Undereye concealers are a godsend for those of us who suffer from dark circles and tired-looking eyes. Whether you’re sleep-deprived, perpetually fatigued, or just need a touch-up, a good undereye concealer can make all the difference in brightening dull, tired skin and disguising dark circles. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best undereye concealers on the market today, as recommended by expert makeup artists and beauty influencers.
First off, let’s talk about the different formulas available. While undereye concealers come in both liquid and cream formulas, New York City-based makeup artist Suzy Gerstein prefers the former. According to Gerstein, liquid formulas tend to look more skin-like and are more flexible with the drier, finer undereye area, making them ideal for those with delicate skin. However, cream formulas can offer heavier coverage, and makeup artist Kirin Bhatty suggests leaning towards a cream for more intense coverage.
When it comes to application, there are a few different methods recommended by experts. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Molly R. Stern suggests dotting a small amount of product to the undereye area closest to the nose before blending outward with a brush or sponge. Bhatty, on the other hand, prefers applying concealer with her fingertips, which allows for seamless blending. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – whichever method feels most comfortable and effective for you.
Now, let’s dive into some specific undereye concealers that come highly recommended by beauty experts. First up is the Kulfi Beauty Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer, as recommended by Gerstein. This medium-coverage concealer is made with beloved ingredients like moisture-boosting glycerin, brightening licorice root extract, and vitamin E-rich sunflower seed oil, and offers a beautiful, radiant finish.
Next up is the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, a favorite amongst Allure editors, makeup artists, and beauty influencers. Gerstein is quick to shout out the product’s “iconic formula,” which offers comfortable, long-wearing coverage, as well as a vast shade range (30, to be exact). The concealer also contains antioxidant-packed magnolia bark extract and vitamin E-rich grapeseed oil extract.
Glossier’s Stretch Concealer is another popular pick with a dewy finish that’s practically imperceptible as “makeup.” Despite its lightweight, slippery feel, its brightening powers rival some of the thicker, heavier-duty formulas on the market. Available in 12 flexible shades, this pot concealer provides buildable coverage without looking cakey and makes instances of blemishes, discoloration, and undereye circles disappear (if only for the day).
The Clé de Peau Radiant Corrector For Eyes boasts a built-in brush and click-pen format for easy, on-the-go application. The lightweight liquid concealer comes in 11 shades and is spiked with skin-care staples such as glycerin. “I love everything about this one – the shape of the brush for easy application, the subtle radiance of the formula for brightening, and the seamless finish that provides imperceptible coverage,” says Gerstein.
Armani’s Luminous Silk Concealer is another top pick, favored by Bhatty for its buildable and blendable formula, which boasts a beautiful, skin-like finish. This crease-free, non-drying concealer blurs fine lines and texture, thanks to uber-hydrating glycerin and vitamin E, along with caffeine, to help relieve puffiness. It comes in over 20 shades, too, so you’re bound to find your perfect match.
For those who prefer a full-coverage concealer, the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer comes highly recommended. The waterproof concealer is also chock-full of anti-inflammatory camellia sinensis leaf (a.k.a. green tea) and rosemary leaf extracts, as well as moisturizing squalane. It offers up to 16 hours of wear time and comes in an impressive 22 shades.
If you’re looking for a natural finish and all-day staying power, Lancôme is the way to go. The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Concealer blurs dark spots and blemishes while still looking like skin, and it’s packed with moisture-locking rose extract and soothing water lily extract. For an easy no-makeup makeup look, the Milk Makeup Sunshine Under Eye Concealer provides an instant pick-me-up for dull, dry undereyes. Featuring a 99 percent naturally derived formula that comes in seven shades, this concealer is perfect for those who prefer a less-is-more approach to makeup.
The Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer targets both dark circles and wrinkles, offering up to 12 hours of wear time. Best of all, this fan-favorite concealer comes in 22 shades and is transfer-, sweat-, humidity-, and water-resistant. Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Creamy Under Eye Concealer is amongst the best concealers for dry skin. It’s enriched with a slew of hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and cucumber extract, as well as antioxidant-laden tomato and licorice root extracts, along with vitamin E-loaded jojoba seed oil.
Lastly, let’s talk about some drugstore picks. Kosas’ Revealer Concealer (available in a whopping 28 shades) is an Allure editor favorite for its creamy, crease-free formula, which melts into the skin seamlessly. The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer is another great option for those seeking full coverage, with the added bonus of staying in place for up to 12 hours without any creasing. And of course, we can’t forget the TikTok-famous Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer, which offers a user-friendly sponge-tip applicator, 18 creamy shades, and up to 12 hours of wear time.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for an undereye concealer, the options are truly endless. Whether you prefer a liquid or cream formula, a natural or full-coverage finish, or a drugstore or high-end brand, there’s sure to be a concealer out there that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. With the help of expert recommendations and a little bit of trial and error, you’re sure to find your perfect match and say goodbye to tired-looking eyes once and for all.
