The Best Under Eye Concealers For Camouflaging Dark Circles

Everybody needs a good under eye concealer. Whether you’re looking to camouflage dark circles, disguise your lack-of-sleep bags or make your eyes look bigger, there are formulas that can help.

The trick is picking the concealer that will best work for your specific under eye needs. And when it comes to dark circles, it can vary.

Because there’s often a lot of confusion on the topic, we spoke to celebrity makeup artist Jade Kisnorbo to answer a few common questions.

Scroll down for her best under eye concealer tips and a curated edit of the best ones to shop.

What’s the best shade of under eye concealer for dark circles?

The answer to this question involves some makeup colour theory. “In order to find the right shade you have to understand what you are trying to cover,” says Jade.

If you have blue undertones under your eyes:

“I would recommend a yellow-based shade, one tone lighter than your skin. This will help to brighten and will cover the blue discolouration on your skin.”

If you have brown undertones under your eyes:

Jade suggests applying a peach/orange concealer. “The majority of my clients require this one,” she says.

Should under eye concealer always be a shade lighter than your foundation?

For Jade, this one is a yes with a caveat. “I would suggest using a concealer that is a shade lighter as it tends to brighten the area,” she says. “However, it’s important that the under eye concealer seamlessly vanishes into the foundation.” To achieve this, Jade recommends buffing in your foundation over the top.

What’s the best way to set under eye concealer?

Between baking and banana powder, there are so many methods of setting your concealer. “I would suggest using a light powder, as a lot of people can produce more oils under the eye,” recommends Jade. “Setting it with a fine powder can ensure that mascara doesn’t rub under the eye and concealer stays put.”

How can we stop concealer from creasing or budging?

According to Jade, it’s all in the skin prep. To avoid creasing, you should start by prepping the eye area with an eye cream. “An old-time favourite of mine is the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($52 at Adore Beauty) because it keeps the eyes plump and uses only natural ingredients including avocado.” If you’re particularly prone to creasing, you should avoid layering too many products. Jade also suggests warming up your concealer in between your hands before applying it.

Do you recommend a liquid or cream concealer?

“It depends on your skin type,” says Jade. “If you have dry skin, liquid concealers often emphasise that, so I would stick to a cream concealer. And if you have oily skin, I would recommend a liquid concealer.”

What is your best tip for hiding very dark under eye circles?

Again, colour correcting is key. “Try and understand what undertones your dark under circles are – blue or brown,” suggests Jade. Then, it all comes down to application. “The application is very important; once you have corrected the colour don’t be too heavy-handed. Jade recommends applying your under eye concealer with fingertips, over concealer brushes. 

The best under eye concealers in Australia

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

“As someone with genetically dark eye circles, this product is an absolute god-send. The corrector is thick and best applied using fingers to warm it, but it lives up to its name by neutralising the dark circles. Depending on how bad my eyes are at the time, I either use just the corrector or both the corrector and the concealer. An absolute must-have in my makeup bag.” – Darkstormchaser

$67 at Myer

Read Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit reviews

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

“The tiniest amount of this concealer will cover up ANYTHING. It reminds me of stage makeup, because of the amount of pigment and how heavy it is. I would reccomend mixing a tiny amount with a tiny drop of your fave facial oil, and using a beauty sponge soaked in warm water. If you are looking for the highest possible coverage, then look no futher.” – Tasha Salad

$42 at Sephora

Read more IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye reviews

M.A.C Studio Fix 24-Hour Concealer

“I have seriously hereditary dark under eyes and i’m always on the search for the best concealers which will suit my aging skin. This concealer (I have NC20) is awesome. It doesn’t cake or dry out my under eye area, has the best staying power ever and a great match to what my skin should be. the coverage is great and I don’t have to put a lot on.” – Joburkey

$42 at Myer

Read more M.A.C Studio Fix 24-Hour Concealer reviews

L’Oréal Paris True Match Concealer 

“I use this concealer to cover my dark circles and I really enjoy it since it doesn’t dry out or accentuate texture in my under eye area. It has a light weight, moisturising and medium coverage formula that blends very easily. It doesn’t cover my dark circles entirely but it perfect for everyday use.” – Bun

$14 at Woolworths

Read more L’Oréal Paris True Match Concealer reviews

Rimmel London Lasting Radiance Concealer

“This concealer makes my under eye area bright and fresh. I got the colour 010, Ivory which matches and blends perfectly with my foundation. This concealer gives me an awakened look and flawless skin. It is easy to blend into my skin with my finger.” – Beautybabe140194

$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Read more Rimmel London Lasting Radiance Concealer reviews

Maybelline New York FITme Concealer 

“this is such a good concealer and for the price, i constantly have one in my stash. the coverage that this gives is amazing and is comfortable sitting under my eyes. i never have a problem with creasing or product moving when i use this product.” – Deeknight

Read more Maybelline New York FITme Concealer reviews

jane iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer

“This is one of my favourite products. It is great for lightening and brightening the whole eye area. I not only use it under the eyes but also on the lid as a eye primer and to even out colour variation before applying shadow.”  – complete skincare _ Electrolysis

$57.60 at Adore Beauty

Read more jane iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer reviews

*This article has been updated since its original publication.

Follow Jade on Instagram at @jade__kmakeup.

Main image credit: @jade__kmakeup

Did you find Jade’s tips helpful? What’s your favourite under eye concealer?