My Secret to Getting Rid of Dark Circles

When it comes to creating a flawless look, few products are as key as a great undereye concealer. And the older I’ve gotten, the more pronounced my dark circles and crow’s feet, the more essential an undereye concealer has become to my makeup routine. But finding the right one has been a challenge, especially with so many options (and so many shades!) on the market. To help cut through the confusion, I tested out my fair share of concealers. Read on to find my top choices, plus a makeup artist’s tips on how to find the right one for your skin tone. 

_{Prices are accurate as of May 28, 2025. Subject to change.}

How to Choose the Right Concealer

Consider your undertone: According to celebrity makeup artist Brielle Pollara, the first step in finding the right concealer is understanding your skin’s undertone. Many brands categorize their shades based on whether you are cool, warm, or neutral. “If your veins look blue, you most likely have a cool undertone,” Pollara says. “If your veins are more green, you’re probably a warm undertone like yellow or peach.” If you can’t tell, it’s also possible to have neutral undertones, which will make it easier to find the right match. 

Think about skin type: Do you have dry or mature skin? Opt for a hydrating, creamy formula that won’t settle into fine lines. Is your skin oily or acne-prone? Choose a long-wear, oil-free formula to prevent slipping.

Go lighter: To highlight your undereyes, you’ll want to pick a concealer shade that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation. For the most accurate match, Pollara recommends swatching the product on your jawline or inner cheek in natural light. Avoid relying solely on store lighting, as it can be misleading.

It’s important to note that concealer covers shadows and can mask fine lines, but it won’t neutralize the colors peeking through. You’ll need to apply a color corrector before applying concealer in order to neutralize any discoloration. This allows the concealer to blend more seamlessly and appear more natural. “If you have blue or purple undertones under your eyes, you’ll want to go in with an orange-toned color corrector,” Pollara advises. “For lighter skin tones, a salmon shade is ideal, while those with deeper complexions should opt for a richer orange.” And if redness is your main concern, a more yellow-toned concealer can help neutralize the color before you layer on your regular shade. The good news: Many of the concealers below do both!

Application Tips for a Flawless Finish

Proper prep is key to achieving a smooth, natural-looking finish, Pollara notes. “Start with your skincare and make sure your skin is properly hydrated, letting it fully absorb before applying makeup,” she says. Then, when it’s time to apply, remember that less is more. “Apply in thin layers and use the right tools to blend. I recommend using a damp Beautyblender,” she says. Pollara’s pro tip for seamless blending: Dot the product from the inner corner of your eye to the outer, using small, gentle motions.

7 Concealers That Work

Here, some of the best undereye concealers on the market, whether you’re looking to brighten dark circles, cover fine lines, or simply add a touch of radiance to your eyes.

Iconic London Radiant Concealer and Brightening Duo

If you’re like me, you appreciate any makeup that does double duty. And that’s what I love about this duo. One end of the stick is a liquid concealer (it comes in 17 shades!) and the other is a brightening crayon that comes in six shades and also works as a color corrector!  

Catrice Cosmetics Under Eye Brightener

This fan-favorite concealer (Bethanny Frankel raved about it on TikTok) is creamy, easy to apply, lightweight, and only costs $6! The formula is also color-correcting, and it’s infused with skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which helps plump up skin so fine lines are less obvious and skin appears more youthful overall.

Colorscience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

This concealer will cut your eye care routine down to one swipe, making it worth its higher price point. It not only covers dark circles, but its cooling applicator helps reduce puffiness, and the SPF 35 mineral sunscreen protects the delicate eye area against further discoloration, fine lines, and crepiness.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

This is not your standard celebrity makeup brand. When Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty launched, it debuted with 40 foundation shades, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the beauty industry. The concealer color range is just as impressive with 50 shades to choose from. The lightweight formula stays put for hours and doesn’t settle into fine lines — a big pet peeve of mine — and I found that a little goes a long way.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Each tube of Shape Tape contains a plethora of skin-smoothing and hydrating ingredients, including mango and shea butters, and skin-brightening licorice extract which work together with the concealer shade to give an instant eye lift effect — no wonder a tube is sold every four seconds! Bonus: The natural, matte finish makes it great for oily skin.

The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer

Infused with de-puffing ingredients like caffeine and coffee extract, this concealer reduces dark circles while shrinking bags so eyes look wide awake in just seconds. I loved the consistency — it’s thick enough for coverage on days when my undereyes are looking super dark, but thin enough to blend seamlessly. Win-win!

Versed Skin Solution Serum Concealer

Reviewers with sensitive skin give this concealer high marks, and since the skin around my eyes tends to be super dry and sensitive, I was eager to try it out. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s made with squalane, a lightweight emollient that mimics the skin’s natural oils, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture, keeping my skin plump while reducing dryness and irritation. Plus, it contains kojic acid to help naturally brighten the skin. All that and it made my dark circles disappear!

Feature Image Credit: Alena Darmel/ Pexels