On especially bleary mornings, the stroke of a concealer wand is nothing short of magical. The right formula can quickly and seamlessly cover up whatever you want covered, whether that's acne, dark circles, or uneven patches. It can also offer even, radiant, and healthy-looking skin.
Of course, the key is to find the right formula for your needs. Do you want to hide dark circles? Do you need something that won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles? Maybe you prefer a concealer packed with skincare that helps reduce puffiness. Whatever you're looking for, we have the best options out there. Ahead, shop expert-approved under-eye concealers that get the job done.
Best Under-Eye Concealers for Dark Circles
This full-coverage corrector comes in pink and peach-based shades made specifically to counteract dark circles. If you're fair and your under-eyes look blue, then go for one of the pale pink shades, says makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. If you have a medium skin tone with grey or blue circles, then choose a peach shade. Deep skin tones that have brown or dark green circles should try the dark orange shade.
Makeup artist Jonet Williamson recommends concealers with brightening properties to counteract darkness. This one is wonderfully creamy, making it easy to blend. It also contains botanicals (grape seed extract, magnolia bark extract, and vitamin E) to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
This medium-to-full coverage formula is creamy, blendable, and infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and soothing niacinamide so you can cover and treat dark circles simultaneously. (It can also "lift" your face.)
Do note: If a neutralizing concealer isn't enough to hide the darkness on its own, apply a color corrector underneath it. Remember: color correctors come in pink, peach, or orange tones to cancel out circles that look blue or violet, says Gerstein. Tap on a thin layer (emphasis on thin so it doesn't crease!) of the corrector and then a skin-matching concealer.
Best Under-Eye Concealers for Mature and Dry Skin
You might find that you can "feel" this working; the formula's fermented marine microorganisms offer a tightening effect that helps smooth skin. It's also self-setting so you don't need to apply powder on top. “This is ideal for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes,” says Williamson. The coverage is medium-to-full and has a natural skin-like finish that looks flawless.
Think of this as makeup and skincare in one: Not only will the full coverage formula hide dark spots, age spots, and broken capillaries, but it also supports skin elasticity and promotes smoother and firmer skin with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Do note: When you have mature skin, you want to apply concealer as thinly as you possibly can. “Generally, I like to sweep it on in a half-moon shape that starts at the inner corner of the eye and ends below the center of the eye because that area doesn't move or crinkle when you smile,” Gerstein says. Then, you can blend the product up and out using your finger, a soft synthetic brush, or a damp beauty sponge. This creates a whisper-thin layer that's less likely to crease, she explains.
Best Concealers for Under-Eye Bags
Williamson says any formula with caffeine is a gold standard because it constricts blood vessels and helps with puffiness. You can brighten, hydrate, and de-puff with this budget-friendly option. The formula glides and effortlessly melts into the skin thanks to sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and argan oil.
This vegan, non-comedogenic formula is one of Gerstein's favorites. (The Oprah Daily staff tried it and we're equally obsessed). It's chock-full of skincare, including niacinamide, which helps reduce inflammation and even out skin tone, fermented arnica to reduce redness, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.
"I recommend lightweight textures. Heavy formulas may emphasize bags even more," says Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist and Ulta Beauty Pro-Team Member. This weightless yet creamy option contains caffeine and pink algae extracts that fight dark circles, puffiness, and dullness. Hyaluronic acid and peptides hydrate and firm skin.
Do note: A key step in reducing the look of under-eye bags and puffiness is to prep the skin before you apply concealer. A cold compress, facial massage, and depuffing eye cream will help reduce the appearance of eye bags and make makeup glide on smoothly and evenly.
The Best Under-Eye Drugstore Concealers
Do note: There are many more wallet-friendly options out there for under-eyes as well as acne, texture, and uneven tone. For more expert-approved drugstore concealers click here.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok