Are you tired of looking tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Those pesky dark circles under your eyes can be a real nuisance, making you appear less vibrant than you feel. The good news is, with the right products, you can effectively conceal, brighten, and even treat the appearance of dark circles. Finding the best makeup for dark circles under eyes can be a game-changer, helping you achieve a fresh, well-rested look instantly.

Whether you’re dealing with genetic dark circles, puffiness from lack of sleep, or discoloration due to aging, there’s a perfect solution out there for you. We’ve rounded up 10 top-rated makeup products designed specifically to tackle this common concern. From brightening correctors to full-coverage concealers, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover your next holy grail!

Our Top Picks for the Best Makeup for Dark Circles Under Eyes

Here are our detailed reviews of the products that can help you banish those dark shadows and illuminate your under-eye area.

1. Catrice Under Eye Brightener (Light Pink Tone)

This Catrice Under Eye Brightener is your secret weapon against heavy eye baggage. Its light pink, nourishing texture is specifically formulated to give your under-eye area an instantly alert effect. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it not only conceals but also cares for your delicate skin, balancing out bluish tones for a natural, radiant glow.

• Key Features:
  • Light pink, nourishing texture for an instantly alert effect.
  • Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for skin nourishment.
  • Pink color visibly balances bluish under-eye shadows.
  • Medium coverage for a natural, fresh look.
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free; formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
  • PETA certified cruelty-free.
• Pros:
  • Effectively color-corrects blue/purple undertones.
  • Hydrating formula prevents dryness.
  • Affordable and accessible.
  • Easy to blend with fingers or tools.
• Cons:
  • Medium coverage might not be enough for very dark circles.
  • Limited shade range for color correction.
• User Impressions: Many users rave about how this brightener instantly makes them look more awake. They appreciate its lightweight feel and the subtle yet effective color correction that blends seamlessly into their skin, often replacing heavier concealers for a natural finish.
  See it on Amazon here

2. Catrice Under Eye Brightener (Warm Tone)

Say goodbye to tired eyes with this Tik Tok viral Under Eye Brightener from Catrice. This version offers a warm color that specifically targets and cancels out bluish tones, giving you a fresh, radiant look. Like its pink counterpart, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and provide a beautiful glow to your under-eye area. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking the best makeup for dark circles under eyes that also offers skincare benefits.

• Key Features:
  • Tik Tok viral formula for instant brightening and color correction.
  • Warm color cancels out bluish under-eye shadows.
  • Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for hydration.
  • Medium coverage for a natural, radiant finish.
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free; formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for neutralizing blue/purple dark circles.
  • Hydrating and non-drying formula.
  • Blends out smoothly without caking.
  • Great value for its effectiveness.
• Cons:
  • Warm tone might not suit all skin undertones perfectly.
  • Medium coverage may require layering for heavier discoloration.
• User Impressions: Users love the viral hype around this product, confirming it lives up to expectations. They highlight its ability to visibly reduce dark circles with a warm, natural finish, often noting its impressive staying power and comfortable wear.
  See it on Amazon here

3. VELAMO ADVANCED Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41

The VELAMO ADVANCED Luminous Eye Corrector is a multi-tasking powerhouse. This soft peach-toned corrector is specifically designed to balance blue and purple hues under the eyes, leaving you with a refreshed appearance. What truly sets it apart is the added mineral-based SPF 41 protection, guarding your delicate under-eye skin from sun exposure. Plus, it’s infused with anti-aging ingredients like ceramides and peptides for added hydration and smoothing.

• Key Features:
  • Soft peach tone color corrects blue/purple dark circles.
  • Mineral-based SPF 41 (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) for sun protection.
  • Hydrating and smoothing with ceramides, peptides, snow mushroom, and botanical extracts.
  • Anti-aging benefits to improve skin texture and firm fine lines.
  • No caking or creasing formula.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, fragrance; not tested on animals.
• Pros:
  • Combines color correction with high SPF protection.
  • Skincare-infused formula for anti-aging benefits.
  • Non-creasing and long-wearing.
  • Creates a very even and refreshed look.
• Cons:
  • Peach tone might be specific to certain skin tones.
  • Higher price point compared to some other correctors.
• User Impressions: Customers appreciate the comprehensive approach this product offers, praising its ability to correct dark circles while providing essential sun protection and anti-aging benefits. Many note its smooth application and natural-looking finish.
  See it on Amazon here

4. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (Medium)

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer is an absolute fan-favorite for a reason. This #1 best-selling, anti-aging concealer delivers instant full coverage and a flawless finish that lasts for up to 24 hours! Its creamy, water-resistant formula won’t crease, crack, or settle into fine lines, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best makeup for dark circles under eyes that offers serious staying power and a youthful look.

• Key Features:

  • 1 best-selling, anti-aging concealer with instant full coverage.

  • 24-hour wear without creasing, cracking, or settling into fine lines.
  • Brightens and conceals dark circles, discoloration, blemishes, and more.
  • Water-resistant formula.
  • Skincare-infused with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
  • Highly pigmented; a pinhead-size amount provides full coverage.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional full coverage for severe dark circles.
  • Long-lasting and water-resistant.
  • Anti-aging ingredients nourish the skin.
  • Doesn’t crease or settle into lines.
• Cons:
  • Can be thick if too much is applied, requiring careful blending.
  • Higher price point.
• User Impressions: This concealer consistently receives high praise for its incredible coverage and ability to make dark circles vanish. Users with mature skin particularly love that it doesn’t emphasize fine lines, often calling it their “holy grail” for a smooth, flawless under-eye area.
  See it on Amazon here

5. Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller

For those who prefer a skincare-first approach that also offers immediate brightening, the Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller is a fantastic choice. This easy-to-apply gel texture comes in a convenient rollerball, which helps reduce under-eye puffiness with a cooling sensation. Infused with caffeine, mint, and Vitamin C, this formula visibly brightens skin in just one use, helping to diminish the appearance of dark circles and leaving you looking more radiant and rested.

• Key Features:
  • Cooling rollerball applicator reduces puffiness.
  • Caffeine, mint, and Vitamin C infused gel formula.
  • Instantly brightens and refreshes under-eye skin.
  • Easy and mess-free application.
  • Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny approved.
• Pros:
  • Provides a refreshing, depuffing effect.
  • Convenient for on-the-go application.
  • Brightens skin tone with Vitamin C.
  • Affordable and easily accessible.
• Cons:
  • Offers lighter coverage compared to traditional concealers.
  • May need to be combined with a concealer for more intense dark circles.
• User Impressions: Reviewers love the cooling sensation and how quickly it helps to de-puff their eyes in the morning. Many find it a perfect lightweight solution for subtle brightening and an overall refreshed look, especially on days they want minimal makeup.
  See it on Amazon here

6. Palladio Under Eye Brightener

Palladio’s Under Eye Brightener is a fantastic fusion of skincare and makeup, designed to instantly brighten and awaken your under-eye area. This formulation boasts caffeine, which actively works to detoxify and diminish the look of under-eye bags, promising a refreshed, well-rested look all day long. With three shades available, it caters to a variety of skin tones, making it easier to find your perfect match in the quest for the best makeup for dark circles under eyes.

• Key Features:
  • Brightens and awakens the under-eye area.
  • Formulated with caffeine to diminish under-eye bags.
  • Available in 3 shades (Soft Pink, Medium Nude, Golden Tan) for customized brightening.
  • Contains peptides and vitamin E for added nourishment.
  • Medium coverage.
  • 100% Paraben and Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified).
• Pros:
  • Caffeine helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.
  • Customizable brightening effect with multiple shades.
  • Botanical and vitamin-infused for skin health.
  • Blends easily for a natural finish.
• Cons:
  • Limited shade range compared to some full-coverage concealers.
  • Medium coverage might require additional layering.
• User Impressions: Users appreciate the lightweight feel and the noticeable brightening effect. They often mention that the caffeine really helps with puffiness, making their eyes look more awake and less fatigued throughout the day.
  See it on Amazon here

7. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer Travel (Light)

The travel-sized version of the beloved IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer offers all the benefits of its full-sized counterpart in a convenient package. This award-winning, anti-aging formula is perfect for brightening and concealing dark circles, discoloration, and fine lines. Delivering instant full coverage that lasts up to 24 hours, it’s skincare-infused with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, ensuring your delicate under-eye area stays hydrated and smooth, even on the go.

• Key Features:
  • Travel-sized version of the #1 best-selling, anti-aging concealer.
  • Instant full coverage and flawless finish for up to 24 hours.
  • Won’t crease, crack, or settle into fine lines.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Skincare-infused with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
  • Highly pigmented for maximum coverage with minimal product.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for travel and touch-ups.
  • Delivers superior full coverage for stubborn dark circles.
  • Anti-aging benefits for smoother, younger-looking skin.
  • Long-lasting and nourishing formula.
• Cons:
  • Small size means less product for the price.
  • Can be tricky to blend if applied too generously.
• User Impressions: Travelers and those who love portability swear by this mini version. They find it perfect for maintaining their flawless under-eye look while on the move, echoing the praise for its coverage and non-creasing properties.
  See it on Amazon here

8. e.l.f. Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener

If your under-eyes need a serious pick-me-up, the e.l.f. Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener is here to fake a good night’s rest! This medium-coverage corrector features illuminating pearls and color-correcting peach hues to brighten eyes and provide hydrated, smooth, and lit-up skin. It even primes and smooths skin to extend the wear of your concealer, making it a fantastic base to achieve the best makeup for dark circles under eyes.

• Key Features:
  • Medium-coverage under-eye brightening corrector.
  • Illuminating pearls and color-correcting peach hues.
  • Primes and smooths skin to extend concealer wear.
  • Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny & PETA certified).
• Pros:
  • Effective color correction for various dark circle tones.
  • Hydrating formula with squalane and hyaluronic acid.
  • Acts as a primer for long-lasting concealer.
  • Affordable and high-performing.
• Cons:
  • Putty texture may require warming up before application.
  • Medium coverage might need a concealer on top for heavy dark circles.
• User Impressions: Many users are impressed by the smooth, blendable texture and the immediate brightening effect. They often use it as a first step before concealer, praising its ability to create a hydrated, crease-free canvas for their under-eye makeup.
  See it on Amazon here

9. Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Clinique’s Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector offers a refreshing, dermatologically-backed solution for brightening the look of the eye area. This treatment glides on smoothly, instantly perking up tired eyes while helping to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s a convenient product you can use anytime to refresh your look, adhering to Clinique’s commitment to safety with its allergy-tested, 100% fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist-tested formula.

• Key Features:
  • Instantly brightens the appearance of the eye area.
  • Helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.
  • Can be smoothed on anytime for on-the-go perk-up.
  • Allergy tested, 100% fragrance-free, ophthalmologist tested.
  • Dermatologist-guided brand.
• Pros:
  • Clinically developed for safety and efficacy.
  • Lightweight and non-irritating, suitable for sensitive eyes.
  • Hydrates and improves skin’s texture over time.
  • Convenient for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
• Cons:
  • Offers more of a brightening treatment than heavy coverage.
  • May be a higher price point for a brightening-focused product.
• User Impressions: Customers with sensitive eyes particularly appreciate this product for its gentle yet effective brightening properties. They report a noticeable improvement in their under-eye area with consistent use, noting its hydrating feel and ease of application.
  See it on Amazon here

10. Under Eye Brightener & Concealer – Hydrating Color Corrector

This Hydrating Color Corrector doubles as an Under Eye Brightener and Concealer, offering an instant refresh for tired eyes. Its lightweight, blendable formula works wonders to diminish the look of dark circles, leaving you with a fresh, well-rested appearance in mere seconds. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Shea Butter, it deeply nourishes and locks in moisture, ensuring your delicate under-eye skin remains soft, supple, and crease-free all day long. This is a versatile contender for the best makeup for dark circles under eyes.

• Key Features:
  • Instant brightening effect to refresh tired eyes.
  • Hydrating formula with Hyaluronic Acid & Shea Butter.
  • Color corrector and concealer for flawless natural coverage.
  • Lightweight, long-lasting, and non-creasing/caking.
  • Easy application, suitable for all skin tones and types.
  • Buildable coverage.
• Pros:
  • Combines color correction, brightening, and concealing.
  • Deeply hydrating formula prevents dryness and creasing.
  • Provides seamless, natural coverage.
  • Suitable for both alone wear and under makeup.
• Cons:
  • Brand recognition might be lower than established brands.
  • Specific shade range details not provided, could be limited.
• User Impressions: Users often highlight its versatility, appreciating that it functions as both a corrector and a concealer. Many report that it blends effortlessly, provides good coverage without feeling heavy, and keeps their under-eye area moisturized throughout the day.
  See it on Amazon here

Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Circles and Under-Eye Makeup

Got more questions about battling those dark circles? We’ve got answers!

Q1: What causes dark circles under the eyes?

A: Dark circles can be caused by various factors, including genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, thinning skin (which makes blood vessels more visible), sun exposure, allergies, and hyperpigmentation. Understanding the cause can help you choose the most effective treatment and makeup.

Q2: Should I use a color corrector or a concealer first?

A: For significant dark circles, it’s generally best to apply a color corrector first. Color correctors neutralize the discoloration (e.g., peach/orange for blue/purple circles, green for redness). After correcting, apply a concealer that matches your skin tone over it to blend everything seamlessly and provide additional coverage.

Q3: How do I choose the right shade of under-eye makeup?

A: For color correctors, choose a shade opposite to your dark circles on the color wheel (e.g., peach/orange for blue/purple tones, yellow for general dullness). For concealers, select a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten the area, or one that perfectly matches your skin tone for seamless coverage.

Q4: Can makeup fix dark circles permanently?

A: No, makeup can only conceal and brighten the appearance of dark circles temporarily. To address the root cause, you might need to focus on lifestyle changes (better sleep, hydration), skincare ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C), or consult a dermatologist for professional treatments.

Q5: What ingredients should I look for in under-eye makeup?

A: Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides. Caffeine can help with puffiness and circulation. Vitamin C and niacinamide can help brighten the skin over time. Peptides are great for anti-aging benefits and firming.

Q6: How do I apply under-eye makeup without creasing?

A: Prep your under-eye area with a hydrating eye cream. Apply a thin layer of color corrector, then a thin layer of concealer, blending well with your finger, a sponge, or a brush. Set lightly with a translucent powder using a fluffy brush to prevent creasing, but avoid over-powdering which can make the area look dry.

Q7: Are there any universal tips for all skin types when applying under-eye makeup?

A: Yes! Always start with a well-moisturized under-eye area. Use light layers rather than a single thick application to prevent caking and creasing. Blend meticulously, and consider pressing the product into the skin gently rather than rubbing. Also, a setting spray can help prolong wear without adding more powder.

Final Thoughts on Conquering Dark Circles

Finding the best makeup for dark circles under eyes is a personal journey, but with these fantastic options, you’re well on your way to brighter, more refreshed-looking eyes. Whether you prioritize full coverage, skincare benefits, or a natural brightening effect, there’s a product on this list that can help you look and feel your best. Experiment with different formulas and application techniques to discover what works wonders for you. Say hello to a more radiant you!