During a night out, as a group of friends and I shuttled from restaurant to a bar, one woman asked what one makeup item we would choose if allowed just one (I Present to You, Chapter One of Deep Thoughts with Sonni and Her Friends)…

…and I skipped over the number one most popular answer of all time–a resounding MASCARA! from the rest of the crew in the car–and went with my old standby favorite, concealer.It’s not that I feel naked or bad without it. Quite to the contrary, I’ve learned to actually kind of appreciate my dark circles in some strange way (maybe we call this “resignation”), but when faced with the possibility of talking with real live human beings who may not share my strange appreciation for those persistent crevasses, I reach for my old best pal, the concealer stick.It’s easy to be stymied by the number of options in the makeup aisle or beauty store, but that’s why I’m here! These are five staples I rotate through on a regular basis that have you covered–literally–for any occasion.Enjoy!

Tarte Shape Tape

Use It For: BAM-WHAT’S-UP-YEAH-I’M-HERE level coverage

You can’t write a post about concealers without talking about this legendary formula. It’s got cult status, and for good reason. This is some serious stuff. You get 10 out of 10 level coverage to blast away dark circles and other imperfections, and it blends like a dream.I don’t use this formula for daily wear because it’s a bit on the heavier side, but if you’re planning a long day or having some photos taken, this concealer is your jam.

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo

Use It For: Natural but still serious coverage

I’ve talked about my love for this formula before. It makes sense that it says on the tube “Medium Coverage Concealer,” because this walks the line (in the best way) between very natural coverage, and full-on… well… camo, as the name says.It covers everything, but manages to blend out to a finish that is super natural. You don’t get the “I’M COVERING UP SOME SERIOUS DARK CIRCLES/PIMPLES!” look with this concealer ever.I wore this on camera daily when I worked in television, which should say something about its coverage power, and now I wear it when I want to blast away my dark circles without looking too “done.”

Onomie Bright Concealing Elixir

Use It For: Double duty coverage and treatment

This concealer claims to “clinically reduce the appearance of dark circles” over time, and while I can’t attest to that in particular (haven’t used it for enough consecutive days), I can say that when using this product, I notice an overall brightness under my eyes, even when I wash it off.You might like this as an option for daily wear, to get the benefits of a great concealer with skincare-like qualities.

Wander Beauty Dualist Concealer

Use It For: Full-service coverage and highlight

Admittedly, I was drawn into buying this guy after watching the company’s video ad on my Facebook wall. The girl putting it on looked so good. And it looked so fun to use! Concealer on one end, illuminator on the other, it’s a no-brainer for your makeup bag if you’re looking for a great on-the-go product.The concealer part is in stick form, which means it needs a little coaxing to blend well, so either use a great brush (this one is my favorite) or a Beautyblender to get the most natural effect. I also love that the illuminator works well to highlight the face, and has a natural and not-at-all-disco-ball finish.

Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen

Use It For: Reliable and natural daily coverage

This is the formula that I use the most frequently, hands down–and usually while I’m at the red light waiting to hop on the road to drive the kids to school. I love the natural coverage, the fact that it gives a little pop of lightness to the inner corners of my eyes, and mostly I love that it doesn’t scream, “I’M WEARING CONCEALER!!!”Bonus points for the click-pen applicator. (Also, sidenote: The formula reminds me in the biggest way of the YSL Touche Eclat. From the coverage to the packaging to the application, this is a dupe in almost every way.)Buy it if you want natural coverage that covers, but is also strangely undetectable. Bonus points for being a formula free of known-harmful ingredients like parabens and chemical fragrances. 

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Have any standby favorites when it comes to concealer? I’d love to hear more! Hit me up on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a Comment below!

Sonni Abatta is a writer and CEO of her house as well as this Orlando-based lifestyle and mom blog. She has three kids so she needs concealers. Lots of them. Reach out! Let’s chat!