Convex and concave lens can be distinguished by touching them. If the curved surface is bulging outwards then it's convex lens and if the curved surface is curved inwards then it's concave lens.
Another way to differentiate between the two lenses is, by bringing some written matter just in front of both the lenses one by one and, look for its image from the other side of the lenses.
(i) If the image of the written matter formed by the lens is virtual, erect and enlarged, then it is a convex lens.
(ii) If the image formed is virtual, erect but diminished, then it is a concave lens.