So long, dark circles! These are the 10 best under-eye concealers, from £4
They’re the shortcut to faking 10 hours sleep and always the hardest working hero in your beauty bag. Here’s the ultimate guide to under-eye concealers
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The eyes are the area us beauty editors are most quizzed about – what’s the best mascara, the best eyeliner and of course, the best under-eye concealer? There’s good reason for this – the eyes are a mirror for what’s going on in our life, internally and externally.
“The skin here is thinner, more delicate, more expressive and often more dehydrated than the rest of your face,” says Sam Michalska, makeup artist and Ilia’s director of global education. That’s why if we’re slee deprived, dehydrated, stressed, eating badly or laughing (or crying) lots, it all shows up around the eyes. Hence a decent under-eye concealer will be the hardest working buy in your beauty bag.
There are so many different ones to choose from, however, that it can be hard to know where to start. According to the experts, hydration, finish and texture win over coverage every time. “I look for something nourishing, lightweight, radiant and buildable that still lets the skin breath through,” says Emily Wood, makeup artist and Revolution beauty partner. “Choosing your under-eye concealer based on what you actually want is important too – whether it’s brightening, correction or hydration.”
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Do you need a dedicated under-eye concealer?
In short, yes. “The under-eye area is so much thinner, so a lot of regular concealers can look too heavy, dry or flat under the eyes, especially in natural light,” says Emily. This is where creasing and product migrating towards fine lines can start to become an issue and create that cakey effect, which draws attention to half the things we’re looking to hide.
As for using foundation under the eyes, it’s designed for broader coverage across the face, and probably won’t contain the ingredients you need to support the more delicate skin. It’s a bit like eye cream vs face cream: each one brings different things to the skin, and you need both for the best results.
How to apply under-eye concealer
The pros recommend applying a few dots in the inner corners and then working outwards, rather than ‘blanketing’ the eye. As for blending, it’s down to you whether you use your fingers, a concealer brush or a sponge – the warmth from your fingers will always help melt the product into your skin, and it’s also a time saver. A good tip from Sam is to tilt your chin down when applying: “This exposes the darkest areas under the eyes so you can place the bulk of your product there first, rather than guessing,” she says.
If you’ve got more mature skin or noticeable fine lines you want to hide, prep is everything, and it’s advisable to apply a lightweight eye cream first. “This keeps the area hydrated but not slippery, and then start with thin layers of concealer and build it up. The key is choosing flexible formulas that move with the skin instead of drying it out,” says Emily. Enter the new serum-like textures that are far more flattering on the skin as opposed to full coverage, matte formulas that add no radiance or dimension.
It’s then down to you whether you want to ‘set’ your concealer, but you should consider your skin type and the finish you desire. You can apply a tiny bit of powder, but be mindful that less product on the skin will create a more radiant, natural effect.
Is it true you should go a shade lighter with under-eye concealer?
This is something that we were told years ago and that was compounded by the ‘baking’ makeup trend, where concealer was several shades lighter. For a natural look, the fairest you should go is half a shade lighter than your skin tone or stick to your natural skin tone. “Sometimes if you go lighter, it can actually make dark circles look more grey or prominent,” says Sam. “Undertone is often more important than depth and warmer undertones can help counteract blue or purple tones under the eyes. The goal is to create a smooth, natural finish, not an obviously highlighted area.” Always check your shade match in natural light too.
What do people get wrong with under-eye concealer?
As well as choosing a shade that’s too light, using too much product is another common mistake. We tend to think that more coverage will give better results, when in reality it draws attention to the area.“Also people often choose formulas that are too matte because they want longevity,” says Emily. “But a little radiance under the eyes makes the whole face look healthier and more youthful.”
Under-eye concealer vs colour corrector vs eye brightener: what’s the difference?
The clue is in the name: a brightener highlights rather than neutralises and can actually make dark circles more visible if used alone. A corrector neutralises the tone before any concealer goes on top and suits those with more darkness and discolouration beneath the eyes, while concealers create coverage and brightness. A lot of new concealers work to correct at the same time without adding weight or the need to apply multiple products, which is always a win.
Ready to discover the under-eye concealer for you? Here are my picks.
The 10 best under-eye concealers
Best under-eye concealer for mature skin:
Ilia Beauty Skin Blur Serum Concealer, £30
With neutral undertones and available in 34 shades, this is exactly the sort of texture you want from a concealer, especially if you are looking to hide fine lines. Self-setting, which means you don’t have to concern yourself with adding powder on top, it’s also infused with skincare ingredients such as peptides to reduce the look of wrinkles over time. Moving naturally with the skin, it stays looking smooth and refined.
SHOPBest multitasking under-eye concealer:
Tir Tir Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer, £13
A cult brand from Korea, Tir Tir knows how to get skin right. This is a fabulous multitasker thanks to the stick concealer that lends itself to larger areas and blemishes, and then the liquid concealer, which is ideal for under the eyes. Both are divinely creamy and blend really well with your fingers. If you like to take your makeup out with you for top-ups, this will become a staple.
SHOPBest under-eye concealer for oily skin:
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, £31
This contains the same ‘power blur technology’ as the brand’s foundation. It smooths the appearance of skin, making dark circles, puffiness and fine lines fade into the background. Texturally, it’s quite thick, which means it gives good coverage, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It’s also long-wearing, and it comes in a sizeable tube, so it should last a decent amount of time. To help you colour match, pick your shade first and then your undertone, which makes it far easier to get right, especially if you’re buying it online.
SHOPBest under-eye concealer for dry skin:
Jane Iredale Skintuition Brightening Under Eye Concealer, £29
This is packed with skincare ingredients including a peptide complex, niacinamide, and a bioactive marine extract that work in synergy to brighten the under-eye area and defend against free radical damage, which causes fine lines. It has clinical trials behind it, with users reporting an improvement in the look of dark circles and an immediate increase in skin hydration. In 16 shades and with a click pen dispenser, you can blend it with the brush or dab it in using your finger.
SHOPBest under-eye concealer for adding radiance:
Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer Natural Healthy Glow, £42
With 89 per cent skincare ingredients, this new Chanel concealer is another serum-style formula that keeps the skin under the eyes hydrated all day. It’s comfortable and light to wear, and the ceramic applicator is pleasantly cooling with a shape that allows you to get into the inner corners of your eyes where shadows can look darker. Worth the investment.
Best under-eye concealer that can be used all over:
Elf soft glam satin concealer, £5
Offering medium coverage, this hasn’t got the glide of some of the serum or more lightweight concealers, but that’s because it’s not specifically for under the eyes and can be used all over the face. Despite that, it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the skin, and it does hide dark circles well. It also contains a hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid, so you don’t have to worry about your skin feeling dry. A total bargain.
SHOPBest budget under-eye concealer:
PS Pro Illuminating Concealer Pen, £4
Another bargain! Primark has relaunched its makeup range, which includes this illuminating concealer pen. It has a click mechanism, which is convenient and mess-free. It also means you can target specific areas and blend it in using a mix of the brush and your fingers. It’s lightweight and has an illuminating finish, so be a bit wary if you have excessive dark circles (remember anything too brightening can actually make them look worse). Despite the low price tag, it also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep moisture levels topped up.
SHOPBest under-eye concealer for applying on the go:
Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer, £22
Not specifically marketed for under eyes, but with a subtle dewy finish and no heaviness, this covers dark circles as well as blemishes. The travel-friendly pot also means it’s great for shoving in your bag, and because you just dab with your fingers and apply, there’s less risk of applying too much, so you can build it up as and where you need the coverage. Sweat and crease resistant, it also gives a really smooth finish.
SHOPBest under-eye concealer for hydration:
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Concealer, £26
Forming part of the Hydro Grip collection that’s known for its skincare ingredients, this contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, a skin barrier strengthening complex plus the famous blue agave extract that gives the formulas their grip and staying power. Despite being in a stick, the gel-to-cream formula means it glides on beautifully so you can swipe it under your eyes rather than dabbing or dotting it on, then blend with your fingers. It also moves with the skin rather than just ‘sitting’ on top. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it’s got great staying power too.
SHOPBest lightweight under-eye concealer:
Revolution Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener & Concealer, £8.99
Lightweight and sheer but still buildable, this is a brilliant option if you want to try one of the new serum concealers but don’t want to spend a fortune. The metal tip applicator feels cool on the skin and because it doesn’t absorb the formula like a sponge applicator might, it gives you just the right amount of product when you dab it on. Giving the under-eye area a fresh, dewy finish that lasts well throughout the day, it’s enriched with everyone’s favourite hydrator, hyaluronic acid.
SHOP
