Our skin is constantly evolving as we age, which can often lead to pesky dark circles forming under our eyes. From hydrating creams to lightweight lotions, there are a plethora of skin care products on the market to help combat this issue. Concealers are a great option to help treat dark circles and come in a variety of shades and price ranges.
"What to look for in a concealer is patient-specific," explains Dr. Robert Finney, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Soho Skin and Hair Restoration. "If there is a lot of vascularity or hyperpigmentation present, you will need to look for formulas with more pigment," he adds.
Along with Finney, we spoke with Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida, in order to find out more about what causes dark circles and the best concealers to help mask them and feel more confident.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-recommended and editor-tested concealers for dark circles from Tarte, L'Oreal, Victoria Beckham and more — starting at only $9. We also included two Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners to round out the list.
What to look for in a concealer for dark circles
In order to choose the right concealer for your dark circles, it's imperative to pay attention to the list of ingredients. Finney mentions that the eyelid skin is sensitive, so ideally look for a product that helps to hydrate the skin with ceramides, squalane or hyaluronic acid.
"When choosing a concealer for dark circles, I always tell patients to think beyond just coverage, you want something that works and also plays nicely with your skin," explains Brezavscek. "Look for a formula with a peach or orange undertone to cancel out those blue or purple hues under the eyes (color theory saves lives, or at least under-eyes)," she notes.
Like Finney, Brezavscek mentions that the "real magic happens" when that pigment is paired with skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, as well as caffeine and peptides. "These not only brighten and hydrate, but they help smooth the delicate eye area so your concealer doesn’t settle into fine lines by lunchtime," she adds.
"Go for something creamy and buildable with a natural or radiant finish, nothing too matte or drying," Brezavscek suggests. "A great concealer should blend like a dream and give you that 'I slept eight hours' illusion."
Finney also reiterates removing makeup at the end of the day in order to avoid triggering milia or worsening any underlying rosacea that a patient may have.
Shop TODAY Beauty Awards-winning concealers for dark circles
“I was skeptical about this product because I went for a color-correcting shade (that did not look like my skin tone), but I was surprised!" raved social video producer Anita Chomenko. "The color correcting helped with my dark under-eye circles. A little goes a long way. I only needed one dot under each eye. At only $12, this is gonna last a while!”
“This concealer was really great overall and I understand why so many people love it!" mentioned writer Emma Stessman. "It does a great job of covering up everything from under-eye circles to pimples and doesn’t set into creases and lines as quickly as other concealers. It’s super blendable and feels good on skin, as it’s lightweight and hydrating,” noted Stessman.
"A cult classic for a reason," said Brezavscek. "It offers full, flawless coverage and stays put through everything from 12-hour shifts to toddler meltdowns. Infused with shea butter and licorice root, it conceals and brightens while smoothing out texture like a champ."
The best expert-recommended and editor-tested concealers for dark circles
Former associate commerce editor Megan Foster tested this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer, which she said exceeded all expectations. "When I put it on, I was pleased with its blendable formula," said Foster. "It has a thick consistency but feels lightweight, which I appreciate when I’m seeking a more natural look. Typically, I apply concealer in an upside-down triangle shape to completely cover the dark area under my eyes. The “micro-corrector” tip on the Maybelline concealer made applying the product this way much easier."
Brezavscek refers to this dark circle concealer as a "drugstore MVP." She adds that this "serum-textured concealer glides weightlessly and contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and brighten. The finish is smooth, never cakey—and it feels like a skin treatment in disguise."
Another favorite skin care product of Brezavscek's, this long-lasting concealer is a steal for under $30. "This waterproof, full-coverage classic smooths fine lines and covers pigmentation effortlessly," suggests Brezavscek. "It’s loaded with anti-aging ingredients like peptides and collagen—perfect for more mature skin types."
"A multitasking gem that combines skincare and makeup," says Brezavscek. "With hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides and arnica, it brightens, soothes and de-puffs while delivering medium coverage and a radiant, natural finish."
Commerce editor Vivien Moon is an avid fan of this concealer pen from Victoria Beckham. "Made in collaboration with skin care giant Augustinus Bader, this concealer pen is one that I keep in my travel bag at all times since I can rely on it for virtually any little beauty emergency," she shares. "From dark circles to blemishes, this little concealer pen is exactly what I turn to because I don't love an overload of product but want something that is lightweight and able to provide the coverage," she adds.
How we chose the best dark circle concealers
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best dark circle concealers by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist as well as a board-certified physician's associate. We also asked our editors to share a few tried-and-true favorites, including two Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Robert Finney, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Soho Skin and Hair Restoration.
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida.
