Today I’m sharing my top 5 under eye concealers to help cover up those pesky dark circles to help you look your best!
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Happy Monday, ya’ll! Today I’m excited to be starting a new blog series, where I’ll be sharing my top 5 products in each makeup category. Up first is concealers, but let me know in the comments which category you’d like to see next on the list! Also, a quick thanks to everyone who completed my blogging survey! I really appreciate the feedback I received and I’m excited to start incorporating some new ideas! 🙂
Top 5 Under Eye Concealers
Ugh, the dreaded dark under eye circles. Some of us have them due to lack of sleep or allergies, while others are genetically cursed with them (like me). Regardless, I think we all can agree they are a pain to deal with and it’d be awesome if they’d simply go away. While I’ve yet to find a magic potion, pill, or cream to make them disappear for good, over the years I have been able to find some of the best concealers out there to cover up those pesky under eye circles, and today I’m sharing with you my top 5!
L’Oreal Visible Lift Blur Concealer– I’ve talked about this concealer before in my monthly favorites, but this is probably the one concealer that I always find myself coming back to. Even though it is drugstore, I think it is hands down better than most high end concealers. It has outstanding coverage and the opti-blur technology really does a great job of blending in with skin for natural looking coverage. Also, if you have fine lines under your eyes, this concealer does a great job of helping conceal without settling into those. Hands down, my fave drugstore concealer!
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer– On the high end spectrum, the Nars creamy concealer can’t be beat. On days where my under eye circles are in full blast mode, this concealer is my saving grace and does such a great job of lasting all day long. I will say that with the creamy consistency, a little of this product goes a long way. Typically just one swipe of product will do both under eye areas as well as my t-zone. Although this product is a slight splurge to some of the other products mentioned today, it’s well worth it in my opinion, simply due to the quality.
Rimmel London Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter– Another drugstore fave is the Rimmel London 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter. Not only does this product conceal but it also brightens the under eye area, and can serve as a highlighting stick when contouring/highlighting. The coverage is great and it really does a great job of brightening up any dark spots under the eyes. I also really like the applicator, as it provides an even finish. All in all, a great multi-use product!
NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer– Another recent monthly fave is the NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer. This stuff is ah-mazing! With a thicker consistency, it definitely has great coverage, but it’s not cakey at all like most thick concealers. Instead it is super creamy and brightens the under eye area like nobody’s business. Now that the colder weather has hit, I’ve also been using this product under my nose and on my chin to counteract any redness. I find this product applies best using a damp real techniques blending sponge.
NYX HD Concealer/Color Corrector in Yellow– Last but certainly not least is the NYX HD Color Correcting Concealer. I actually don’t use this product by itself, but instead I use it in combination with another brightening concealer. Typically I will use the Nars concealer or L’Oreal concealer, then top it with a few swipes of this to get rid of any remaining darkness.
Setting Under Eye Concealer
Of course, the most important step with under eye concealers is setting it! For setting my under eye area, I use e.l.f. Translucent HD Setting Powder, a damp Real Techniques Miracle Sponge, and the Real Techniques Setting Brush. After applying my concealer to the under eye area in a v shape, I use the damp sponge to blend the product outward towards my cheeks. You want to do this so it looks more natural, plus doing this helps bring the attention away from the under eye area. To set my under eye area, I typically use one of two techniques, including a quick set, everyday method, or a long-lasting baking method.
Everyday Setting: Using the setting brush, I begin applying a small amount of translucent powder under each eye area in a stippling motion. Once I’ve added the desired amount of product, I gently sweep back and forth to get rid of excess product. This is what I typically do on a busy work day or when I’m in a hurry.
Long-Lasting Baking Technique: Making sure that none of the concealer product has settled into creases, I dip the other end of my damp sponge into the translucent powder and pat onto the under eye area. After a few minutes, I go in with my brush and dust all of the extra product away. I use this technique when I’m wearing a full-coverage makeup look and I want to ensure my product lasts all day.
- Read Next: Color Correcting 101 for Makeup Beginners
Do you struggle with under eye circles? Have another fave to add to the list? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by! -Cara
I recently purchased a NYX highlight and contour combo thinking the highlight part was concealer…. (blonde moment), but I have to say I really like it! I do want to try the NYX concealers you have mentioned for a more full coverage, but I definitely recommend the combo product if you are into contouring!
Oh I’ll have to check that out! 🙂
I love concealers! It’s a must have for me, I love the Rimmel match perfection, it’s actually my favorite. I also have tried the NYX concealer and I like it. I do want to try the Nars creamy concealer because I’ve heard great things about it. Thanks Cara!
The Rimmel one is one of my top faves! The Nars is a good one to have for special occasions/full-faced makeup looks. 🙂
That l’oreal paris concealer and the nyx waterpoof look good, i definitely need to try both out!
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
Hope you like them! 🙂
Thanks for sharing these! I have chronic dark circles.
Me too- it’s a curse lol
I’m loving the Maybelline Fit Me concealer. I love the way that it lasts. I’ve wanted to try the NYX ones for a while now.
A couple others have mentioned it today. I’ll have to give it a try!
I”ve heard great things about NARS under eye concealer. My favorite for under eye is the Maybelline Age Rewind!
I have that one because so many recommended it, but unfortunately it hasn’t worked that well for me. Mine was really runny and didn’t stick well, but maybe I just need to shake it up or something lol.
I’ve never met a NARS product I didn’t love. I need to try this one! Thanks for the tips, mama. xo
Agreed! Their blushes are gorgeous! 🙂
I never use separate powder under my eyes
Using loose powder under the eyes helps in avoiding that cakey look that pressed powder can sometimes give you. It’s what I’ve found works best for me, but of course sometimes different things work for different people. 🙂
I love maybellines age rewind in brightened for under my eyes. I’ve been wanting to try the NYX HD forever!
They actually have a couple of choices to pick from that help conceal different things (dark circles, redness, and then just a regular concealer). I use the one for dark circles and it’s awesome! 🙂
I am such a huge fan of that Rimmel concealer! It’s the one concealer that I buy over and over again.
It’s been a fave of mine for about two years now! It really helps brighten the undereye area too! 🙂
I just bought the Nars concealer in the VIB sale. I hope I like it and it works for me!
Yay! Hope you like it! 🙂
I use Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer to work and whatnot daily, but I’m definitely a fan of NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer for special occasions (it’s quite pricey here in Australia). It’s got an amazing formula, and I love how brightening the shade ‘Chantilly’ is. Great picks. 🙂
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
That’s the one I have! And yes, agreed it is a bit expensive so I try not to use it all the time but it works great for special occasions. 🙂
This is so perfect for me right now. I just bought the absolute worst concealer and I need to replace it asap. I think I’m going to splurge and buy the NARS one 🙂
I’m starting to realize that sometimes drugstore brands just don’t cut it. I also wear makeup 95% of the time (even though I wish I didn’t) and concealer is something I use every single day, so I might as well spend a bit more to get something that works!
Me too! Sometimes it honestly is worth splurging when you know you’ll be using it everyday. I would recommend trying the Loreal one though if you haven’t. It’s just as good as some of the higher end ones! 🙂
These look great but i have tried 3 out of 4 of them and everything breaks me out. I am allergic to everything, it makes me sad. I have found Bare Mineral’s has a concealer, it’s great!
Oh no! I hate to hear that, but if you’ve found a line that works well for your skin, I’d definitely stick with that. I’ve heard nothing but good things about bare mineral products. 🙂
I’m genetically “blessed” with them, too. lol I’ve been researching this same topic for a post, so I’ve been testing out different concealers. I’ll add L’Oreal to my list since I need something that doesn’t settle into my fine lines.
xoxo, erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com
It’s an inexpensive option that has great coverage!
I have not used any of these concealers before. I have heard so many great things about the NARS one. I am currently using the Urban Decay Naked Skin one and love it. I need to try out some of these other concealers soon!
A couple others have mentioned the Urban Decay one- I’ll have to look into that!
I’ve been genetically cursed with dark circles as well, and am a huge advocate of the NARS Creamy Concealer! I need to check to start setting my concealer, and have never been failed by ELF products <3
Just a quick sweep of the elf setting powder under the eyes keeps my concealer looking good all day long! 🙂
I’ve not had success with the second NYX concealor, but I’d try the one before that. The one I us (YSL) is pricey but it works.
The NYX one is definitely on the thicker side so a little goes a long way with it. I can see how that one might not work for all skin types.
Between grad school finals and the holidays I need all of these! Thanks for the list!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Hope you find one that works for you! 🙂
What a great list! I have been looking for a good concealer I’ll have to give these a try!
Thanks! I’ve tried a lot of concealers over the years and so far these are the best of the best for me! 🙂
Oh girl, this came at exactly the right time! I have been sick with a terrible chest cold and coughing all night long and barely getting any sleep so the bags under my eyes have been terrible, I’m going to get one of these ASAP.
Oh no! Hope you feel better soon! It seems like the crud is going around this time of year. 🙁
The Visible Lift Opti-Blur is one of my favorites!!
The coverage is so good! 🙂
Nice selection, i use that Nars concealer and it is great, but would love to try something new xo
http://www.theninebyivana.blogspot.com
Hope you find one you love!
Oh how I needed this blog post. XD My eyes always have dark circles around them, I’m not very good at sleep. Thanks for these tips! 😉
Glad you found it helpful! I like sleep but rarely get it haha. 😉
I am always on the hunt for a new and improved under eye concealer. A good one is so hard to find. I especially love your description of how to set the under eye area. I cannot wait to try these tricks 🙂
Thanks! Hope it helped! 🙂
I have the worst dark circles and always have since childhood! I have used the NYX HD and currently use the Maybelline Master Conceal over the NYX Dark Circle Concealer. I need to try L’Oreal Visible Lift Blur Concealer!
I’m right there with ya, girl! Getting more sleep does help lessen the appearance of mine, but no matter what they’re always there, so I’ve just tried to find products to help conceal it. Hope these tips helped! 🙂
I’m a big fan of the fit me from maybelliene too!
http://moosmusing.com
Several others mentioned that line, I’ll have to check it out!
Glad to hear NARS made your list! I just bought their concealer to try out!
Yay! It’s a great product with good coverage! 🙂
I’m pinning this because these look like some great products. I’ll definitely get the NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer. I had no idea that setting under eye concealer is a thing but i’ll be looking into getting that too!
Some people have luck in not setting the under eye area, but mine always creases if I don’t. Hope the tips helped! 🙂
I’ve never tried your favorite one! And I’m almost out of my current one, so I’ll have to give it a try!
Hope it works well for you! 🙂
I will definitely have to check these out. Between grad school and a baby who is not yet sleeping through the night, I have been noticing the circles more and more!
Hope the baby starts sleeping better soon- I know that can be rough! 🙂
I haven’t tried any of these but I do love NYX so the next time I’m in there I’ll have to snag one.
With Love Rochelle
http://www.withloverochelle.com
Hope they work well for you! 🙂
Those NYX concealers are intriguing. I have the worst undereye circles, so this post is so helpful to me!
I do too, so having a good concealer is a must-have for me! 🙂
I love love love the NYX Cosmetics HD Concealer but I also love the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind & Fit Me as far as drugstore. Otherwise for high end I use the Tarte Amazonian Clay concealer that stuff is AMAZING!
I do like the Maybelline one too, it was probably a runner-up choice lol. I also love Tarte’s Amazonian Clay line as far as coverage goes, but where I have drier skin it tends to cake up on me if I’m not careful.
I recently purchased a concealer from L’Oreal that said it was from their Visible Blur line…but it was in different packaging. NOT good! I don’t know if it’s new or what, but it’s so liquidy and has zero coverage. I bought it thinking it was the one you mentioned and loved, but I think that one can only be found at Walgreens now. I really want to give it a try. I’ve tried tons of concealers…I have horrible dark under eye circles and there isn’t a whole lot that I love from the drugstore.
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Yeah there are a couple of different ones, I think one is a roller type concealer- it’s not good! But the other one from the Visible Blur line is awesome, and I highly recommend it. Hope this helps! 🙂
This is so good to know. I have such issues with that problem. I use the Garnier under eye concealer & love it but am intrigued by other products.
Oh the tinted one? I’ve always wondered if the coverage was good on that one!
I have the hardest time with concealers. No matter how I apply or set them, most of them crease terribly on me and look worse than if I had worn nothing! NARS is included in that. I have Age Rewind right now and while it isn’t the best thing out there, it is serving the purpose. I heard great things about MAC radiant one and I think I am going to try it next. Sometimes eventually has to work for me, right?
What type of skin do you have? Dry, oily, or combo? Finding a good concealer has a lot to do with your skin type, and of course application can make all the difference. I’ll be doing a post and maybe even a video tutorial on applying concealer soon so I hope I can help! Let me know if there are specifics you want me to talk about! 🙂
I have combo skin but under my eyes is super dry and I have fine lines. Lots of them.
the only under eye concealer that has worked for me, keeps my skin from drying out and doesn’t have that cakey look at the end of the day is giorgio armani master concealer. it’s hella expensive but amazing in terms of coverage and is perfect for my skin tone.
Sometimes it’s worth that extra splurge for a good concealer, I definitely can back you up on that one. I may swatch it sometime in store to see. 🙂
I’ve been using the NYX one and so far I’m happy with it. Thankfully I don’t really have to deal with dark circles under my eyes but I will also use it on other troubled areas on my face. Great list to check out others! Beautifully Candid
Glad to hear you’re liking the NYX one! 🙂
I’ve never set my under eye concealer so I’ll have to give your routine a try!
I don’t know if you deal with your’s creasing, but mine does and setting it has made such a difference in it lasting all day and not creasing/smearing. Hope it helps! 🙂
I swear by my elf setting powder – miracle worker!! Pinning this to refer back to!
Woo hoo! I always love hearing when other people use it! It blows my mind that people spend $50 on setting powder when you can buy it for $6. lol
Under eye concealer is what I wear everyday no matter what! I use benefit’s but I think I am going to try some of these!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
I’ve never tried theirs- which one specifically do you use? And yes I’m right there with ya- it’s a must for me to wear it or people think I’m sickly lol.
Cara I always depend on you to keep me up to date and let me know the best make up to check out.
So happy to hear that, Candy! I try to be honest/unbiased with all my reviews! 🙂
I have been wanting to try the ELF under eye setting concealer I just keep forgetting to buy it when I am at target!
It rocks! Just as good as the more expensive kinds, if not better! 🙂
I haven’t tried ANY of your drugstore suggestions! Will give the NYX one a go soon. I just need to get through the 7 other concealers currently in my drawer… #firstworldproblems
I can completely relate… lol Except my hoarding problem is lipsticks.
The only one I’ve tried is the NARS concealer and I agree that it’s one of the best! Totally worth the splurge!
A good concealer is definitely worth the splurge!
I haven’t tried any of these yet, thanks for the tips. I also love e.l.f. products but haven’t tried their setting powder yet, will need to pick some up the next time I am out =)
It’s so good! I would never spend $30-$40 on setting powder when I can get it for $6 and it works awesome lol
I love the NARS concealer! And I need to try out some of the other picks you mentioned here. Thanks for sharing, Cara!
Glad to hear you like the Nars one too! 🙂
Nice selection you have there! 🙂 I’m a big fan of Nars concealer and loved your tips on setting it! x
Thanks! The Nars concealer has great coverage!
I actually loved that NYX HD concealer when I had it but heard their peach one is the best when it comes to dark circles. I have yet to try it (or any of these yet!) but really need to since I’m not loving anything I have tried…heredity and an 18 month old who wakes up at 3am everyday isn’t helping!
I feel you! I never get as much sleep as I should lately. I’ll check out their peach one!