Makeup Artists Say These 11 Concealers Immediately Cancel Out Dark Circles

Just like magic.

Maya Thomas's avatar
By
last updated
Contributions from
in Buying Guides
Jump to category:

As a beauty editor, I've become accustomed to being approached with general makeup questions and requests from loved ones, acquaintances, and strangers. While I'm usually more than prepared to rattle off a few of my favorite products, I also like to take the time to ask what someone is looking to achieve with their makeup and any problem areas that can be addressed. For example, whenever I'm asked about the best under-eye concealers, I get an earful about crow's-feet, fine lines, and dryness, but it's pesky dark circles that dominate so many of these conversations.

It's a well-known fact that for some individuals, dark under-eye circles can form as a sign of dehydration, fatigue, and lifestyle factors, but did you know they can also be completely hereditary? Some people are just more prone to getting them, and others are born with them. The good news is no matter what your under-eye concern is, there's a high-performing concealer out there that can conceal, brighten, and smooth the skin to perfection.

To get the scoop on the best products for the job, I tapped celebrity makeup artist and educator Carly Giglio. See the 11 that will make your pesky dark circles vanish without a trace.

Best Under-Eye Concealers, at a Glance

Best Under-Eye Concealers of 2026

Best Overall: Hourglass Vanish Concealer

Best for Light Coverage: Yves Saint Laurent Éclat Awakening Concealer Click Pen

Best for Medium Coverage: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

Assistant Beauty Editor Maya Thomas wearing Merit's The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

(Image credit: @itsmayalala)

Wearing Merit's The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick in Cacao

Best for Full Coverage: Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer

Best for Dark Spots: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Best Buildable Coverage: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer

Best for Brightening: Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer

Best Matte Finish: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer

Assistant Beauty Editor Maya Thomas wearing Kulfi's Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer

(Image credit: @itsmayalala)

Wearing Kulfi's Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer in Kesar Pista

Best Buildable Formula: Nars Light Reflecting Eye Brightener

Best for Beginners: Glossier Stretch Concealer for Dewy Buildable Coverage

Finding and Using an Under-Eye Concealer

For Giglio, shopping for the perfect product is all about paying special attention to its formula and performance. She looks for the standout under-eye concealers that check her boxes for staying power, coverage, minimal creasing, and compatibility with skin type in addition to considering the state her skin is in.

She also takes note of the coverage a product offers and the result she would like to achieve. "In the summer, my skin is oily, so I'll go with something more matte, whereas in the winter when I'm dry, I go with something creamier and more hydrating." Of course, learning how to use a product to pull off the best possible results can be tricky whether you're a newcomer to the world of makeup or a beauty aficionado. Giglio prefers to apply concealer with a brush or damp blending sponge (making sure the latter is not too wet, as it can potentially lift the product you'd like to apply).

Making the Concealer Last

Giglio presses the formula into the skin with the warmth of her fingertips. "By pressing it in, you'll work the product into the skin and pick up excess formula, which will help reduce creasing," she explains. The final step for making dark circles disappear is to use the aforementioned pressing motion to whatever excess product is left followed by fine setting powder applied with a dry puff or sponge.

Be sure to press in the setting powder immediately after applying and blending out your chosen under-eye concealer so that it stays in place without creasing or shifting. Feel like you need some extra assurance your concealer will last all day? It's never a bad idea to start your makeup application with a primer and end the process with a few spritzes of your favorite setting spray.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best under-eye concealers, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including shade range and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

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

Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty, interior design, and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

With contributions from