One of the most important things I’ve learned as a beauty editor? You absolutely need two concealers in your makeup bag: One concealer for covering breakouts, dark spots, and redness, and a second concealer for just around your eyes (aka an under-eye concealer). Because unlike classic face concealers, under-eye concealers tend to be more hydrating and lightweight (so they don’t crease or cake under your eyes). Plus, they’re usually infused with smoothing and firming ingredients (like peptides and caffeine), or even brightening ingredients (like vitamin C and niacinamide) to help minimize crepe-y texture, puffiness, and hyperpigmentation. To see what all the hype is about, try one of these 15 best under-eye concealers, below.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. I swear by this creamy, light-reflecting concealer for disguising dark circles without looking overly makeup-y. Just brush it on over eye cream and your eye area will look instantly brighter and more awake.
Like a firming eye cream and under-eye concealer in one, this anti-aging formula is infused with full-coverage pigments and plumping and smoothing collagen, peptides, and antioxidants to refresh your eye area.
Even though this under-eye concealer is super opaque and provides full coverage, it won’t get thick or cakey throughout the day. It dries down to a flexible, semi-matte finish that moves with your skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines.
Aheeem! This drugstore gem is a Cosmo 2021 Beauty Awards winner! In fact, my fellow deputy beauty director (hi, Chloe 😎) claims it’s the only reason she looked presentable on Zoom calls during the sh*tshow that was 2020.
This ultra-gentle under-eye concealer is made without potential skin irritants—like fragrances or dyes—making is a safe choice for anyone with sensitive skin or redness-prone skin.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when under-eye concealer settles into fine lines, which is why I love this crease-free formula from Tarte. It’s made with moisturizing maracuja oil to leave your eye area looking and feeling soft and smooth.
Beauty editors, celebs, and makeup artists all rave about YSL’s Touche Éclat. It’s a freaking classic. The sheer, illuminating formula is like a filter for your under-eyes. No, it won’t fully hide dark circles, but it’ll definitely give you a natural, woke-up-like-this look in seconds.
Yup, two YSL’s, because they both deserve a mention. As awesome as the O.G Touche Éclat is, it’s a liiiiittle light on the coverage for my under-eye circles, which is where the Touche Éclat High Cover comes into play. It’s the same formula that everyone loves, just with a bit more pigment for an effect that rivals full-coverage foundation.
True to its name, this easy-to-use concealer quickly conceals dark circles, redness, discoloration, and more. Use the doe-footed applicator to tap the formula under your eyes and then use clean fingers or a makeup sponge to blend it all out.
I know, I know. I started this whole story by saying you can’t use the same concealer on your under-eyes as you do the rest of your face, but this multitasking option from Kosas is an exception to the rule. It’s great for hiding dark circles and under-eye bags, but also works wonderfully for covering up zits and redness too.
Leave it to Rih and the Fenty team to create a concealer that’s basically a magic eraser for dark circles. The serum-like texture brightens, blurs, and hydrates (P.S., It’s sweat-and humidity-resistant too.)
This lightweight under-eye concealer from Armani legit feels like nothing on your skin, making it a dream for anyone who hates thick or heavy makeup. The fluid formula blends in fast and offers buildable coverage so you can use a makeup brush or your fingers apply multiple layers.
Ultra-creamy, lightweight, buildable, and easy to blend, this under-eye concealer has a soft satin finish that smooths and brightens your skin (without looking too shimmery) as soon as you blend it on. Another bonus: It’s vegan and cruelty-free too.
This dual-ended pencil has an opaque, matte concealer on one end and a pearlescent brightener on the other to transform your dark circles and shadows. Use the concealer to cover up any spots and discoloration first, then go in with the brightener (it works like a highlighter) to add a luminous glow.
This under-eye concealer lasts for a full 24 hours, so once it’s not going anywhere. Use it for a big night out or for beach/pool days (it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant too).