The 13 Best Concealers for Dark Circles, Tested by Real People

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jhett Thompson

People / Jhett Thompson

Even with a perfectly matchedliquid foundation, dark circles often need a bit more coverage. And not all under-eye concealers can mask the thin, translucent skin that showcases blood pooling underneath the eyes, which is a common cause of dark circles.

The More You KnowColor-correcting concealers will neutralize your dark circles best, so it’s important to identify your undertones first:If your under-eyes are blue or gray in tone, then a peachy or orange concealer will work bestIf they have a purple or red tone, you should opt for a shade that leans yellow or olive

The More You Know

Color-correcting concealers will neutralize your dark circles best, so it’s important to identify your undertones first:If your under-eyes are blue or gray in tone, then a peachy or orange concealer will work bestIf they have a purple or red tone, you should opt for a shade that leans yellow or olive

Color-correcting concealers will neutralize your dark circles best, so it’s important to identify your undertones first:

An effective dark circle concealer is one that’s pigmented enough to hide your shadows, but lightweight enough to not look cakey. To find concealers for dark circles that actually work, we researched the most popular options on the market and decided to test 22 popular products ourselves.

Best Overall:Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer at Amazon$29Jump to Review

Best Overall:Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer at Amazon$29

Best Overall:

Best Overall, but for Less:NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer at Amazon$12Jump to Review

Best Overall, but for Less:NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer at Amazon$12

Best Overall, but for Less:

Best Budget:ColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy Concealer at Amazon$9Jump to Review

Best Budget:ColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy Concealer at Amazon$9

Best Budget:

Best Color Corrector:EXA High Fidelity Color Corrector at Credo BeautyJump to Review

Best Color Corrector:EXA High Fidelity Color Corrector at Credo Beauty

Best Color Corrector:

Best for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9

Best for Mature Skin:

SALE

Best with Skin Benefits:Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer at Nordstrom$28Jump to Review

Best with Skin Benefits:Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer at Nordstrom$28

Best with Skin Benefits:

Best Hydrating:Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer at Sephora$24Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer at Sephora$24

Best Hydrating:

Best Lightweight:Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer at Amazon$32

Best Lightweight:

Best Brightening:

Best Lifting:Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer at Sephora$29Jump to Review

Best Lifting:Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer at Sephora$29

Best Lifting:

Best OverallAnastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at SephoraStar QualitiesBrighteningLayers well with other makeupA little bit goes a long wayRed FlagsThe color transfers a little bitA smaller tip would offer more targeted coverageOur tester received compliments on how glowy and radiant her skin looked while trying out Anastasia Beverly Hills’s brightening concealer. Available in 25 shades with a range of undertones, its thick and blendable formula is infused with sunflower seed oil to keep skin nourished. It provides an impressive amount of coverage, but doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.The concealer is creamy, but not overly so; it has an almost whipped consistency that stays in place and gives skin a luminous finish. The coverage is buildable, and we appreciate the weightless feel on the skin. Best of all, our tester wanted to continue using it even after the testing period was over.Quick TipTo avoid color transfer, follow up with asetting sprayor powder. And if you’re looking for more precise coverage, you may want to use your own brush or sponge with a smaller applicator tip.Shades:25 |Coverage:Medium to Full|Size:0.4 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best OverallAnastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Sephora

Best OverallAnastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer

Best Overall

Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer

PHOTO: Sephora

$29 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Sephora

Star QualitiesBrighteningLayers well with other makeupA little bit goes a long wayRed FlagsThe color transfers a little bitA smaller tip would offer more targeted coverage

Star QualitiesBrighteningLayers well with other makeupA little bit goes a long way

Brightening

Layers well with other makeup

A little bit goes a long way

Red FlagsThe color transfers a little bitA smaller tip would offer more targeted coverage

The color transfers a little bit

A smaller tip would offer more targeted coverage

Our tester received compliments on how glowy and radiant her skin looked while trying out Anastasia Beverly Hills’s brightening concealer. Available in 25 shades with a range of undertones, its thick and blendable formula is infused with sunflower seed oil to keep skin nourished. It provides an impressive amount of coverage, but doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.

The concealer is creamy, but not overly so; it has an almost whipped consistency that stays in place and gives skin a luminous finish. The coverage is buildable, and we appreciate the weightless feel on the skin. Best of all, our tester wanted to continue using it even after the testing period was over.

Quick TipTo avoid color transfer, follow up with asetting sprayor powder. And if you’re looking for more precise coverage, you may want to use your own brush or sponge with a smaller applicator tip.

Quick Tip

To avoid color transfer, follow up with asetting sprayor powder. And if you’re looking for more precise coverage, you may want to use your own brush or sponge with a smaller applicator tip.

Shades:25 |Coverage:Medium to Full|Size:0.4 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best Overall, but for LessNYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$12 at AmazonView on Nyxcosmetics.comStar QualitiesFeels as high-quality as more expensive optionsDidn’t crease at allA single application can almost entirely hide dark circlesRed FlagsIt could apply a bit more smoothlyThe applicator is smallAccording to our tester, the NYX HD Photogenic Concealer “works just as well” as “‘higher end’ products that are five times the price.” (No wonder it has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon!) This concealer is easy to blend out, it stays on very well, and it doesn’t crease after using asetting powder. Most notably, the lightweight formula has the perfect amount of pigment: “Once blended out, my dark circles were almost completely gone.”However, the brush did not hold enough product for our tester to apply using her typical method of swatching on the back of her hand before dipping a sponge in to then apply onto her face, but it was easy to blend out once applied directly underneath the eyes. She also noted that the consistency of the concealer could be a bit more smooth, “but that could be at the fault of the small applicator.”Shades:22 |Coverage:Medium to full|Size:0.1 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, but for LessNYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$12 at AmazonView on Nyxcosmetics.com

Best Overall, but for LessNYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer

Best Overall, but for Less

NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer

PHOTO: Amazon

$12 at AmazonView on Nyxcosmetics.com

Star QualitiesFeels as high-quality as more expensive optionsDidn’t crease at allA single application can almost entirely hide dark circlesRed FlagsIt could apply a bit more smoothlyThe applicator is small

Star QualitiesFeels as high-quality as more expensive optionsDidn’t crease at allA single application can almost entirely hide dark circles

Feels as high-quality as more expensive options

Didn’t crease at all

A single application can almost entirely hide dark circles

Red FlagsIt could apply a bit more smoothlyThe applicator is small

It could apply a bit more smoothly

The applicator is small

According to our tester, the NYX HD Photogenic Concealer “works just as well” as “‘higher end’ products that are five times the price.” (No wonder it has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon!) This concealer is easy to blend out, it stays on very well, and it doesn’t crease after using asetting powder. Most notably, the lightweight formula has the perfect amount of pigment: “Once blended out, my dark circles were almost completely gone.”

However, the brush did not hold enough product for our tester to apply using her typical method of swatching on the back of her hand before dipping a sponge in to then apply onto her face, but it was easy to blend out once applied directly underneath the eyes. She also noted that the consistency of the concealer could be a bit more smooth, “but that could be at the fault of the small applicator.”

Shades:22 |Coverage:Medium to full|Size:0.1 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best BudgetColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$20 at WalmartStar QualitiesDidn’t crease, even on dry skinLightweightFull coverage with a blurrier effectRed FlagsYou need to blend quickly before it setsThe tip can sometimes deposit too much productRequires a color corrector for full coverageThe Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer is probably way less than your current favorite. It has a blurring effect on the skin, but it won’t fully cancel out the appearance of blemishes or pigmentation, so you’ll still see a bit of your natural radiance shine through. The creamy formula blends into the skin easily, but you’ll want to blend it quickly — it dries down faster than most concealers we tried — and be careful about how much ends up on the applicator.Our tester reported that the lightweight concealer felt hydrating on her skin, smoothed out the look of dark circles, and left behind a matte finish. It won’t cover the most intense pigmentation, so we recommend layering a color corrector underneath if you have more pronounced dark circles.Shades:30 |Coverage:Light to medium|Size:0.3 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best BudgetColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$20 at Walmart

Best BudgetColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy Concealer

Best Budget

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Creamy Concealer

PHOTO: Ulta

$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$20 at Walmart

Star QualitiesDidn’t crease, even on dry skinLightweightFull coverage with a blurrier effectRed FlagsYou need to blend quickly before it setsThe tip can sometimes deposit too much productRequires a color corrector for full coverage

Star QualitiesDidn’t crease, even on dry skinLightweightFull coverage with a blurrier effect

Didn’t crease, even on dry skin

Lightweight

Full coverage with a blurrier effect

Red FlagsYou need to blend quickly before it setsThe tip can sometimes deposit too much productRequires a color corrector for full coverage

You need to blend quickly before it sets

The tip can sometimes deposit too much product

Requires a color corrector for full coverage

The Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer is probably way less than your current favorite. It has a blurring effect on the skin, but it won’t fully cancel out the appearance of blemishes or pigmentation, so you’ll still see a bit of your natural radiance shine through. The creamy formula blends into the skin easily, but you’ll want to blend it quickly — it dries down faster than most concealers we tried — and be careful about how much ends up on the applicator.

Our tester reported that the lightweight concealer felt hydrating on her skin, smoothed out the look of dark circles, and left behind a matte finish. It won’t cover the most intense pigmentation, so we recommend layering a color corrector underneath if you have more pronounced dark circles.

Shades:30 |Coverage:Light to medium|Size:0.3 ounces

Best Color CorrectorEXA High Fidelity Color CorrectorPHOTO: EXAView on Credo Beauty$27 at Jcpenney.comStar QualitiesSpecifically designed to color-correct dark circlesEasily blends into skinDries down slowlyRed FlagsIt’s so popular, it often sells outLooking for stronger dark-circle coverage? Don’t just apply more product to achieve your goal. The Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector in Pink is a fantastic option for lighter skin tones, and the Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector in Red-Orange is best for darker skin tones. Since dark circles are bluish in tint, a color-correcting in these opposing hues can help cancel out the shadow better than just concealer alone.With the pink option, our tester was surprised that despite its thick consistency, it blended out easily for a weightless feel. “It brightened my eyes perfectly while covering almost all of my under-eye bags,” they reported, and added that it really stayed in place once on: “There’s very little creasing.”The only downside of this color-correcting concealer for dark circles is that it’s so popular, it often sells out. If you see it in stock in your shade, don’t think — just add to cart.Shades:6 |Coverage:Full|Size:0.25 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best Color CorrectorEXA High Fidelity Color CorrectorPHOTO: EXAView on Credo Beauty$27 at Jcpenney.com

Best Color CorrectorEXA High Fidelity Color Corrector

Best Color Corrector

EXA High Fidelity Color Corrector

PHOTO: EXA

View on Credo Beauty$27 at Jcpenney.com

Star QualitiesSpecifically designed to color-correct dark circlesEasily blends into skinDries down slowlyRed FlagsIt’s so popular, it often sells out

Star QualitiesSpecifically designed to color-correct dark circlesEasily blends into skinDries down slowly

Specifically designed to color-correct dark circles

Easily blends into skin

Dries down slowly

Red FlagsIt’s so popular, it often sells out

It’s so popular, it often sells out

Looking for stronger dark-circle coverage? Don’t just apply more product to achieve your goal. The Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector in Pink is a fantastic option for lighter skin tones, and the Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector in Red-Orange is best for darker skin tones. Since dark circles are bluish in tint, a color-correcting in these opposing hues can help cancel out the shadow better than just concealer alone.

With the pink option, our tester was surprised that despite its thick consistency, it blended out easily for a weightless feel. “It brightened my eyes perfectly while covering almost all of my under-eye bags,” they reported, and added that it really stayed in place once on: “There’s very little creasing.”

The only downside of this color-correcting concealer for dark circles is that it’s so popular, it often sells out. If you see it in stock in your shade, don’t think — just add to cart.

Shades:6 |Coverage:Full|Size:0.25 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at WalmartStar QualitiesHydratingA little goes a long wayDidn’t settle into lines or poresRed FlagsNeeds a setting spray or powderNot enough shades for dark skin tonesThe sponge applicator didn’t allow for precise coverageAn affordable cure to dark-circle woes, this popular Maybelline concealer provides light, sheer coverage. Just like afoundation for aging skin, the texture is great for mature skin because it won’t settle into lines and pores, and the creamy formula provides a great dose of hydration. To guarantee long-wear coverage, though, you’ll want to set it with a spray or powder.The biggest complaint our testers had about this concealer was that the sponge applicator is a bit messy; it was difficult to be precise about how much product they wanted to use. (We recommend using a different tool to blend with more ease and control.)Additionally, this concealer has a limited shade range of just 18 shades. It could definitely be improved with more shades catered to deeper skin tones.Shades:18 |Coverage:Light|Size:0.2 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart

Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer

Best for Mature Skin

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer

$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart

Star QualitiesHydratingA little goes a long wayDidn’t settle into lines or poresRed FlagsNeeds a setting spray or powderNot enough shades for dark skin tonesThe sponge applicator didn’t allow for precise coverage

Star QualitiesHydratingA little goes a long wayDidn’t settle into lines or pores

Hydrating

A little goes a long way

Didn’t settle into lines or pores

Red FlagsNeeds a setting spray or powderNot enough shades for dark skin tonesThe sponge applicator didn’t allow for precise coverage

Needs a setting spray or powder

Not enough shades for dark skin tones

The sponge applicator didn’t allow for precise coverage

An affordable cure to dark-circle woes, this popular Maybelline concealer provides light, sheer coverage. Just like afoundation for aging skin, the texture is great for mature skin because it won’t settle into lines and pores, and the creamy formula provides a great dose of hydration. To guarantee long-wear coverage, though, you’ll want to set it with a spray or powder.

The biggest complaint our testers had about this concealer was that the sponge applicator is a bit messy; it was difficult to be precise about how much product they wanted to use. (We recommend using a different tool to blend with more ease and control.)

Additionally, this concealer has a limited shade range of just 18 shades. It could definitely be improved with more shades catered to deeper skin tones.

Shades:18 |Coverage:Light|Size:0.2 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best with Skin BenefitsBenefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$28 at Nordstrom$28 at Sephora$28 at UltaStar QualitiesHydrating, serum-like formulaNaturally brightens the undereye areaBuildableRed FlagsLimited shade rangeBecause formula is so moist, it may creaseTreat your skin while you hide dark circles with this lightweight skincare-meets-concealer. Fortified with vitamin C and red algae extract, this product helps brighten the under-eye area both beneath the surface and cosmetically as it sits on the skin. Apply using the slim doe-foot applicator for lightweight, radiant coverage that’s buildable without appearing cakey. It’s also waterproof for up to eight hours of wear, making it a perfect pick for warmer, sweaty months.Our tester said that this product “does what the name claims — brightens!” And because it’s light and hydrating, they noted that it would be a great pick for someone with dry or mature skin. However, they did note that some creasing occurs as you layer on and recommends using less product to maintain the smooth application. And keep in mind that there’s just a dozen shades to choose from.Shades:12|Coverage:Light to medium|Size:0.17 ounces

Best with Skin BenefitsBenefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$28 at Nordstrom$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

Best with Skin BenefitsBenefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer

Best with Skin Benefits

Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer

$28 at Nordstrom$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

Star QualitiesHydrating, serum-like formulaNaturally brightens the undereye areaBuildableRed FlagsLimited shade rangeBecause formula is so moist, it may crease

Star QualitiesHydrating, serum-like formulaNaturally brightens the undereye areaBuildable

Hydrating, serum-like formula

Naturally brightens the undereye area

Buildable

Red FlagsLimited shade rangeBecause formula is so moist, it may crease

Limited shade range

Because formula is so moist, it may crease

Treat your skin while you hide dark circles with this lightweight skincare-meets-concealer. Fortified with vitamin C and red algae extract, this product helps brighten the under-eye area both beneath the surface and cosmetically as it sits on the skin. Apply using the slim doe-foot applicator for lightweight, radiant coverage that’s buildable without appearing cakey. It’s also waterproof for up to eight hours of wear, making it a perfect pick for warmer, sweaty months.

Our tester said that this product “does what the name claims — brightens!” And because it’s light and hydrating, they noted that it would be a great pick for someone with dry or mature skin. However, they did note that some creasing occurs as you layer on and recommends using less product to maintain the smooth application. And keep in mind that there’s just a dozen shades to choose from.

Shades:12|Coverage:Light to medium|Size:0.17 ounces

Best HydratingSaie Hydrabeam Under Eye ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$24 at Sephora$18 at WalmartView on Saiehello.com

Best HydratingSaie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer

Best Hydrating

Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer

$24 at Sephora$18 at WalmartView on Saiehello.com

Star QualitiesLightweight formula is easily buildableDidn’t crease at allBlends seamlesslyRed FlagsLimited shade rangeIt requires a few layers to get enough coverage

Star QualitiesLightweight formula is easily buildableDidn’t crease at allBlends seamlessly

Lightweight formula is easily buildable

Blends seamlessly

Red FlagsLimited shade rangeIt requires a few layers to get enough coverage

It requires a few layers to get enough coverage

But while it feels lightweight and looks natural once blended in, it’s not a one-stop-shop for eliminating dark circles, particularly if you can’t find your shade match in its limited range. “It covers up my dark circles decently, but not fully,” they admitted. “Still, I’d recommend it because it’s a ‘clean,’ buildable formula that offers seamless coverage. I can’t feel it at all, and I think it’s good for everyday wear and special occasions.”

Shades:9 |Coverage:Light|Size:0.2 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best LightweightIlia True Skin Serum ConcealerPHOTO: Dermstore$32 at Amazon$32$30 at Nordstrom$32 at SephoraStar QualitiesPacked with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin CWide range of colors and undertonesNatural finishRed FlagsIt’s expensive for its sizeThe Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer stands out for its lightweight consistency and wear, as well as its skincare-first formula. The weightless concealer is infused with brightening and skin tone-evening vitamin C and smoothing albizia julibrissin bark extract. Together, they elevate the medium-coverage concealer to a serum-like under-eye treatment.“It looks natural (with no caking or smudging), feels smooth on the skin, and… still feels breathable,” our tester noted. “I wouldn’t know I had this concealer on my face if I didn’t already see myself put it on. Right now, my face feels clean and refreshedwiththe concealer on. I also don’t have a shiny or dewy appearance, which is a plus.” Just keep in mind that you’ll pay for this high quality.Shades:20 |Coverage:Medium|Size:0.16 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best LightweightIlia True Skin Serum ConcealerPHOTO: Dermstore$32 at Amazon$32$30 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Best LightweightIlia True Skin Serum Concealer

Best Lightweight

Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer

PHOTO: Dermstore

$32 at Amazon$32$30 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Star QualitiesPacked with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin CWide range of colors and undertonesNatural finishRed FlagsIt’s expensive for its size

Star QualitiesPacked with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin CWide range of colors and undertonesNatural finish

Packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C

Wide range of colors and undertones

Natural finish

Red FlagsIt’s expensive for its size

It’s expensive for its size

The Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer stands out for its lightweight consistency and wear, as well as its skincare-first formula. The weightless concealer is infused with brightening and skin tone-evening vitamin C and smoothing albizia julibrissin bark extract. Together, they elevate the medium-coverage concealer to a serum-like under-eye treatment.

“It looks natural (with no caking or smudging), feels smooth on the skin, and… still feels breathable,” our tester noted. “I wouldn’t know I had this concealer on my face if I didn’t already see myself put it on. Right now, my face feels clean and refreshedwiththe concealer on. I also don’t have a shiny or dewy appearance, which is a plus.” Just keep in mind that you’ll pay for this high quality.

Shades:20 |Coverage:Medium|Size:0.16 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best Brightening

$24 at Sephora$24 at Kohls.comView on Rarebeauty.com

Star Qualities48 shades, including 20 for medium-to-dark skin tonesLightweight concealer blends smoothly and evenly with buildable coverageBrightened without any creasingRed FlagsIt requires two or more layers to fully hide dark circlesThe applicator could be smaller

Star Qualities48 shades, including 20 for medium-to-dark skin tonesLightweight concealer blends smoothly and evenly with buildable coverageBrightened without any creasing

48 shades, including 20 for medium-to-dark skin tones

Lightweight concealer blends smoothly and evenly with buildable coverage

Brightened without any creasing

Red FlagsIt requires two or more layers to fully hide dark circlesThe applicator could be smaller

It requires two or more layers to fully hide dark circles

The applicator could be smaller

This Rare Beauty concealer, which has over 190,000 “likes” at Sephora, touts a liquid formula that provides medium, radiant coverage. “The product is nice and thin, so the coverage is buildable,” our tester said.“It blends out really smooth and even, and doesn’t seem to crease or settle into my face.”

She found one layer of the formula to be too sheer to fully cover her dark circles, but “with additional applications/layers it can be full-coverage." And since a little bit of product goes a long way, be careful with how much is on your applicator; our tester wished it was “a little smaller” to avoid using too much at once.

Shades:48 |Coverage:Medium|Size:0.25 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best LiftingMakeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Sephora$55 at Walmart$29 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesSignificantly brightened under-eyes and dark spotsDoesn’t require setting powderFeatherweight consistency felt like wearing nothingRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyWe were incredibly impressed that the first concealer from Mario Dedivanovic,Kim Kardashian’s longtime makeup artist, lived up to the hype. Its formula features fermented marine microorganisms — which gave us the tightening effect that Dedivanovic specializes in — and caffeine to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.Our tester dotted this concealer on (a little goes a long way) and effortlessly blended it in, watching as it canceled out blue and purple undertones and created the illusion of a more lifted eye. After wearing it all day long, from the office to the gym, she still had bright under-eyes and the look of lifted skin when she got home.This concealer dries down semi-matte, so your skin’s natural luminescence will still be visible, just with a powder-like finish on top. That eliminates your need for setting powder, though Dedivanovic himself told us at a press event that he still likes to add a bit.Shades:22 |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.2 ounces

Best LiftingMakeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Sephora$55 at Walmart$29 at Kohls.com

Best LiftingMakeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer

Best Lifting

Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer

$29 at Sephora$55 at Walmart$29 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesSignificantly brightened under-eyes and dark spotsDoesn’t require setting powderFeatherweight consistency felt like wearing nothingRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesSignificantly brightened under-eyes and dark spotsDoesn’t require setting powderFeatherweight consistency felt like wearing nothing

Significantly brightened under-eyes and dark spots

Doesn’t require setting powder

Featherweight consistency felt like wearing nothing

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

We were incredibly impressed that the first concealer from Mario Dedivanovic,Kim Kardashian’s longtime makeup artist, lived up to the hype. Its formula features fermented marine microorganisms — which gave us the tightening effect that Dedivanovic specializes in — and caffeine to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

Our tester dotted this concealer on (a little goes a long way) and effortlessly blended it in, watching as it canceled out blue and purple undertones and created the illusion of a more lifted eye. After wearing it all day long, from the office to the gym, she still had bright under-eyes and the look of lifted skin when she got home.

This concealer dries down semi-matte, so your skin’s natural luminescence will still be visible, just with a powder-like finish on top. That eliminates your need for setting powder, though Dedivanovic himself told us at a press event that he still likes to add a bit.

Shades:22 |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.2 ounces

Best Shade RangeFenty Beauty We’re Even ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$32 at Sephora$35 at Walmart$32 at UltaStar QualitiesBuildable coverageNatural finishThe website made finding our shade match easyRed FlagsIt creased after several hours of wearOily or combination skin types may need a setting powderFinding your shade match is even more important when you’re trying to cover up dark circles — the wrong shade can actually make pigmentation look worse. Thankfully, the Fenty concealer nailed our testers’ exact skin tones thanks to its 50-shade range and virtual try-on feature.The concealer provided medium yet buildable coverage and easily concealed age spots, but it did crease a little bit after seven hours of wear. The texture of the concealer is creamy and has a natural finish that sits somewhere between dewy and matte.With hydrating ingredients like prickly pear cactus extract, sodium hyaluronate, and persian silk tree extract, it brightens skin without making it look too shiny, but if you have a combination or oily skin type, you may need to set this with a powder.Shades:50 |Coverage:Medium|Size:0.3 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Mariza Lobo

Best Shade RangeFenty Beauty We’re Even ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$32 at Sephora$35 at Walmart$32 at Ulta

Best Shade RangeFenty Beauty We’re Even Concealer

Best Shade Range

Fenty Beauty We’re Even Concealer

$32 at Sephora$35 at Walmart$32 at Ulta

Star QualitiesBuildable coverageNatural finishThe website made finding our shade match easyRed FlagsIt creased after several hours of wearOily or combination skin types may need a setting powder

Star QualitiesBuildable coverageNatural finishThe website made finding our shade match easy

Buildable coverage

The website made finding our shade match easy

Red FlagsIt creased after several hours of wearOily or combination skin types may need a setting powder

It creased after several hours of wear

Oily or combination skin types may need a setting powder

Finding your shade match is even more important when you’re trying to cover up dark circles — the wrong shade can actually make pigmentation look worse. Thankfully, the Fenty concealer nailed our testers’ exact skin tones thanks to its 50-shade range and virtual try-on feature.

The concealer provided medium yet buildable coverage and easily concealed age spots, but it did crease a little bit after seven hours of wear. The texture of the concealer is creamy and has a natural finish that sits somewhere between dewy and matte.

With hydrating ingredients like prickly pear cactus extract, sodium hyaluronate, and persian silk tree extract, it brightens skin without making it look too shiny, but if you have a combination or oily skin type, you may need to set this with a powder.

Shades:50 |Coverage:Medium|Size:0.3 ounces

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Mariza Lobo

Best Crease-ProofTarte Shape Tape ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$32 at Ulta$32 at Tartecosmetics.comStar QualitiesDoesn’t crease or cake when used with setting powderHydrating formula is great for dry or mature skinPlumps and brightens the skinRed FlagsNeeds setting powderWhile the originalShape Tapeis often touted as one of the best concealers, the Ultra Creamy version offers even more hydration, making it perfect for mature or dry skin. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the undereye, while avocado butter brightens dark circles. Plus, with 37 shades available, there’s a shade for almost everyone.Writers Say“Everyone loves the original Shape Tape, but it just didn’t work for me as someone whose undereye creases easily. The ultra creamy version, on the other hand, is thick enough to smooth the area, while never becoming cakey or separated beneath the eye. When set correctly, this concealer never creases, even at the end of long days.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writerShades:37 |Coverage:Full |Size:0.33 ouncesPeople / Genevieve Cepeda

Best Crease-ProofTarte Shape Tape ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$32 at Ulta$32 at Tartecosmetics.com

Best Crease-ProofTarte Shape Tape Concealer

Best Crease-Proof

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

$32 at Ulta$32 at Tartecosmetics.com

Star QualitiesDoesn’t crease or cake when used with setting powderHydrating formula is great for dry or mature skinPlumps and brightens the skinRed FlagsNeeds setting powder

Star QualitiesDoesn’t crease or cake when used with setting powderHydrating formula is great for dry or mature skinPlumps and brightens the skin

Doesn’t crease or cake when used with setting powder

Hydrating formula is great for dry or mature skin

Plumps and brightens the skin

Red FlagsNeeds setting powder

Needs setting powder

While the originalShape Tapeis often touted as one of the best concealers, the Ultra Creamy version offers even more hydration, making it perfect for mature or dry skin. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the undereye, while avocado butter brightens dark circles. Plus, with 37 shades available, there’s a shade for almost everyone.

Writers Say“Everyone loves the original Shape Tape, but it just didn’t work for me as someone whose undereye creases easily. The ultra creamy version, on the other hand, is thick enough to smooth the area, while never becoming cakey or separated beneath the eye. When set correctly, this concealer never creases, even at the end of long days.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

Writers Say

“Everyone loves the original Shape Tape, but it just didn’t work for me as someone whose undereye creases easily. The ultra creamy version, on the other hand, is thick enough to smooth the area, while never becoming cakey or separated beneath the eye. When set correctly, this concealer never creases, even at the end of long days.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

Shades:37 |Coverage:Full |Size:0.33 ounces

People / Genevieve Cepeda

Best BuildableNars Radiant Creamy ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$32$15 at Nordstrom$15 at Sephora$32 at UltaStar QualitiesSuper buildable, covering undereyes, discoloration, and blemishes wellExtensive shade range at 30 shadesApplicator delivers the perfect amount of productRed FlagsCan get dry with extensive wearThis Nars concealer has a wide following, and it lives up to the hype. The formula is super buildable, so it works well whether you need just a little coverage or a lot. When used under the eye, it completely covers any darkness. It applies smoothly, but tends to get a bit dry over time, so if you need a concealer to last over really long days, you might be better off with a different product.Writers Say“I’ve been using the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer for years, and it’s still one of my go-tos for undereye coverage. It erases darkness and discoloration, leaving me with a true blank slate for the rest of my routine.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writerShades:30 |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.22 ouncesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best BuildableNars Radiant Creamy ConcealerPHOTO: Sephora$32$15 at Nordstrom$15 at Sephora$32 at Ulta

Best BuildableNars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Best Buildable

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

$32$15 at Nordstrom$15 at Sephora$32 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSuper buildable, covering undereyes, discoloration, and blemishes wellExtensive shade range at 30 shadesApplicator delivers the perfect amount of productRed FlagsCan get dry with extensive wear

Star QualitiesSuper buildable, covering undereyes, discoloration, and blemishes wellExtensive shade range at 30 shadesApplicator delivers the perfect amount of product

Super buildable, covering undereyes, discoloration, and blemishes well

Extensive shade range at 30 shades

Applicator delivers the perfect amount of product

Red FlagsCan get dry with extensive wear

Can get dry with extensive wear

This Nars concealer has a wide following, and it lives up to the hype. The formula is super buildable, so it works well whether you need just a little coverage or a lot. When used under the eye, it completely covers any darkness. It applies smoothly, but tends to get a bit dry over time, so if you need a concealer to last over really long days, you might be better off with a different product.

Writers Say“I’ve been using the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer for years, and it’s still one of my go-tos for undereye coverage. It erases darkness and discoloration, leaving me with a true blank slate for the rest of my routine.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

“I’ve been using the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer for years, and it’s still one of my go-tos for undereye coverage. It erases darkness and discoloration, leaving me with a true blank slate for the rest of my routine.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

Shades:30 |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.22 ounces

Whether it’s for dark circles or something else, while you’re addinga concealerto your cart, consider including some of these PEOPLE-Tested beauty favorites to help you achieve that flawless look. Our editors and independent testers put each product through the wringer to bring you the best of the best.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.comISDIN K-Ox Eye Cream$106 at Amazon$106 at DermstoreView on Isdin.comThe Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream$11 at Amazon$11 at Sephora$11 at Kohls.comL’Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender$8$6 at Amazon

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.com

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.com

ISDIN K-Ox Eye Cream$106 at Amazon$106 at DermstoreView on Isdin.com

ISDIN K-Ox Eye Cream

$106 at Amazon$106 at DermstoreView on Isdin.com

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream$11 at Amazon$11 at Sephora$11 at Kohls.com

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

$11 at Amazon$11 at Sephora$11 at Kohls.com

L’Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender$8$6 at Amazon

L’Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender

$8$6 at Amazon

What to Know About Concealer for Dark Circles

Find Your Shade

To diminish dark circles, it’s important to find a concealer that perfectly complements your skin tone, masking the bluish hue under your eyes while meshing with the rest of your complexion. With concealers with wider shade ranges —Rare Beauty’s brightening concealer has 48— you’re more likely to find a near-perfect shade match. Keep in mind that you may need to try out a few shades to find your best fit.

Consider Coverage

Generally speaking, the less product you have to apply, the less likely it is to crease or crack during the day. So look for under-eye concealer with medium to full coverage to effectively cover dark circles. If your goal is just to minimize them, a light, buildable concealer is your best bet.

Your Skin Type Matters

If you have dry under-eye skin, avoid matte formulas. Conversely, if you have an oily complexion, a hydrating under-eye concealer could make your skin look overly shiny. Pay attention to your chosen concealer’s key ingredients to determine how it will work with your skin type.

The More You KnowMattifying ingredientsinclude clays, starches, and minerals, whereashydrating ingredientsinclude oils and glycerin.

Mattifying ingredientsinclude clays, starches, and minerals, whereashydrating ingredientsinclude oils and glycerin.

PEOPLE / Tamara Staples

To determine the best concealers for dark circles, we researched the most popular formulas on the market. We then tested 22 top-rated concealers in our PEOPLE Tested lab to see how it held up across several deciding categories, ranking each from 1 to 5. The concealers that performed the best made this list based on the following attributes:

Frequently Asked QuestionsColor correction is very helpful when trying to cancel out dark circles. “Everyone always wonders why piling on concealer isn’t enough… they have to color-correct first,” says celebrity makeup artistJamie Greenberg. That’s because color-correction works to cancel out the bluish tone of dark circles so that the concealer can then create an even canvas overall.However, MAC Cosmetics makeup artistKeri Blairsays that many concealers on the market have a bit of color corrector already built in — like theNYX Studio Photogenic Concealer— so it if you don’t want to do an extra step, look for color-correcting properties on the packaging.“Use a hydrating but non-slip eye cream (try my personal favorite,MAC Fast Response Eye Cream— it de-puffs, tightens, and refracts light)," says Blair. “Then, using a fluffy brush or your ring finger, you can apply the concealer where needed and gently pat out or blend out the edges of the product.”Taking sides in a never-ending debate, Blair says that she prefers to apply foundation prior to concealer to see how much extra coverage she truly needs to even out her entire complexion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Color correction is very helpful when trying to cancel out dark circles. “Everyone always wonders why piling on concealer isn’t enough… they have to color-correct first,” says celebrity makeup artistJamie Greenberg. That’s because color-correction works to cancel out the bluish tone of dark circles so that the concealer can then create an even canvas overall.However, MAC Cosmetics makeup artistKeri Blairsays that many concealers on the market have a bit of color corrector already built in — like theNYX Studio Photogenic Concealer— so it if you don’t want to do an extra step, look for color-correcting properties on the packaging.

“Use a hydrating but non-slip eye cream (try my personal favorite,MAC Fast Response Eye Cream— it de-puffs, tightens, and refracts light),” says Blair. “Then, using a fluffy brush or your ring finger, you can apply the concealer where needed and gently pat out or blend out the edges of the product.”Taking sides in a never-ending debate, Blair says that she prefers to apply foundation prior to concealer to see how much extra coverage she truly needs to even out her entire complexion.

“Use a hydrating but non-slip eye cream (try my personal favorite,MAC Fast Response Eye Cream— it de-puffs, tightens, and refracts light),” says Blair. “Then, using a fluffy brush or your ring finger, you can apply the concealer where needed and gently pat out or blend out the edges of the product.”

Taking sides in a never-ending debate, Blair says that she prefers to apply foundation prior to concealer to see how much extra coverage she truly needs to even out her entire complexion.

Rebecca Norrisis a full-time writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area who has worked in beauty editorial for a decade, andNeha Tandonis a New York-based writer with five years of experience covering beauty and style. For this article, they evaluated our testers’ extensive notes on the features and benefits of the concealers they tried, including value, shades, application, staying power, coverage, pigment, texture, and consistency. For additional insights, Norris spoke to our expert panel.

Our Expert PanelJamie Greenbergis a celebrity makeup artist.Keri Blairis a MAC Cosmetics makeup artist.

Our Expert Panel

Jamie Greenbergis a celebrity makeup artist.Keri Blairis a MAC Cosmetics makeup artist.

We created thePEOPLETested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com