If you have dark under-eye circles, I’m sure you know how frustrating it can be to find a concealer that actually does a great job of covering them up. The truth is not all concealers are created equal. In fact, some of them can actually make the problem worse.
But when you know the right ones to use, you can most certainly hide those circles and almost instantly look more awake and alert.
Now, with so many options on the market, how do you know which are best? Look no further, Beauties! I’ve rounded up ten makeup artist-approved concealers that will help you bid farewell to even the darkest of circles. They all have wonderful coverage and different formulations, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
So, gals, what do you have to lose (besides that under-eye darkness)? 😉 Give one of these concealers a go today!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links; therefore, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase using one of those particular links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Should You Look For In An Under-Eye Concealer For Dark Circles?
Finding the perfect concealer for you and your dark under-eye circles comes down to picking the right formula and color. I teach this very concept in The Ultimate Makeup Bundle because it’s vital if you want to achieve a flawless look. Let’s talk briefly about each!
The 411 On Concealer Formula…
Concealers come in a variety of formulas, from sticks to liquids, to creams. The formula you decide on will depend on how much coverage you need (moderate vs. very dark circles) and your skin type.
For example, a stick concealer will provide far more coverage than a concealer pen (liquid). Additionally, whether or not you have fine lines & wrinkles around your eyes or whether you have very dry skin can also play into which formula will work best for you.
For more makeup tips & to learn why concealer formula is so important, check out our post on the right ways to use concealer.
A Quick Note On Concealer Formula & Skincare…
Many brands formulate their concealers to include helpful skincare ingredients. This means your concealer can become a bonus way to address any skin concerns you have for that under-eye area, from dark circles to lines & wrinkles. You can give that skin a little extra TLC by looking for any of the following ingredients under a concealer’s labeling …
- Peptides – help with eye bags, eye puffiness, fine lines & wrinkles.
- Caffeine – helps with eye puffiness and bags.
- Hyaluronic Acid – helps with fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags, and puffiness. It also helps prevent moisture loss in the skin.
- Antioxidants like Vitamins C and E – help with puffiness, bags, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Collagen – helps with fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin firmness, which is a must for eye bags.
PRO Tip: A dry under-eye area will always magnify fine lines and wrinkles. So don’t forget to use eye cream!
What Color Concealer For Dark Circles Is Best?
For starters, before picking a concealer shade, you’ll need to determine the color of your dark under-eye circles. Looking closely in the mirror, you should notice they have a slight purple, blue, or brownish tone to them.
Once you nail that down, you’ll want to select a concealer with a subtle undertone that will cancel out that slightly visible tone. Here are some quick guidelines to help…
- Blue – look for a concealer with a subtle orange or peach undertone.
- Brown (most common in ethnic women) – look for a concealer with a subtle orange or peach undertone.
- Those with a darker skin tone will find that using a concealer with an orange undertone works best, while those with lighter skin tones should consider peach.
- Purple – opt for a concealer with a yellow or golden undertone.
PRO Tip: If you notice any redness under or around your eyes, try a concealer with either an olive or yellow undertone.
You also want to select a concealer that is about a ½ shade to 2 shades (at the absolute most) lighter than the skin color right beneath your eyes. If you notice your concealer starts to look grayish, you have gone with a shade that is too light.
Related: Incredibly Simple Ways To Hide Dark Circles
Considerations For These Concealer Selections:
- COLOR: All recommended concealers were carefully selected based on having shade options with either subtle yellow, peach, or orange undertones. The purpose of this was to give a variety of options for canceling out (aka neutralizing) different variations of under-eye circle colors ranging from purple to blue or brown.
- FORMULA: To provide you with various options, included in this list are creams, liquids, and sticks.
- REVIEWS: The number of positive reviews, along with my professional experience using them as a makeup artist. Additionally, based on the recommendations of other makeup artists and beauty editors.
- BRAND REPUTATION: Reliable, consistent, makeup & beauty industry favorite brands.
10 Best Concealers To Banish Dark Under-Eye Circles For Good!
PRO Tip: Many of these concealers will list next to the name of each color, whether it has a peach, golden, or yellow tone/undertone. However, if by chance, you still aren’t sure of its undertone after clicking the link… In that case, if you are directed to a website with the chat feature, you can always click on the chat button. Once it opens, you can ask one of the Beauty advisors about the undertone for that shade you’re thinking of trying.
1. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Coverage: Medium to Full | Formula: Liquid | Finish: Natural Radiant | Shades: 30
Click Here To See More About It
Now, this concealer is a cult favorite for a reason. Its luxuriously creamy & buildable formula goes on smoothly and blends effortlessly into the skin. It has a fantastic range of shades with subtle undertones that can hide all types of dark under-eye circle colors, from shadowy blue to brown to purple tones.
Containing a combination of Grape Seed Extract, Magnolia Bark Extract, and enriching Vitamin E, it helps to hydrate, firm, strengthen, & protect the thin, delicate skin under your eyes. So, if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck and address a few skincare needs along with hiding pesky dark under-eye circles, this Nars concealer is perfect!
THE GOOD:
- Lasts up to 16 hours
- Several shades with undertones ranging from peach to yellow & golden.
- Blurs and corrects everything from uneven skin tones to fine lines & wrinkles with light-diffusing ingredients
- Doesn’t cake or crease
- Look more awake and refreshed!
THE BAD: None
Here are just a few suggestions for concealer shades with subtle undertones…
- Marron Glacé – Peach Undertone (Light To Medium)
- Café Con Leche – Yellow Undertone (Light To Medium)
- Ginger – Golden Undertone (Medium)
- Nougatine – Yellow Undertone (Light)
- Café Au Lait – Peach Undertone (Light)
- Sucre D’orge – Peach Undertone (Medium to Medium-Deep)
- Truffle – Deep Peach Undertone (Medium-Deep)
2. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer
Coverage: Full | Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 24
Click Here To See More About It
When it comes to top concealers for targeting dark under-eye circles, It Cosmetic’s Bye Bye Under Eye is a name that pops up time and time again. This powerhouse product not only covers up circles but also contains anti-aging skincare ingredients (Peptides, Collagen, Vitamin E, & Hyaluronic Acid).
Remember collagen, peptides, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid can ALL help with lines, wrinkles, and under-eye bags. So if you have any of those concerns in addition to dark under-eye circles, this concealer makes an excellent pick!
*Please note that creams generally come in a pot, palette, compact, or pencil, but this brand uses a squirtable tube.
THE GOOD:
- Includes shades with yellow, peach, and golden undertones.
- It’s highly pigmented, and a little will go a long way, so you don’t need much!
- Works well for severe dark circles
- 24-Hour water-proof coverage for incredible staying power!
- Reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, & imperfections while making your skin look more youthful over time! Yes, please!! 😉
THE BAD:
- It can be a bit heavy and too thick for a small number of users…
3. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen
Coverage: Sheer to Med | Formula: Pen | Finish: Luminous & Radiant | Shades: 12
Click Here To See More About It
The quickest way to look more awake is to use a concealer that illuminates and brightens the under-eye area. And if you worry about concealer settling into fine lines or your skin looking creepy under your eyes, then this pen is your best bet! Its lightweight formula ensures it won’t build up too much and cause either.
THE GOOD:
- Yellow, golden, and peach undertone options
- Light-reflecting for a brightening effect on shadowy areas and dullness
- Creates a natural-looking lift to your features
- Built-in brush for easy application
- Great for a no-makeup makeup vibe
- The smooth and creamy texture makes for easy blending
- Contains Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with everything from lines & wrinkles to puffiness, eye bags, and skin dryness.
THE BAD:
- May not provide enough coverage (works best for minor dark circles)
PRO Tip: If you find you need a concealer with more coverage but still want the benefits of brightening the under-eye area, try the Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Under-Eye Concealer. Rather than being light, you can expect medium to medium-high coverage, as it’s buildable and more pigmented. It’s also crease and cake-resistant!
4. Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick
Coverage: Full | Formula: Stick | Finish: Natural | Shades: 17
Click Here To See More About It
If you’re looking for a stick that offers excellent full coverage and blends with perfection for a totally natural finish, this one from Marc Jacobs is a great pick. This concealer blurs fine lines and troublesome flaws while also hiding dark under-eye circles with ease! It can also be layered beautifully under or over your makeup (if you ever need a touch-up later in the day).
THE GOOD:
- Several options with peach undertones and a few yellow and gold undertone options (look for peach, yellow, or golden listed next to the shade’s name).
- Blendable formula for a natural finish.
- Creamy texture for a smooth application
- Sticks can be an easy option for some when it comes to application, just a swipe or two, and you’re good!
THE BAD:
- For some, it may be too thick for under the eyes.
5. SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin Flawless 24-Hour Concealer
Coverage: Med | Formula: Creamy Liquid | Finish: Natural | Shades: 30
Click Here To See More About It
Searching for a concealer that won’t let you down? Meet SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin Flawless Concealer. This smooth buttery formula won’t crease, cake, or settle into fine lines. It wears for up to 24 hours without budging – so you can feel confident all day long. Finally, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts – perfect if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
THE GOOD:
- Assortment of peach & golden undertones (look for peach or golden listed next to the shade’s name).
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Specially made petal-shaped applicator to prevent pulling of the delicate skin under your eyes.
THE BAD:
- May not be the best for those with dry skin under their eyes.
- Some users find it dries too fast, so you will need to blend quickly using a light patting motion.
6. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer
Coverage: Med to Full | Formula: Liquid | Finish: Natural | Shades: 22
Click Here To See More About It
Known for their high-quality flawless face makeup products, Laura Mercier offers the Flawless Fusion Concealer which is perfect for hiding dark under-eye circles with comfort in mind. This oil-free concealer provides medium to full coverage but feels totally weightless on your skin. It’s easy to blend and lasts up to 12 hours without creasing, caking, or flaking. Much like the Nars concealer, it creates a soft blur-like effect for imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles.
THE GOOD:
- Looks like skin but better, it blends in with skin seamlessly
- Sweat-proof, water-proof, and won’t transfer… You’ll never have to worry about your concealer melting away on hot days again!
- Doesn’t look cakey
- Mostly yellow and a few peachy pink undertone options (the cool undertone options lean towards peachy pink, while those listed as warm steer more towards a yellow undertone).
THE BAD:
- May not provide enough hydration for those with very dry under-eye skin…eye cream is a must…
- PRO Tip: Try applying with a damp sponge if you feel it’s too dry during the winter months or adding in a super hydrating eye cream.
Laura Mercier also makes a fabulous duo stick concealer for under the eyes. Check out the Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer if you need something in a creamy stick formula.
7. ESTÉE LAUDER Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Concealer
Coverage: Medium | Formula: Creamy Liquid | Finish: Natural Matte | Shades: 22
Click Here To See More About It
Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Concealer is another splendid choice for dark under-eye circles. It’s long-wearing and stays put all day – no matter what you throw at it. It has a comfortable, lightweight creme formula that blends easily. Plus, it’s ophthalmologist-tested and dermatologist-tested, so you know it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
THE GOOD:
- Good variety of yellow and golden undertone options (look for yellow or golden listed next to the shade’s name).
- Oil-free, fragrance-free & non-acnegenic (won’t cause acne or clog pores)
- Sweat-proof, humidity-proof, water-proof, and won’t transfer, making it great for hot, humid summers or for days outdoors!
- Lightweight creamy liquid formula, so it blends easily.
- Won’t crease
THE BAD:
- For some, it may not provide enough coverage.
- May cause dry patches for some
8. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Coverage: Full | Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural Matte | Shades: 35
Click Here To See More About It
The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is certainly a best-seller when it comes to concealers for dark under-eye circles. It contains skin-benefiting ingredients like licorice root to help brighten and color-correct under-eye darkness, along with shea butter & mango seed butter to give your skin a little extra moisture! It offers a thick creamy formula to cover up pretty much anything you need camouflaging!
*Please note this concealer is considered a cream even though it comes in a container normally associated with liquid concealers.
THE GOOD:
- Nice variety of peach and golden undertone options.
- Blurs the look of fine lines & wrinkles
- A long-wearing (16 hours) concealer that won’t crease
- Provides excellent coverage
- A little goes a long way
THE BAD:
- Can feel too thick and heavy for some users.
- Dries fast, so you’ll need to work more quickly.
- While it does have moisturizing ingredients, I have heard some users complain that it is too drying for their skin.
9. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
Coverage: Med | Formula: Creamy Liquid | Finish: Natural | Shades: 18
Now, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer gets quite a lot of praise, especially for being a drugstore pick. It has medium coverage that can quickly cover up dark circles & brighten up your look instantly! It also contains anti-aging ingredients which work together to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines while also combating puffiness.
THE GOOD:
- Many shades with various undertones that are perfect for neutralizing dark circles (For example, shade Golden is a good option that’s orange-tinted.
- The sponge tip applicator makes it quick and easy to use
- Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.
- Up to 12-hour wear
- Lightweight formula, so you don’t have to worry about it caking on you.
THE BAD:
- May not be enough coverage for very dark circles
- A few users feel its dries too quickly
- Can cause flashbacks in photos
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer
Coverage: Sheer to Med | Formula: Stick | Finish: Natural | Shades: 5
Stick concealers tend to be on the thicker and heavier side; however, this concealer takes a slightly different, more lightweight approach. If you’re someone who struggles with dryness under your eyes and finds most concealers tend to settle in your creases or cake on you, this one is a superb option.
It brings major hydration into the mix with skin-loving hyaluronic acid! The downside, however, is it doesn’t give as much coverage as most sticks do. But if you’re looking for something to help with minor darkness under your eyes with a very natural finish, give it a go!
THE GOOD:
- Lightweight feel & buildable
- Oil-free, won’t clog pores & safe for those with sensitive eyes
- Has light peachy salmon & orange undertone options
- Sticks are very easy to use
THE BAD:
- Not enough coverage for significant darkness under the eyes.
- Since it has a sheerer coverage, it could require more layers than other concealer options listed in this article.
- There are not that many colors to choose from
Common Questions/FAQs About Concealers & Dark Under-Eye Circles
Should your under-eye concealer be lighter or darker?
Generally, it should be lighter; however, the exception is when you are trying to hide rather puffy eye bags. I go into great detail about this makeup trick in this article, on tired-looking eyes…check out Tip #8!
How do you make under-eye concealer, not crease?
First, make sure you’re using the right formula for your skin type. If a concealer is too drying for your skin type, it can cause creasing. That said, additionally, if a concealer is too moisturizing for your particular skin type, that can also cause creasing.
So knowing your skin type and picking a formula that works best for it is key! Now, here are a couple of other things you can do to prevent or minimize the creasing, gals…
- Let your eye cream dry thoroughly before applying concealer (give it a few minutes).
- To make concealer crease-free, start by applying a light layer of primer to the under-eye area. This helps to keep the concealer in place and reduces the likelihood of it creasing. If you happen to have dry skin, opt for a hydrating eye primer.
- Try blending your concealer with your fingers using a light patting motion. The warmth from your fingertips will help it to sort of melt into & blend more seamlessly into your skin.
- Take a fluffy eyeshadow brush and set it with a loose translucent powder. Make sure you apply very lightly and don’t go overboard. PRO Tip: If you use a concealer that is very moisturizing and notice creasing, setting it like this will help remove some of that excess moisture that can lead to creasing. Try Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes!
- If you don’t have setting powder, another trick is to try spraying a tough of setting spray onto the tip of a beauty blender. Then lightly pat it under the eye area.
What is the best under-eye brightening concealer?
Hands down, one of the most loved brightening concealers is the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen. But as I mentioned earlier, if you find this one doesn’t provide enough coverage, then definitely give the Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Under-Eye Concealer a try!
Runner Up: PÜR Disappearing Ink (4-in-1 Concealer Pen)
What should you do if your makeup starts to settle into the fine lines under your eyes?
Try lightly tapping the area where it’s settling under your eyes with your ring finger. Your finger’s warmth will help blend it smoothly back in with your skin.
Should concealer go on before or after foundation?
This can depend on a few factors, and you’ll hear a variety of answers to this question. Generally, if you are under the age of 40, I suggest applying foundation first. Often, you’ll notice that the problems you’re trying to hide have been covered up a great deal by your foundation. This will usually reduce the amount of concealer you’ll need.
An exception, however, is if you are dealing with very dark circles or if the concealer’s neutralizing (yellow, peach, or orange) undertone is VERY obvious in comparison to the rest of your face and your foundation. In those instances, you may want to start with your concealer.
Are you over 40? Do you need help picking the right makeup products (concealer, foundation, blush, etc.)? This guide is for you!!
With so many makeup products out there, from concealer to foundation, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipsticks, lip liners, mascara, brow pencils, gels, creams, powders, and so on, it can be a challenge to shop for the best options based on your skin’s changing needs and aging concerns (dark under-eye circles, age spots, sun damage, perimenopausal or menopausal acne, etc.).
Not to mention the fact that as we age, it’s vital that we switch up our techniques for applying many makeup products to avoid magnifying lines and wrinkles. Often, the techniques we rely on in our 30s and 20s, if used once we are over the age of 40, will inadvertently make us look even older. This is one of the reasons why I decided to create How To Look Younger Makeup Secrets.
With it, you’ll not only learn tips and tricks to look younger but also how to avoid several makeup blunders that actually age you and keep you from looking your absolute best. Click here to learn all about this makeup guide for women over 40!
Disclosure: Please Note- Chapter 4 cover page of this makeup guide contains images that were AI-generated.
The Wrap-Up!
Maybe you feel like you’ve tried every trick in the book, every concealer under the sun, or even resigned yourself to just living with dark under-eye circles. But Beauties, I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t give up just yet! You see, perhaps you’ve simply been using the wrong concealer, and it’s time to embrace a new one.
So, if you’re searching for an exceptional under-eye concealer to cover those dark circles and keep them out of sight, rest assured one of these top ten will get the job done!
Whether you need a long-wearing, full-coverage option or something that’s light and easy to blend, I made sure to include a variety of formulas, finishes, and shades to suit everyone. So go ahead and find your perfect match!
Related Articles:
- Beginner Makeup For The Everyday Woman
- Best Makeup For Beginners: Must-Haves + Budget-Friendly Picks
- Basic Makeup Tips & Tricks: 30 Absolute Need-To-Knows For Beginners
- Tired-Looking Eyes: 13 Fixes You’re Sure To Love!
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