10 under-eye concealers that appear to make dark circles vanish
Lightweight and natural, to full-coverage options that promise to conceal and not cake
Unless the plan is to dress up as Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy for Halloween, most of us aren't exactly thrilled seeing a pair of raccoon eyes stare back at us in the mirror. Enter the under eye concealer. But know, like any other beauty fix, all concealers are not created equal. After trial and error, creases and cracks, here are 10 concealers that seem to actually perk up those did-not-sleep peepers.
If she builds it, it won't cake. A favourite with many makeup artists for its buildable qualities this best-selling concealer provides medium to full coverage to hide dark under-eye circles — without a heavy or cakey look. It's packed with grape seed extract, magnolia bark extract and vitamin E to help hydrate the delicate under-eye skin. With over 20 shades, you're likely to find a good match for your skin tone.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $37, sephora.ca
MAC is getting shady and we like it. This oil-free concealer will appeal to people of a wide variety of skin types and tones because it comes in so many shades (33 to be precise). The natural matte finish stays in place for up to 24 hours with minimal creasing under the eyes.
Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer, $25, maccosmetics.ca
Pack this one for your beach getaway. This crease-resistant waterproof concealer will keep you covered even in hot and humid conditions. Plus, if you're like me, with very dark circles and normally use a colour corrector under your concealer to even out skin tone, you'll love this gem. This multi-tasking tube takes care of colour-correction too. Just a touch of product keeps dark circles hidden all day — a little on the pricier side, but worth the pretty penny.
Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer, $37, thebay.com
This creamy concealer has a tapered tip to help ease it into corners, and wide base to cover the larger under-eye area. While this vegan, full-coverage formula is great for masking, it may not be best-suited for dry skin. The 20-shade range includes a pure white to create custom tones for a perfect colour match.
Lock-It Concealer Crème, $34, katvondbeauty.com
This is a great product at a great price. Infused with goji berry and Haloxyl, it helps brighten the under-eye area. The super-light liquid formula can be layered and blended without settling into fine lines under the eyes. Unlike matte finishes which can sometimes look cakey, this natural finish is a good pick for people covering creases.
Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, $13, maybelline.ca
A little of this product goes a long way in covering dark circles — you'll be amazed at how long this bitty bottle will last. For a concealer that provides such full coverage with a matte finish, it's surprisingly hydrating. Mango seed and shea butter help to moisturize and nourish the skin, while licorice root extract helps brighten and colour correct. Already hailed as one of the best-selling concealers worldwide, tarte has amped their beauty smart, expanding their shade range to include darker skin tones, now offering an impressive 30 shades in total.
Shape Tape Contour Concealer, $35, tartecosmetics.com
For that effortless 'I woke up like this' no makeup look, this is your one-fix wonder. It allows you to conceal and cover dark circles without you looking completely covered up. The high-tech liquid formula has a luminous, demi-matte finish, brightening around the eyes. And it's loaded with ingredients that are good for your skin, like Japanese green tea and one derived from lychee fruit to protect against dehydration. A great pick for combination to dry skin for keeping the under-eye area moisturized.
Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, $35, urbandecay.ca
This corrector brightens and covers discolouration under the eyes using pink or peach-based shades to neutralize under-eye darkness. Infused with skin conditioners to protect the delicate under-eye area, the creamy smooth texture offers long-wear coverage that is waterproof, sweat and humidity resistant.
Corrector, $37, bobbibrowncosmetics.ca
Developed with plastic surgeons, the experts infused anti-aging hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, caffeine and green coffee extract into this skin-loving concealing pot. The super creamy formula keeps creasing at bay while the long-wear coverage promises to work the entire day.
Bye Bye Under Eye Concealing Pot, $37, itcosmetics.ca
A workout for your skin, this creamy, full-coverage formula aims to tone, tighten and brighten the under-eye area. Made with vitamins A, C and E and a ceramide triple complex, this concealer is formulated to help cover dark circles and leave the skin around the eye area looking refreshed and feeling moisturized.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer,$28, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca
Meera Solanki Estrada is a Toronto-based beauty, fashion & lifestyle writer and editor. She is also a pop culture radio show host and producer with an unhealthy love for caffeine, carbs and all things pink. Follow her on Instagram at @meera.estrada.