Struggling with persistent dark circles under your eyes can be a real drag. They can make you look tired, even when you’re fully rested, and sometimes it feels like no amount of sleep or eye cream can truly make them disappear. If you’ve been on a quest for the best make up for very dark circles under eyes, you’re definitely not alone. The good news? There are fantastic products out there specifically designed to brighten, conceal, and revitalize your under-eye area, giving you that fresh, wide-awake look you crave.
Whether your dark circles are genetic, a result of late nights, or just a stubborn part of your complexion, finding the right product can make all the difference. We’re talking about more than just concealer; we’re diving into color correctors, brighteners, and eye gels that work together to give you a flawless finish.
Let’s explore some top-notch solutions that users swear by for tackling those pesky shadows!
Why Do We Get Dark Circles Anyway?
Before we jump into the makeup, it’s helpful to understand what causes dark circles. They can stem from various factors like genetics, thin skin that shows blood vessels more prominently, lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, and even sun exposure. For very dark circles, it often involves a combination of these, making them quite a challenge to cover effectively. That’s where specific makeup techniques and products come in!
How to Choose the Best Makeup for Very Dark Circles
When picking out the perfect product, consider these factors:
- Color Correction: This is key! Different undertones of dark circles (bluish, purplish, brownish) require specific color correctors (peach, orange, pink).
- Coverage Level: Do you need full coverage, or just a brightening effect?
- Formula: Look for hydrating, crease-proof, and long-lasting formulas. Skincare-infused options with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and vitamins are a bonus.
- Shade Matching: Always choose a shade that complements your skin tone and addresses the specific color of your dark circles.
Ready to brighten up? Let’s dive into our top picks for the best make up for very dark circles under eyes.
1. Catrice | Under Eye Brightener | Conceal & Brighten Dark… (Pink Shade)
Say “bye-bye” to heavy eye baggage with this brilliant Under Eye Brightener from Catrice. This cult-favorite boasts a light pink, nourishing texture specifically developed for the delicate under-eye area. It works magic by instantly delivering an alert effect and visibly balancing out the bluish tones that often define dark circles, thanks to its caring and color-adapting formula. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it not only brightens but also nourishes your skin, leaving it with a radiant, natural glow.
- BYE-BYE DARK CIRCLES! Instantly brightens with a light pink, nourishing texture.
- CARING AND COLOR ADAPTING: Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter; pink color balances bluish tones.
- NATURAL AND RADIANT: Medium coverage, easily applied with fingers, sponge, or brush for a fresh look.
- CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free, formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
Pros:
– Instantly brightens and corrects blue undertones
– Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and shea butter
– Vegan and cruelty-free formula
– Lightweight and natural-looking finish
– Great as a base layer before concealer
Cons:
– Medium coverage means very dark circles might need a concealer on top
– May require setting with powder to prevent creasing
User Impressions:
Users rave about its instant brightening effect and how well it neutralizes blue undertones, often mentioning its smooth application and how it preps the area for concealer without feeling heavy or cakey. Many consider it a must-have for a quick, refreshed look.
2. Catrice | Under Eye Brightener | Conceal & Brighten Dark… (Warm Shade)
You’ve probably seen this gem go viral on TikTok, and for good reason! This Catrice Under Eye Brightener is another fantastic option, this time featuring a warm color that expertly cancels out bluish tones and overall under-eye shadows. Just like its pink counterpart, it’s formulated to instantly brighten and nourish the under-eye area. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it ensures your skin stays hydrated and radiant, providing a natural, fresh look with medium coverage that’s super easy to blend.
- BYE-BYE DARK CIRCLES! TikTok viral formula instantly brightens and color corrects.
- CARING AND COLOR ADAPTING: Hyaluronic acid & shea butter nourish; warm color cancels bluish tones.
- NATURAL AND RADIANT: Medium coverage, blendable with fingers, sponge, or brush for a natural finish.
- CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free, formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
Pros:
– Viral on social media for its effectiveness
– Warm tone is excellent for neutralizing a variety of dark circle undertones
– Hydrating formula with skin-loving ingredients
– Vegan and cruelty-free
– Offers a natural, radiant finish
Cons:
– Medium coverage may not be enough for extremely dark circles without layering
– Some might prefer a more targeted pink or peach tone depending on their specific dark circle color
User Impressions:
Many love how this viral sensation truly brightens and cancels out dark shadows, praising its blendable texture and how it works well alone for a subtle lift or under concealer for extra coverage. It’s frequently highlighted for its affordable price point and impressive results.
3. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel – Hydrating…
While not strictly makeup, the Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is an absolute game-changer for anyone dealing with tired, puffy eyes and dark circles, making it an essential pre-makeup step. This hydrating gel rejuvenates and energizes your eyes for a bright, fresh look before you even reach for your concealer. Its nutrient-packed formula targets puffiness and dark circles while hydrating and plumping the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. With antioxidant-rich Yerba Mate, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, it’s a powerful treat for your delicate under-eye skin.
- BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL: Rejuvenates and energizes for a fresh look.
- GOODBYE PUFFY, TIRED EYES: Reduces puffiness, dark circles, and hydrates to plump skin.
- POTENT FORMULA: Antioxidant-rich Yerba Mate, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid.
- PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN: Use morning or night, gentle for all skin types.
- GENTLE ENOUGH FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Vegan, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, pH of 5.2.
Pros:
– Effectively reduces puffiness and gradually lessens dark circles
– Hydrates and plumps the skin, minimizing fine lines
– Excellent primer for makeup, creating a smooth canvas
– Gentle, vegan, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free
– Contains powerful, nourishing ingredients like Yerba Mate and caffeine
Cons:
– Not an instant cosmetic fix; requires consistent use for long-term benefits
– May require a patch test for very sensitive skin
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently praise its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and how it genuinely helps reduce morning puffiness and gradually improves the look of dark circles, making it a favorite for priming the under-eye area. Many notice a significant difference in the brightness and smoothness of their skin over time.
4 & 5. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (Travel Light/Medium)
& 
This #1 best-selling IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer is an absolute powerhouse for anyone seeking the best make up for very dark circles under eyes with serious coverage. It’s an anti-aging, full-coverage marvel that delivers a flawless finish for up to 24 hours. What makes it stand out? Its creamy formula won’t crease, crack, or settle into fine lines, giving you smoother, younger-looking skin. This award-winning concealer also multitasks to brighten and conceal discoloration, fine lines, blemishes, and more. Plus, it’s water-resistant and infused with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
- WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: #1 best-selling, anti-aging, full coverage for up to 24 hours.
- BENEFITS: Brightens and conceals dark circles, discoloration, fine lines, and blemishes.
- WATER-RESISTANT: Nourishes skin while providing lasting, moisturizing full coverage.
- SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: Formulated with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
- 24HR FORMULA: Highly pigmented; can be worn alone or layered under/over makeup.
Pros:
– Provides exceptional full coverage for even the darkest circles
– Long-lasting and water-resistant for up to 24 hours
– Anti-aging benefits with skincare-infused ingredients
– Won’t crease, crack, or settle into fine lines
– Versatile; can be used for targeted coverage or as a foundation
Cons:
– Very thick consistency, requires a small amount for application
– Can feel heavy if too much product is used
– Price point is higher than some drugstore alternatives
User Impressions:
This concealer receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its incredible full coverage that effectively hides even the darkest circles, with many appreciating its long-wear formula and skin-loving ingredients. Users advise warming a pinhead-size amount with fingers for the best application.
6. Palladio Under Eye Brightener, Conceal, Brightens, Reduces…
Awaken your under-eye area with Palladio’s Under Eye Brightener, a brilliant fusion of skincare and makeup. This product is specifically formulated with caffeine to help detoxify and diminish the look of under-eye bags, leaving you with a refreshed, well-rested look all day long. It’s available in three versatile shades – Soft Pink, Medium Nude, and Golden Tan – allowing for a customized brightening effect across various complexions. Infused with caffeine, peptides, and vitamin E, this medium-coverage brightener goes beyond just concealing to actively reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- WHAT IS IT: Powerful blend of skincare and makeup in one.
- FORMULATION/ BENEFITS: Caffeine helps detoxify and diminish under-eye bags.
- AVAILABLE IN 3 SHADES: Soft Pink, Medium Nude, Golden Tan for customized brightening.
- HOW TO USE: Apply a small amount and blend with fingers or a brush.
- BOTANICAL AND VITAMIN INFUSED COSMETICS: Caffeine, peptides, and vitamin E for reduced dark circles and puffiness.
- CLEAN BEAUTY: 100% Paraben and Cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified.
Pros:
– Dual-action: brightens instantly while offering skincare benefits
– Caffeine helps reduce puffiness and eye bags
– Good shade range to suit various skin tones and undertones
– Infused with nourishing botanicals and vitamins
– Clean beauty standards: paraben and cruelty-free
Cons:
– Medium coverage may not be sufficient for extremely dark circles without layering
– Requires careful blending to achieve a seamless finish
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate its dual action as a brightener and a skincare treatment, noting its ability to refresh tired eyes and reduce the look of bags. Many praise its smooth application and natural finish across different skin tones, highlighting its clean ingredient list as a major plus.
7. e.l.f. Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener, Under-eye…
Need a quick pick-me-up for your under-eyes? The e.l.f. Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener is here to fake a good night’s rest! This medium-coverage, under-eye brightening corrector features illuminating pearls and color-correcting peach hues to instantly brighten eyes and neutralize darkness. Its unique putty texture creates hydrated, smooth, and lit-up skin. Plus, it pulls double duty by priming and smoothing skin, extending the wear of your concealer. Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, it’s a hydrating hero, and it’s proudly vegan and cruelty-free.
- UNDER-EYE BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR: Medium-coverage corrector for a fresh look.
- CREATES HYDRATED, SMOOTH UNDER-EYES: Illuminating pearls & peach hues brighten and color-correct.
- FOR LONG-LASTING CONCEALER: Primes and smooths skin to extend concealer wear.
- INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Formula contains squalane and hyaluronic acid.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: Double-certified by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
Pros:
– Highly effective at color-correcting dark circles with peach hues
– Illuminating pearls add a natural, brightening effect
– Hydrates and smooths skin with squalane and hyaluronic acid
– Acts as an excellent primer to boost concealer longevity
– Exceptionally affordable and accessible
– Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
– Medium coverage means you’ll likely need a concealer on top for very dark circles
– The putty texture might require a specific application technique (e.g., warming with fingers)
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by this affordable gem, particularly its peachy hue and illuminating pearls that effectively neutralize darkness and brighten the under-eye area. Many note how well it preps the skin for a seamless concealer application, making it a budget-friendly favorite.
Wrapping Up: Your Journey to Brighter Eyes
Finding the best make up for very dark circles under eyes doesn’t have to be an endless search. With these top picks, you’re well-equipped to tackle those shadows head-on. Whether you opt for a color-correcting brightener, a potent eye gel as a skincare base, or a full-coverage concealer, the goal is the same: to achieve a confident, refreshed, and radiant look. Experiment with a few, find what works best for your specific needs, and get ready to say hello to brighter, more awake-looking eyes!
FAQ: All Your Questions About Dark Circles & Makeup Answered
Q1: What’s the main difference between a color corrector and a concealer?
A: A color corrector neutralizes specific undertones (like peach for blue/purple dark circles, or green for redness) before you apply your foundation or concealer. Concealer then covers any remaining discoloration and matches your skin tone to create an even complexion. Think of the corrector as the first step to truly cancel out the dominant dark circle color, and concealer as the second step to seamlessly blend everything in.
Q2: How do I choose the right shade of make up for very dark circles under eyes?
A: For color correctors, identify the undertone of your dark circles:
* Blue/Purple circles: Opt for peach or orange correctors (like e.l.f. or Catrice’s warm brightener).
* Brown circles: A yellow or golden corrector might work best.
* Dullness/General brightening: Pink-toned brighteners (like Catrice’s pink brightener) are great.
For concealers, choose a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten, or one that perfectly matches your skin tone if you only need coverage without extra brightening.
Q3: Can makeup completely hide very dark circles?
A: While makeup can dramatically minimize the appearance of very dark circles, “completely hide” might be a strong claim for some cases. A combination of effective color correction, a good quality full-coverage concealer (like IT Cosmetics), proper application techniques, and sometimes even an underlying skincare routine can get you incredibly close to a flawless finish.
Q4: What skincare ingredients should I look for to help with dark circles?
A: Look for ingredients like:
* Caffeine: Reduces puffiness and constricts blood vessels.
* Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
* Vitamin C: Brightens skin and can help with hyperpigmentation.
* Retinol/Retinoids: Helps with cell turnover and collagen production (use sparingly around eyes).
* Peptides: Supports collagen production and skin firmness.
* Niacinamide: Improves skin tone and texture.
Products like Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel are great for incorporating these.
Q5: What’s the best order to apply under-eye makeup?
A: A common and effective order is:
1. Skincare (Eye Cream/Gel): Apply your hydrating eye gel or cream (like Good Molecules) and let it absorb fully.
2. Color Corrector: Apply a thin layer to the darkest areas of your dark circles, tapping gently to blend (e.g., Catrice brighteners, e.l.f. putty).
3. Concealer: Layer your chosen concealer (like IT Cosmetics) over the color corrector, blending outwards.
4. Setting Powder: Lightly set the area with a translucent or brightening powder to prevent creasing and extend wear.
Q6: How can I prevent under-eye makeup from creasing?
A: Several tricks help:
* Prep is key: Always moisturize the under-eye area well before makeup.
* Less is more: Use a very thin layer of product, especially with full-coverage concealers.
* Blend thoroughly: Ensure no excess product is sitting on the skin.
* Set lightly: Use a finely milled setting powder, applied sparingly with a fluffy brush or damp sponge.
* “Bake” lightly (optional): For extra setting, press a generous amount of powder onto the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush off the excess.
Q7: Are there home remedies that can help reduce dark circles?
A: While makeup offers instant coverage, some home remedies can help over time:
* Cold Compress: Reduces swelling and constricts blood vessels (cucumber slices, cold tea bags, chilled spoons).
* Adequate Sleep: Essential for overall skin health.
* Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
* Elevate Head While Sleeping: Can prevent fluid pooling under the eyes.
* Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses and SPF to prevent further pigmentation.
