The Best Concealers For Under-Eye Circles

Whether you're genetically #blessed with dark under-eye circles or just get them after a night of staying up too late studying (or partying...) chances are you've needed an under-eye circle concealer at some point in your makeup-wearing life span.

Trust me, no matter which scenario you fit into, we've all been there. I'm genetically predisposed to have pretty dark under-eye circles (I swear sometimes in the morning it looks like they're bruises), and I fully admit I could be better about getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night. But I live in the city that never sleeps, and sometimes, neither do I.

On the days that my under-eye circles have been particularly dark, I've always found myself wishing for a perfect go-to concealer that will brighten my dark circles, cover my bags and make me look wide awake — even when all I want to do is take a nap.

From drugstore staples to pricier options, there's a whole category of the cosmetics industry dedicated to covering pesky under-eye circles. Whether it brightens, color corrects or both, a good under eye concealer is something every beauty junkie should have in their makeup arsenal. Here are nine options to consider.

1. This Fan Favorite Concealer Pen That Instantly Brightens Dark Circles

What We Like:

• Lightweight
• Brightens dark circles
• Doesn’t settle into creases
• Wears well with other products

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive
• Not cruelty-free

This brightening concealer from YSL, approved and loved by Bustle editor Adeline Duff, has earned thousands of five-star ratings for a reason — it illuminates tired under-eyes with just the slightest tint of color for the most natural finish, and according to Duff, it “never creases or looks cakey.” The creamy formula is very lightweight, so it blends well with other makeup products like foundation (or even a fuller coverage concealer). The concealer applies with a built-in brush to evenly distribute the product, and it uses a convenient click-style dispenser to help keep the product fresh.

Relevant Review: “The best natural under eye product, undetectable while still brightening the under eyes and doesn’t need powder [because] it doesn’t crease no matter what.”

Coverage: Light | Available Shades: 14 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Calendula Flower Extract, Ruscus Extract, Vitamin E | Cruelty-Free: No

2. A Brightening Concealer That’s Only $10

What We Like:

• Under $15
• Noncomedogenic
• Brightens dark circles

What We Don’t Like:

• Not cruelty-free

For a drugstore take on brightening and camouflaging dark circles, this Neutrogena option promises similar benefits to the YSL concealer at half the price (and with a wand applicator if that’s your preference). Though it has a natural finish, the brand notes that the coverage is buildable, using mica to illuminate dark circles immediately and vitamin C to help brighten the under-eye area with continued use. The formula also includes nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and a peptide to smooth and plump up dry skin.

Relevant Review: “[…] It has a very light texture that conceals well and yet doesn’t settle into my fine lines. I’m over 40, so this is important to me. At first, it seemed too light in thickness to do any good but it proved effective in hiding slightly dark circles under my eyes and hiding small imperfections. It’s easy to apply, has a small applicator which helps pinpoint the specific areas you want concealed, and it blends well. […]”

Coverage: Natural | Available Shades: 15 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Peptides | Cruelty-Free: No

3. A Full Coverage Concealer That’s Even Waterproof

What We Like:

• Waterproof
• A little goes a long way
• Doesn’t settle into creases
• Available in a smaller size
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive

When your dark circles require the most heavy-duty of concealers, reach for this full-coverage option from IT Cosmetics. Capable of camouflaging everything from dark circles to redness with the tiniest amount of product, the beauty award-winning concealer is also waterproof, so it really holds up. Though it’s suitable for all skin types, those who are prone to dryness will especially love that it’s packed with moisturizing and skin-plumping ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to prevent cracking and creasing. Plus, it’s available in a smaller size for under $15, if you’re looking to stock your travel bag or even if you just want to test the concealer out.

Relevant Review: “This works! Do not sleep on it! I have been using it for years to cover my dark circles. I even fooled my coworkers into thinking I was well rested when [I] came back to work after maternity leave!”

Coverage: Full | Available Shades: 24 | Beneficial Ingredients: Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycerin, Peptides | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4. This Stick Concealer That Doubles As Foundation

What We Like:

• Easy to travel with
• Waterproof
• Fragrance-free
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive

Stick concealers are certainly more convenient when it comes to applying and taking with you on the go (not only is the solid formula TSA-friendly, but it also eliminates the risk of any spills in your bag). But they often come at a price: a heavier formula that goes on cakey. Not so with this two-in-one foundation and concealer stick, which uses a unique formula that adjusts to your body temperature to blend more seamlessly and weightlessly into your skin. It’s a full-coverage foundation, so it’s capable of covering up dark circles, and it also has a triangle shape that makes it easy to cover the entire under-eye area in one swipe.

Relevant Review: “I got this from [Sephora], it was recommended by the make up person in the store. It really covers my dark circles around my eyes and especially my eye bags that won’t go away. Amazing!”

Coverage: Full | Available Shades: 26 | Beneficial Ingredients: Macadamia Seed Oil, Anise Fruit Extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes

5. A Concealer Formulated For Dark Skin Tones

What We Like:

• Lightweight
• Brightens dark circles
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive

Yes, all of the concealers on this list offer shades for darker skin tones, but the options aren’t nearly as comprehensive as they are for fairer skin tones. Ami Colé is a Black-owned beauty brand, which created its 12-shade concealer range specifically for darker complexions, taking into account neutral, yellow, and red undertones for a better color match. Formulated to leave you with a natural finish, the concealer is also infused with moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients like baobab seed oil, pumpkin extract, and hibiscus flower extract.

Relevant Review: “Light and easy application. Great quality and color. Nice coverage!”

Coverage: Medium To Full | Available Shades: 12 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Baobab Seed Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Vitamin E | Cruelty-Free: Yes

6. A Drugstore Concealer With More Than 100,000 Five-Star Ratings On Amazon

What We Like:

• Under $10
• Noncomedogenic
• Doesn’t settle into creases
• Sponge applicator helps with blending

What We Don’t Like:

• Not cruelty-free

This Maybelline concealer comes the most highly recommended on this list, with more than 100,000 five-star ratings on Amazon (and plenty of awards and accolades). You can choose from 16 color options, as well as a more yellow-based neutralizing concealer and peach-based brightening concealer for particularly stubborn dark circles. The formula was crafted to help moisturize the skin and resist creasing, with ingredients that include goji berry extract and peptides. It also has a unique applicator that dispenses concealer onto a sponge tip with a twist, allowing you to apply and blend at the same time.

Relevant Review: “I’ve used this concealer for years! It is the absolute best for concealing under eyes. I’ve used every product under the sun for dark circles. This is the only one that covers well, doesn’t cake. And a little bit goes a long way. Good price too.”

Coverage: Light | Available Shades: 18 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Goji Berry Extract, Peptides | Cruelty-Free: No

7. This Dual-Sided Concealer That Does It All

What We Like:

• Two concealers in one
• Doesn’t settle into creases
• Fragrance-free
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive

If you’re looking to cover up dark circles and brighten up the under-eye area without adding multiple products to your routine, this Wander Beauty concealer conveniently does both. The dual-sided wand features a full-coverage concealer crayon on one end that masks unwanted discoloration with a single swipe and gives skin a matte finish. Then, the other side of the crayon holds your illuminating concealer, which is a lighter coverage liquid that was formulated to perk up tired eyes and restore hydration with a mix of moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile flower extract.

Relevant Review: “Best concealer for under eye circles! Completely hides them with the crayon end, and the liquid end gives a natural glow while covering the red and purple colors of my acne spots pretty darn well.”

Coverage: Light To Full | Available Shades: 14 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile Flower Extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes

8. A Serum-Like Concealer For People Who Hate Concealers

What We Like:

• Under $15
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t settle into creases
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• Not pigmented enough for some

For those who prefer a lighter makeup look (or no makeup at all), this serum-concealer hybrid helps to diminish the look of dark circles without feeling like you’ve got layers of makeup on. Concentrate a pump of the serum on the area you want to target, or blend a few pumps over your entire face for skin care that gives you a sheer tint of complexion-perfecting color. No matter how you choose to use the formula, it promises to remain lightweight and keep skin smooth for up to 24 hours with the help of ingredients like sunflower seed oil, tremella mushroom, and cica.

Relevant Review: “I love that this provides hydration with a lightweight formula. The skincare makeup hybrid feels soothing under the eyes. Medium-to-full coverage helps hide dark circles without settling into fine lines or looking cakey. I love that it comes in 17 shades – easily found my perfect shade! Huge amount of product comes in the container. Excellent value for money in a luxe-like formula. […]”

Coverage: Light To Medium | Available Shades: 17 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Tremella Mushroom, Cica, Allantoin, Vitamin E | Cruelty-Free: Yes

9. This Color-Corrector That Cancels Out Dark Circles

What We Like:

• Under $15
• Completely cancels out dark circles
• Cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like:

• You’ll want to pair it with a concealer that matches your skin tone

A traditional concealer isn’t the only way to hide tired eyes. You can also try the makeup artist-loved technique of color-correcting, which, in the case of dark circles, is as simple as using a peachy-hued concealer under your eyes to cancel out any unwanted darkness. This color-correcting concealer from Pixi comes in a true peach color that’s best for those with fairer skin and a more orange-based apricot for those with darker skin tones. To truly mask dark circles, however, you will still want to follow up with your usual concealer in a color that most closely matches your skin tone.

Relevant Review: “[…] I am very pale with purpley dark circles that I have had since my teens, and a little swipe of this peach cancels them out perfectly! I was stunned. It does need to be reapplied occasionally throughout the day, but it covers without caking and manages to blend into my pasty complexion too. […]”

Coverage: Full | Available Shades: 2 | Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Rose Extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes