A Makeup Artist Just Told Me Her Best-Kept Secret for Covering Dark Circles
The pro-approved trick that makes dark circles disappear without creasing or caking.


Sheilla Mamona
I don't know about you, but now that autumn is here, my under-eye circles get darker than ever. In a bid to look less tired, I've been testing all of the top-rated concealers you could think of, but nothing seems to adequately get rid of the pesky purple shadows around my eyes. As a beauty editor, I'm constantly asking makeup artists for their tips and tricks, so I decided to reach out to Hollie Ellis, pro makeup artist at Bobbi Brown, to find out exactly how I can cover my dark circles for good. As it turns out, Ellis has a secret trick to awaken the eye area, and it has nothing to do with concealer at all.
Instead, Ellis told me that an under-eye corrector is the best way to diminish tired-looking eyes. If I'm being totally honest, although I had heard of under-eye correctors, I didn't really know what they did. As someone who likes a quick and easy makeup routine, I'm always reluctant to add extra products to my rotation, especially if I'm not sure the product in question will actually make my makeup any better.
However, after speaking to Ellis and finding out exactly how under-eye correctors work, I practically ran to my nearest beauty counter to try some out for myself, and I can now say that this is a new step in my routine that I will never skip. Of course, I thought it was only right that I shared all the information with you, so keep on scrolling for everything you need to know about disguising your under-eye circles for good.
What Is an Under-Eye Corrector?
First things first, what actually is an under-eye corrector, and how is it different from concealer? According to Ellis, "An under-eye corrector is the secret to diminishing dark and tired-looking under eyes". The product can look similar to a concealer but is applied beforehand. Instead of providing coverage like a concealer would, they come in a range of colour-correcting tones to neutralise shadows under the eyes and to help hide any discolouration.
How Is It Different to a Concealer?
As mentioned above, instead of concealing dark circles or blemishes, this product is all about correcting. "Correctors are completely different in that they help remove [discolouration] and are never normally a skin-tone shade [unlike a concealer]," explains Ellis. "You'll find that some brands work with greens, reds and orange correctors. [At] Bobbi Brown, we work with peach and pink correctors [that] are much more natural to skin [under]tones, so once applied, they will blend seamlessly into the skin."
How to Choose the Correct Shade
As Ellis mentions, different brands work with different shades of under-eye correctors, so sometimes it can be confusing to know which one to go for. She advises looking at the discolouration you can see under your eyes. For example, peach correctors can help with blue tinges, whilst green correctors can help with redness.
So, now you're clued up on under-eye correctors, keep on scrolling for my top recommendations.
Best Under-Eye Correctors 2025
- Best overall eye corrector: Bobbi Brown Corrector
- Best eye corrector for every skin tones: Mac Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette
- Best eye corrector for dark circles: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish
- Best eye corrector for discolouration: Nars Radiant Creamy Colour Corrector
- Best budget eye corrector: E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Colour Correcting Eye Brightener
1. Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector
Shades available: 12
This Bobbi Brown corrector will help diminish any dark circles under the eyes. The waterproof formula is easy to blend and layers beautifully under concealer for a natural-looking finish. The shade range is not the widest, but they do stretch, and the formula is impeccable.
Pros
- Excellent colour correction pigment payoff
- Blendable creamy texture
Cons
- Pricepoint
- Small size
2. Nars Radiant Creamy Colour Corrector
Shades available: 30
I'm sure you've all heard of the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (the creamiest concealer going), but did you know that the brand does a corrector too? It's just as lightweight and works to correct and brighten the under-eye area thanks to light-diffusing technology.
Pros
- Huge shade range
- Hydrating and long wearing
- Effective colour correction
Cons
- Limited coverage
3. Mac Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette
Shades available: 2 x 6
Editor's Pick: This product gets a 10/10 from me thanks to the comprehensive range of shades in one handy palette.
Mac has created a palette with everything you need for the perfect base. With four concealer shades and two correctors, the creamy formulas can be mixed and matched to perfectly suit your skin tone.
Pros
- Multi-tasker
- Buildable coverage with a natural finish
Cons
- Large size
- Not refillable
4. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish
Shades available: 4
Charlotte Tilbury has created one of the chicest-looking under-eye correctors I've ever seen. This product glides onto the skin, covering any unwanted dark circles. The formula is also enriched with flavonoids to tackle puffiness, so trust me when I say that this product will become your morning must-have.
Pros
- Lightweight and buildable formula
- Effective colour correction for dark circles
Cons
- Limited coverage for more severe discolouration
- Small shade range
5. E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Colour Correcting Eye Brightener
Shades available: 6
E.l.f's super-affordable under-eye corrector doubles up as a primer to keep your concealer in place. With colour correcting hues, illuminating pearls and a formula enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, you really can't go wrong.
Pros
- Affordable and accessible
- Hydrating formula with skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Limited coverage
6. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Le Stylo Highlighter Pen
Shades available: 8
If you want a slightly creamier consistency, then I recommend this corrector from YSL. The pigmented formula will help create the perfect base for makeup. Simply blend with your finger or using its small applicator brush, depending on your preference.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Radiant Finish
Cons
- Coverage is light
- Higher price point
7. Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Serum Powered Color Corrector
Shades available: 5
Now the Kosas Revealer Color Corrector is super-creamy, skincare-infused and offers medium, buildable coverage while keeping skin looking fresh, radiant and hydrated. It contains humectants like hyaluronic acid that help lock in moisture, and a blend of brightening ingredients to help counteract dark under-eye shadows.
Pros
- Wide shade range
- Rich formula with natural finish
Cons
- A higher price point
How to Apply an Under-Eye Corrector
If you want to give this product a go, it's important to know how to apply it correctly. "Always use your corrector first, before your concealer," says Ellis. "Once corrected, you will find you only need a small application of concealer to help bring back your natural skin tone shade." Depending on the formula, you can apply the product with your fingers or a small brush.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
AsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from Wholesale Replica Bag hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
- Sheilla MamonaBeauty Contributor
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