10 Best Under-Eye Concealers for Dark Circles in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
We've searched relentlessly, combing through reviews of products to bring you a list of the 10 best under-eye concealers that are suitable for mature, dry, oily, and normal skin. We also have a handy buying guide with tips from professional makeup artist Natalya Lowe to help set you off on finding the perfect one for you! We loved Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer because it can both conceal and reduce dark circles, and it helps with puffiness. Check out our other picks below.
Quick List - Top Under-Eye Concealers for Dark Circles
Make Up For Ever
Best Concealer to Fight Puffiness and Dark Circles
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose an Under-Eye Concealer for Dark Circles – Buying Guide
- No. 1Make Up For Ever | Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer
- No. 2Maybelline | Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
- No. 3Smashbox X BECCA | Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
- No. 4Tarte | Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer
- No. 5KVD Beauty | Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme
- 5 more products
- Natalya's Recommended Under-Eye Concealer for Dark Circles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cover dark circles as someone over 50 years old?
- Why does my concealer make my dark circles look worse?
- How can you cover dark circles without makeup?
- Take a Look at These Eye-Related Products
- Amazon's Best Selling Concealers
How to Choose an Under-Eye Concealer for Dark Circles – Buying Guide
Did you know that there are different types of undereye circles? When you look for a concealer, make sure you pick a tone that will match and neutralize the shadows. So, let’s start off by talking about how to identify those circles.
Chose a Shade Based on Your Skin Tone and Dark Circles
When picking the right shade of concealer for your under-eyes it’s best to consider two things: your skin tone and your type of dark circles. Using the same shade to cover your acne, redness, pigmentation, and dark circles is a rookie mistake; to cover your dark circles well, you will have to invest in another shade.
Go Lighter Than Your Foundation
To hide your dark circles, you should brighten them. This means that you should go for a concealer shade that is lighter than your foundation. But you should also be careful not to choose a shade that is too light for your skin. This can leave a ghostly shadow.
It is best to go one to two shades lighter to brighten your under-eyes. This will ensure that they are brightened but still not too far from your base shade. The light tone will cancel out the dark discoloration under your eyes.
Peach, Orange, or Yellow Help Color Correct
The most common type of under-eye circles are called vascular. These bluish circles tend to appear with the onset of stress, overwork, hormone imbalance, lack of sleep, or all of the above.
To cover blue tints, refer back to the color wheel. Look for complementary colors, in this case, orange, to balance out the blue of the under-eye circle. So layer on an orange or peach concealer and try to find cover sticks and creams so you can add more layers to fully cover the whole thing. Orange shades might be best for darker skin tones and peach for lighter skin tones.
Pigmented under-eye circles are reddish-brown. These arise from the kind of hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to UV rays. You may have gotten yours by not putting on enough sunscreen or even just by rubbing your eyes too much.
You can cover reddish-brown circles by going a few shades lighter on the color spectrum with a yellow concealer. If your shadows are particularly stubborn, then try for green, red's complementary color. You’re going to need full coverage for these kinds of circles, so pick out cream or stick concealer.
Decide on a Formula and Coverage Level
You also have to consider the concealer’s formula and coverage level when choosing the right concealer to cover your dark circles well.
Liquid Formulas Build and Blend Easily
This type of concealer is best for people with normal to dry skin. You can also look for ones with an oil-free formula that can go well with oily skin. It also works well for people with acne prone skin because it has enough coverage but will still allow your skin to breathe.
Solid or Cream Formulas for Maximum Coverage
Solid or cream concealers are great if you want maximum coverage because they contain a lot of pigment that will do the job well. They will allow you to cover stubborn dark circles.
Even though stick and cream concealers are opaque, they can make your face look thickly made up. This is doubly true if you apply multiple layers. Try to brush your concealer on once and leave it. This type of concealer also tends to crease, so it is best to avoid it if you have fine lines and wrinkles.
These concealers usually contain ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter that are great if you are also dealing with dry skin. However, solid and cream concealers might not be the best option for people with oily and acne-prone skin. They can be too heavy and clog pores, which can lead to more oiliness and breakouts.
Pick a Matte, Dewy, or Illuminating Finish
Concealers come with different finishes such as matte, dewy, and illuminating. You should pick the right finish to cover your dark circles well.
As mentioned earlier, to hide your dark circles you should brighten them, so you may want to pick a concealer with a dewy or illuminating finish. Dark circles disappear in the presence of light, so try a concealer with luster in shades of pearl or light beige.
If you tend to oil up, especially around your eyes, it might be best to use a concealer with a matte finish. However, for people with normal to dry skin, opting for a matte finish might not be the best option. This type of concealer tends to crease, especially if you have fine lines around your eyes.
Look for Nourishing Ingredients in the Formula
When choosing the right concealer, you should also look for nourishing ingredients in the formula. There are different types of skin like dry, oily, mature, and puffy skin. Choose your concealer ingredients depending on your skin concerns.
If you have mature or dry skin, you might find your concealer creasing often. Look for a concealer that has moisturizing ingredients such as collagen or hyaluronic acid. There are also plant-based moisturizers, including ingredients such as shea butter and castor oil. If you can't find a hydrating concealer you like, then make sure you use lotion.
For people with oily skin, you should look for oil-controlling ingredients that will lessen sebum production. Look for antioxidants like niacinamide, aloe vera, and green tea that can reduce oil and revitalize your skin. There are also some oils that can hydrate and regulate sebum production like tea tree, jojoba, and marula oils.
Some people also deal with eye puffiness. To address this, you can opt for concealers with antioxidants like vitamin E or aloe, hydrators like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and caffeine, or retinol. These ingredients can help reduce the puffiness around your eyes.
To avoid crepey and cakey under your eyes, you want to find a moisturizing concealer. Find a radiant concealer that contains beneficial ingredients like hydrating serums and glycerin. These concealers hydrate the skin as well as hide imperfections and brighten the under eyes. They're infused with skin-loving ingredients that do the job and provide comfort.
During the wintertime, the colder air can make dry patches evolve. You want to stay away from concealers that are targeted for acne, which will be more drying to the skin. The creamier the product, the better. Glycerin, vitamin A, C, and E are ingredients to look at when buying a concealer because it is basically skincare to keep your face healthy and hydrated.
If a product is too matte and heavy, it can make the skin look dry and flakey. If you still need to add moisture to the skin after concealer, you can simply add a setting mist that sets your makeup while adding moisture and a subtle glow.
Think About the Packaging and Application
If you want something that can be easily applied, opt for ones in a bottle or stick with a doe-foot applicator or a foam applicator. You can easily and precisely apply these to your under-eye to properly cover your dark circles. You can even use your fingers to blend when you are applying on the go.
You can also opt for ones in a pot or compact. These can be harder to use when you are out and about, but some compacts also come with a mirror. With these concealers, you will need to apply them with a brush or your fingers.
How to Choose an Under-Eye Concealer for Dark Circles – Buying Guide
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Make Up For Ever Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer | | Best Concealer to Fight Puffiness and Dark Circles | |
2 | Maybelline Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser | | Best Concealer for Mature Skin | |
3 | Smashbox X BECCA Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector | | Best Concealer With Castor Oil for Wrinkles | |
4 | Tarte Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer | | Best Under-Eye Concealer for Dry Skin | |
5 | KVD Beauty Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme | | Best Highly Pigmented Concealer for Very Dark Circles | |
6 | Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector | | Best Color Corrector for Dark Circles | |
7 | IT Cosmetics IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination | | Best Waterproof Concealer That Will Illuminate Your Under-Eyes | |
8 | NARS NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer | | Best Concealer With Buttery Formula for Lighter Circles | |
9 | Revlon Revlon PhotoReady Concealer | | Best Stick Concealer With Matte Finish | |
10 | Dermablend Demablend Quick Fix Concealer | | Best Concealer for Brown Circles and a Natural Finish |
Make Up For EverMake Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer
Best Concealer to Fight Puffiness and Dark Circles
- Liquid concealer with medium coverage and natural finish
- Available in 26 shades with different undertones
- Contains nourishing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, chlorella, and Wu Zhu Yu plant extract
Cons:
- Might be too thick for some skin types
Available in a range of colors, the Ultra HD Concealer can cover any kind of shadow. It boasts hyaluronic spheres, which moisturize and smooth out the furrows around your eyes. It also has chlorella, which can help fight off dark circles, and Wu Zhu Yu plant extract to help with inflammation.
A few reviewers said that the concealer can be too thick and can crease after some time. Still, most of them liked that the concealer was long-lasting and blended very well. They also liked that it was self-setting and they didn't have to put a ton of powder over it. They said it effectively brightened their dark circles.
MaybellineMaybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
Best Concealer for Mature Skin
- Medium to full coverage liquid concealer
- Dries to a light and natural finish
- Comes with a handy and easy to use cushion tip applicator
- Infused with Haloxyl to fight dark circles
- Oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- The applicator may get clogged
The product is infused with goji berries and a patented peptide blend that can help mature skin with fine lines, blemishes, redness, and dark circles. It helps brighten the under eyes. It also contains Haloxyl which can fight off darkness under the eyes. This concealer also has good coverage and can easily be applied with the cushion tip applicator.
The applicator, though, seems to be hit-or-miss. According to reviewers, sometimes it stubbornly won’t dispense product; sometimes, it works beautifully. Even so, they said the concealer blends nicely with foundation. They liked that it was easy to apply, doesn't cake, and lasts all day.
Smashbox X BECCABecca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Best Concealer With Castor Oil for Wrinkles
- Cream concealer with medium coverage and natural finish
- Infused with nourishing ingredients like castor oil, squalane and vitamin E
- Orange-colored pigments effectively conceal blue under-eye circles
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Might not blend well with other products
The first item on the ingredients list of this concealer is castor seed oil. It can help slow down the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. It's also got the bonus of being waterproof and having a radiant finish.
Some reviewers said that it didn't blend well with other products or lambasted the shine in this color corrector, but they say it goes a long way in blurring black circles. They say it may go on a bit tacky but smooths out once it warms.
TarteTarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Best Under-Eye Concealer for Dry Skin
- Has a full-coverage formula to effectively cover dark circles and any pigmentation
- Leaves a smooth and matte finish
- Contains moisturizing shea and mango butter
- Licorice root addresses dark circles
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested
- Comes with a shaped applicator for easy and precise application
Cons:
- Might be too thick for some people
This under-eye concealer contains moisturizing and hydrating shea butter and mango seed butter, so it's great for people with dry skin. This will help minimize creases and will not accentuate fine lines under the eyes. It also has licorice root, which can help brighten and color correct dark circles.
A few reviewers mentioned that the concealer's formula can be too thick and hard to blend. Still, a lot more of them loved that the concealer effectively covered their dark circles. They also liked that the product's formula worked well with all kinds of skin types. They said it lasted the whole day too.
KVD Beauty Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme
Best Highly Pigmented Concealer for Very Dark Circles
- Full-coverage liquid concealer with a matte finish
- Lightweight formula that is transfer-resistant
- Available in 13 shades with cool, warm, and neutral undertones
- Contains helpful ingredients glycerin, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Might not be the best for oily skin
KVD Lock-It Concealer Crème has 13 shades, and each boasts a different undertone to color correct, conceal, neutralize, and hides imperfections. It also contains glycerin, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate to keep your skin moisturized.
A few reviewers thought the concealer was a bit hard to blend, especially when it sets. Some people with oily skin also said it needs to be set with powder frequently. Even so, a lot of them appreciated that the concealer was light and didn't crease under their eyes. They also said the coverage was buildable.
Bobbi BrownBobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector
Best Color Corrector for Dark Circles
- Full coverage cream concealer with a radiant finish
- Comes in a handy compact
- Contains kaolin clay for oil control and nourishing vitamin E
- Has a waterproof, sweat, humidity-resistant, and long-wearing formula
- Formulated without animal-derived ingredients
Cons:
- Might be too drying for people with dry and mature skin
This cream can be used by itself on faint shadows, or it can be paired with a concealer. It contains kaolin clay for oil control and vitamin E, which may help reduce dark circles. There are 11 shades: use soft pink bisque for bluish circles or clear porcelain peach for black shadows. Its radiant finish will illuminate and brighten your under-eyes.
However, this concealer's formula might be too drying for people with dry and mature skin. Some people said it creases and smears easily. Despite that, a lot more of the reviewers noted that the concealer covered their dark circles well. They thought the consistency and texture were great.
IT CosmeticsIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination
Best Waterproof Concealer That Will Illuminate Your Under-Eyes
- Full coverage cream concealer with a radiant finish
- Has a waterproof formula
- Highly pigmented and will effectively cover dark circles
- Contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Might be too thick and greasy for people with oily skin
Waterproof and lustrous, this concealer makes your eyes look bright. Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination works less as a color corrector than as a highlighter. It's heavily pigmented, and it contains collagen, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help with dry skin and fine lines.
Although there were a couple of reviewers who said that the formula was too thick and greasy, a lot more of them said that a little goes a long way with this product. They said it effectively brightened their dark circles and corrected discoloration well. They also liked that it blended well and had great coverage.
NARSNARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Best Concealer With Buttery Formula for Lighter Circles
- Creamy liquid concealer with a medium coverage and a radiant finish
- Available in a wide range of 30 colors, in both standard and mini sizes
- Contains helpful ingredients like magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin E
- Vegan
Cons:
- Might be too sheer for some people
The 30 different tones, the shine, and the creaminess of the formula mean you can use this on any kind of dark circle or blemish. This concealer is also infused with nourishing ingredients like magnolia bark extract to reduce redness and pigmentation, grape seed extract to reduce fine lines, and vitamin E to keep your under-eyes moisturized.
The concealer might be too sheer for some people, especially for those who need full coverage. Others also said that it was hard to blend. Still, more of the reviewers said that the product did not sink into their fine lines. They also liked that it worked well in hiding their dark circles.
Best Stick Concealer With Matte Finish
- Cream concealer with medium coverage and matte finish
- Comes in a handy stick packaging with an angled tip for easier application
- Contains helpful ingredients like kaolin and vitamin E
Cons:
- Limited choice of shades
This PhotoReady Concealer will give you medium coverage and a matte finish. Because it’s so creamy, it slides on more smoothly than many stick concealers. It also contains ingredients like kaolin to keep your under-eyes matte and vitamin E to retain moisture.
However, the spectrum only runs from “Fair” to “Deep,” and the deep shade is more of an overripe apricot shade. Still, the majority of the reviewers thought it was very easy to apply and has great and buildable coverage. They said it was very easy to blend with the use of fingers.
DermablendDemablend Quick Fix Concealer
Best Concealer for Brown Circles and a Natural Finish
- Cream concealer with full coverage and natural finish
- Comes in a stick packaging for easy and precise application
- Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, allergy-tested, sensitive skin tested, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic
- SPF 30
Cons:
- Might be too heavy for some people
This concealer has a thick and smooth formula that fills out hollows beneath your eyes and wipes out heavy pigmentation. With the help of a setting powder, it won’t slip or slide at all. This is a powerful makeup that offers full coverage for your dark circles. Not only that, but it contains allantoin, an ingredient that moisturizes and soothes the skin.
However, some reviewers found the product too heavy and drier than other formulas, so make sure you moisturize first. Still, a lot of them loved the coverage and blendability of the concealer. They also said that it was the perfect size and was easy to carry around with them.
Natalya's Recommended Under-Eye Concealer for Dark Circles
I recently found this new concealer that is lightweight but buildable and brightens the under-eye area. It's also beneficial to the skin as skincare. This concealer is very skin-like and does great for covering those bags under the eyes we all want to hide. There are 16 different shades, and it claims to have botanicals that give you that glowing smooth under-eye look.
I found the Kosas concealer through social media because the hype was so good. All I heard were good things about this product, so I had to give it a try myself. I use this on all my clients now because it truly gives you that smooth brightening under the eyes. It does not get cakey when adding more layers, and I find that it does not crease in fine lines. I love how easy it is to apply and how easy it is to blend into the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing our buying guide, Natalya also answered a few commonly asked questions on the Internet.
How do I cover dark circles as someone over 50 years old?
"For mature skin, a cream or liquid formula would be best," Natalya explains. "A liquid concealer will help hydrate the dryness under the skin and will be most flexible on the skin. For more delicate mature skin, lightweight liquid concealer is not too heavy under the eyes. A heavy concealer can drag the eye down and emphasize the dark circles.
For mature skin, you also want to stay away from dryness. An eye cream the night before or even right before the makeup application can help return the moisture under the eyes. A brightening eye cream can help lift and smooth the under-eye area. Eye patches are also another great way to restrict blood flow under the eye, which can eliminate fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness.
After applying your moisturizer, tap your liquid foundation on the whole face. Over the foundation, go in with the concealer under the eye and pat it in with a wet sponge. Start with a light layer on the inner corner of the under-eye and lightly tap, blending the product. Using a peachy concealer instead of a light color will help prevent an ashy under-eye. Use concealer strictly under the eye and make sure it doesn't blend onto the cheeks."
Why does my concealer make my dark circles look worse?
Natalya says, "If the under-eye area is not moisturized enough, there is a higher chance the dryness can cause creasing, making the under-eye look more pronounced. Even a full night's rest can't hide those dark circles, so we have concealer to do the magic.
Concealer should not be the same color as your foundation. Be sure to find the right color and right shade for your under eyes. A peachy tone or a yellow tone is the best way to hide those dark circles. If the concealer is too thick, it can make the undereye look deeper and cakey.
A regular concealer may not do the job, so you also have to take color-correcting into consideration. Using a color-correcting product before concealer can neutralize the discoloration. Green neutralizes redness yellow brightens the darkness, pink tones blue and purple, and purple neutralizes yellow tones under the eye. Making sure your concealer is fully blended and properly set with loose powder will prevent the dark circles from peeking and settling into creases."
How can you cover dark circles without makeup?
Natalya explains, "A cooling effect under the eye, such as a frozen spoon, can help reduce dark circles without having to reach for makeup. Eye masks, such as the Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye, can help restrict the blood flow under the eye. Eye patches are filled with nourishing ingredients.
Using a retinoid cream can help decrease discoloration in the long run. You don't want to just hide your dark circles for just a day; you want to make sure you are using products that help you long-term.
Besides that, using a good sunscreen under the eye before going in the sun protects you from UV exposure, which can darken the pigment under the eyes. But the most important thing is to drink your water to stay hydrated."
Take a Look at These Eye-Related Products
You're probably curious about what else you can do to care for the skin around your eyes. We've got other recommendations and buying guides for you, so take a look!
Top 5 Under-Eye Concealers for Dark Circles
No. 1: Make Up For Ever｜Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer
No. 2: Maybelline｜Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
No. 3: Smashbox X BECCA｜Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
No. 4: Tarte｜Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer
No. 5: KVD Beauty ｜Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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