Trust Me: These Are the Best Under-Eye Concealers to Help Disguise Dark Circles

For many of us, concealer is the backbone of our makeup bag. Despite what TikTok would currently have you believe, when creating a seamless base, concealer (not to be confused with equally helpful under-eye correctors) is an integral part of the prep process, especially for anyone with dark under-eyes.

Finding, buying and perfecting the art of concealer application, however, is a far more extensive process thanks to the range of skincare-infused formulas, colour correctors and cooling gels available, not to mention the myriad finishes and shades now on offer. So, in the name of research, I’ve tried and tested hundreds of different concealers in a bid to find the best ones that look natural, don’t budge and refuse to settle into fine lines.

best-under-eye-concealers-285114-1678893551934-main

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Considering the amount of time and energy I've invested in my quest to find the very best dark-circle-disguising concealers out there, I thought it would only be fair to share my findings. So without further ado, this is absolutely everything I’ve learned about getting rid of dark circles, including the 28 best concealers on the market.

Shop the Best Under-Eye Concealers:

  1. Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius (£12)
  2. Lumene Serum in Concealer (£18)
  3. Kosas Revealer Concealer (£25)
  4. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (£27)
  5. NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer (£27)
  6. L'Oréal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer (£11)
  7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (£4)
  8. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer (£34)
  9. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer (£29)
  10. DIOR Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer (£34)

1. Best Concealer For Correcting: Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius

Rebecca Rhys-Evans

(Image credit: @rebeccarhysevans)

2. Best Lightweight Concealer: Lumene Serum in Concealer

3. Best Radiant Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer

4. Best Full Coverage Concealer: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

5. Best Matte Concealer: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

6. Best Affordable Concealer: L'Oréal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer

7. Best Budget Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

8. Best 2-in-1 Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer

9. Best Natural-Looking Concealer: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer

10. Best Non-Creasing Concealer: DIOR Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer

Brittany Davy

(Image credit: Brittany Davy forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

11. Best Brightening Concealer: Touche Éclat High Cover Concealer

12. Best Drugstore Concealer: Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer

13. Best Dewy Concealer: Glossier Stretch Concealer

Hannah Almassi

(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)

14. Best Blurring Concealer: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

15. Best Concealer Shade Match: Dcypher My Custom Concealer

16. Best Concealer With Skincare Benefits: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer

Eleanor Vousden

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden)

17. Best Smoothing Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer

18. Best Concealer for Dehydrated Skin: By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer

Megan Storey

(Image credit: Megan Storey forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

19. Best Concealer Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer

20. Best Luxury Concealer: The Concealer Pen by Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader

Grace Lindsay

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__)

21. Best Long-Wearing Concealer: Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Liquid Concealer

22. Best Radiant Concealer: Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

23. Best Concealer-Serum Hybrid: Trinny London BFF Eye

24. Best Brightening Concealer Formula: Vieve Modern Radiance Concealer

25. Best Lightweight Concealer: Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin Caring Concealer

26. Best Concealer For A Soft-Focus Finish: Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer

27. Best Concealer For A Flawless Finish: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

28. Best Concealer For A Natural Finish: Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Why Do We Get Dark Circles?

best-under-eye-concealers-285114-1580129769520-image

(Image credit: @EMMAHOAREAU)

Unfortunately, dark circles are often a genetic trait, mostly thanks to thinner skin around the eyes and higher levels of pigmentation in the area. This means that for us dark-circle sufferers who are likely sick of constantly being told we look exhausted, very little can be done about it.

However, this isn’t to say that the appearance of dark circles can’t be affected. by other factors. In fact, peolple who don’t have a genetic predisposition to dark circles may still suffer from them from time to time as a result of certain lifestyle choices. Elizabeth Hawkes, a consultant oculoplastic surgeon at Cadogan Clinic, says, "To help avoid dark circles, I advise [people to] get enough sleep, stay hydrated, don’t smoke, use UV protection to improve the quality of [the] skin, reduce [their] salt intake, which causes puffiness; and be very careful when removing eye makeup, as the skin around the eyes is very delicate."

Why Isn’t My Under-Eye Concealer Working?

best-under-eye-concealers-285114-1678893722078-main

(Image credit: @TYLYNNNGUYEN)

Even though concealers are often specifically formulated to cover dark circles, redness or spots, a huge reason so many of us struggle to cover what we want to cover effectively is that we simply don’t know exactly what we should be looking for in a concealer.

Amy Conway, senior pro artist at Bobbi Brown, says, "I find the biggest mistake people make when it comes to under-eye concealer is going for a shade that's way too light. Brightness is key, but if you go too light it will look ashy and dry, meaning it won’t reduce darkness at all. Opt for just one shade brighter than your skin tone, and if necessary, add a colour corrector underneath to banish any blueness."

Board-certified dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss credits the sun as being the main cause of dark circles. She advises looking for a concealer that contains SPF as these are "also helpful to protect from future pigmentation. They are basically a 2-in-1 package deal combining protection and a reflective tint that helps brighten the eye area."

How Do You Apply Concealer on Dark Under-Eye Circles?

best-under-eye-concealers-285114-1678908390635-main

(Image credit: @kimseidensticker)

Besides choosing the right shade, Conway warns that application is key to making sure your under-eye concealer blends seamlessly with the rest of your makeup. It turns out that simply slathering concealer on top of your dark circles isn’t the best way to go.

"Firstly, apply a hydrating eye cream to prep the under-eye. Then [pat on] a correcting shade in the darkest area. Peachy tones instantly banish the blue/brown shadows we get under the eyes. Next, layer your concealer on top, blending down from the lower lash line to the top of the cheekbone for a flawless finish," advises Conway.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Explore More:
Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, includingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.

With contributions from