaller tip
This specially-designed brush from Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs features a domed, curved pointed tip with duo-fibers, helping to melt product into your skin while smoothing and blending it effortlessly. The fingertip-inspired shape means that this brush can mold into every area of the face with ease, so achieving an expert finish is simple.
The densely packed brush feels soft and gentle against the skin and provides flawless blendability for every type of concealer.
Best Flat Brush: bareMinerals Maximum Coverage Flat Concealer Brush
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Provides full coverage
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Not ideal for blending
This flat brush is the one to reach for when yo’re looking to achieve precise product placement. The soft, straight bristles allow for a full coverage finish that hides everything from redness to blemishes.
The high-quality materials also ensure that this brush is built to last, and the slightly curved tip means it fits in perfectly under the eyes when applying concealer there. Whether you experience breakouts or dark circles, this brush gives you the tools you need to effectively hide them in an instant.
Best Dual-Ended: Morphe X Ariel A19 Signature Dual-Ended Concealer Brush
Pros
- High-performance bristles
- 2 brushes in 1
- Versatile application
Cons
- White handle gets stained easily
- Only available online
We love a minimalist makeup bag and this dual-ended brush from Morphe includes two options for applying concealer while also saving space. It makes application easy, since both sides are designed to fit into every area of the face.
The shorter flat brush can be used to place concealer onto the skin while the longer end buffs out the product, leaving your complexion smooth and corrected.
Best for Blending: Milani
Pros
- Dual-ended
- Great price
- Smoothes skin
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Some may prefer softer bristles
This drugstore gem is a makeup bag essential. The double-ended brush can be used for numerous different application methods and works with powders, liquid and cream products.
The flat brush is helpful when placing product on the skin while the fluffy-end is meant for powders and blending. This tool also enables you to achieve a seamless finish and helps to avoid cakey-looking concealer.
Best Angle Brush: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Concealer Brush
Pros
- Perfect for smaller areas
- Soft bristles
- Blends beautifully
Cons
- Slightly shorter bristles
- Only available in one color
Inspired by the shape of fingertips, this brush from Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty includes densely packed bristles sculpted into a domed, pointed tip. It fits into every area of the face so applying and blending products is especially easy.
This brush also works amazingly well to build product, meaning it’s the perfect choice if you like to wear both natural and more statement makeup looks. It can even be used to apply liquid highlighters.
Best for Under Eyes: NARS #11 Soft Matte Complete Concealer Brush
Pros
- Covers dark circles
- Blends product easily
- High-quality bristles
Cons
- Only available in one color
- Some may prefer a larger brush
It only takes one night of bad sleep to leave your eye area looking puffy and exhausted, which is why having this super soft complexion brush on hand is helpful when concealing and reducing the appearance of tiredness.
The smaller sized brush fits perfectly under the eyes and the high-quality bristles provide an airbrush-like effect when used with both cream and liquid makeup.
Best for Blemishes: PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer Brush
Pros
- Innovative bristles
- FSC-certified wood handle
- Blends products effortlessly
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Light bristles get stained
Renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath is famous for her ability to create a smooth, flawless base — and this is the brush she relies to achieve a seamless application. It combines innovative, TRX fiber technology bristles and has a unique angle shape to ensure that just enough product is picked up.
This option also offers superior blendability and makes diffusing blemishes, redness and breakouts effortless. We love the sturdy handle and the luxurious feel of the brush hairs.
Best for Coverage: IT Brushes Airbrush Blurring Concealer Brush #103
Pros
- Suitable for delicate skin
- Comfort-grip handle
- Blurring effect
Cons
- Some may prefer a smaller tip
- Not the best for powder products
This brush is the one we reach for any time we need extra coverage for breakouts, pigmentation or redness. The super soft bristles make it the perfect tool to build up concealer without irritating the skin.
The fluffy round tip of this brush molds into the under eyes, side of the nose and chin, letting you place and blend products easily. Bonus points for the comfort grip handle, which allows users to get a firmer hold.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Concealer Brush
Pros
- Antimicrobial technology
- Helps camouflage imperfections
- Covers and blends
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Some may prefer a tapered brush
This brush uses innovative antimicrobial technology to help maintain the hygiene of the bristles and make for a cleaner, smoother application. The slim, tapered shape ensures precise product placement and maximum coverage when dealing with multiple skin imperfections.
The flat surface of this brush is perfectly designed for concealing the under eye area and smoothing uneven skin texture, while the pointed tip helps cover blemishes and fine lines.
Best for Softness: Real Techniques Brightening Concealer Makeup Brush
Pros
- Great price
- Doesn’t shed
- Shaped for under eyes
Cons
- Excessive packaging
- Some may prefer dense bristles
This brightening concealer brush is also referred to as the “kitten paw brush” due to its super soft bristles. The paw-shaped tip works incredibly well to provide streak-free coverage and leave you with clearer looking skin overall.
In addition to its study handle, this brush includes hairs that don’t shed. It can be used with both cream and liquid products to place and blend for a smoother finish.
Best Tapered Brush: Sigma Beauty F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki Brush
Pros
- Waterproof handle
- Corrects skin blemishes
- Blends product easily
Cons
- Only available in black
- Not for those looking for a flat brush
A tapered brush is a makeup bag staple and this pick from Sigma works just as well with creams as it does powders and liquids. In addition to covering blemishes and breakouts, this option is a dream for color correcting redness and pigmentation.
A professional grade brush, this option was built to last, and the waterproof handle makes it easy to clean while ensuring the bristles stay in place.
People Also Ask
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Q: Is it better to blend concealer with a brush or sponge?
A:For a hygienic application, concealer should always be placed onto the skin with a brush. Afterward, you can blend it out with a sponge, such as a beauty blender, to eliminate any lines.
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Q: Should you let your concealer dry before blending?
A:Let your concealer dry slightly before starting to blend. This will give you better coverage and still allow you to achieve a seamless finish.
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Q: How much should I spend on a concealer brush?
A:Decide on your budget, then take a look back over the list above. Whether you go with a drugstore buy or a luxury brand, there are high-quality options on both ends of the spectrum that come recommended by makeup artists.
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