I Have Dark Under-Eye Circles—These Are the Only 11 Concealers That Work for Me

Although this concealer has a matte finish, it manages to look impressively skin-like. In a handy pot, it's super easy to apply—just stick your finger in and dab the creamy formula into the areas you need it most. Not only does it work a treat at covering up angry, red spots, but it also does a stand-up job at disguising dark circles. If you have dry skin, you might benefit from a layer of moisturiser underneath to help give it some slip, but other than that I have no critique. It's just excellent. It's so good, in fact, that I've bought it four times, and I'll continue to do so forever more.

You might be surprised to learn that the iconic Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer doesn't feature on this list. Although I adore the hydrating, creamy, skin-like finish, I personally think this stuff is better. Its creamy nature doesn't make it quite as full-coverage or as long-lasting as the aforementioned Nars Soft Matte, but the creamy formula stretches far (making it the perfect alternative to a full face of foundation), and it does a truly outstanding job at evening out skin tone.

Despite the fact that Ilia's True Skin Serum Concealer is new to my collection, I've used it every single day since having it. In all honesty, I'm not sure I ever want to be without it again. Formulated with impressive skincare ingredients, it has a skin-like, natural-looking finish that puts every other concealer out there to shame. Is it the most full-coverage I've ever used? No, but that's the beauty of it. My dark circles and red zits are visibly reduced, though, leaving my complexion looking happy, healthy and glowing.

I've said it once before, but I'll say it again: When it comes to this concealer, you don't really need it. At $75, it's the very definition of an unnecessary luxury purchase. However, it's so good that I would consider it irresponsible to leave it off this list. The closest thing on this list that I can liken it to would be Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, but this stuff is a little bit creamier and less drying on the skin. I know models and makeup artists who swear by it for covering up under-eye bags during fashion month for the simple fact that it really is the best. Can you get similar results for a fraction of the price? You better believe it. But if you have the money to spend, this is a good way to spend it.

I'm not a fan of Estée Lauder's iconic Double Wear foundation—I find it too full-coverage and mattifying on the skin. This concealer, however, is stunning. In place of foundation, I swipe the doe foot liberally under my eyes, around my nose, and in any areas of unwanted redness for an impressively even-looking complexion in a matter of seconds. If I needed a concealer to last all day and all night without any major need for reapplication, I'd reach for this.

Another stellar budget buy, this stuff is beautiful. Ideal for no-makeup makeup days, it has a serum-like finish that leaves skin looking hydrated and plump. (Dry skin is to be avoided when it comes to concealer application, particularly if you want to steer clear of patching and creasing.) Formulated with cica, it helps to take down redness while it works to disguise everything else without leaving any greasy-looking "glow" behind.

I couldn't believe how much I loved this concealer when I first tried it. KVD Beauty is not a brand I'd typically go for. Known for its avant-garde looks and full-coverage formulas, I assumed it would be far too cakey for me, but my gosh was I wrong. Just the smallest of dabs will have it covering up everything in its tracks. Once applied to the skin, the cream formula transforms into a malleable putty that quite literally disguises everything it touches.

An oldie but a goodie, Boi-ing has been in my rotation since I was a teenager. In fact, it was the first concealer I ever fell in love with thanks to its ability to eradicate every trace of my dark circles. Over the years, the formula has changed somewhat (originally I used the balm-like version that came in a compact), but it's just gotten better and better. Another concealer that is ideal for applying only where you need it on non-foundation days, it gives the illusion of airbrushed skin without any of the usual telltale signs you're wearing makeup.

A warning: If you have dry skin, you'll probably hate this stuff. However, if you have oily skin or have just applied a fresh layer of hydration, it is absolute perfection. Its high-coverage, precise nature makes it an absolute winner for covering up spots. While you might want something a little easier to blend for under-eye circles and bags, when you wake up to an angry zit, this is the makeup product you want on hand.

I'll admit it took me a few weeks to try this after getting my hands on it. Historically, I'm not a big lover of Charlotte Tilbury's base products. However, given the fact I adore this concealer's sister product, Beautiful Skin Hydrating Foundation, and after I saw several beauty editors raving about its high-coverage formula, I thought I'd give it a go. Needless to say, it was love at first swipe. It's nourishing and glow-boosting in a way that doesn't leave you longing for powder. Truly skin-like, it disguises uneven tone and dark circles without covering them up completely, meaning it will never leave your complexion looking flat.

I've been clinging on to a tube of this since about 2013, when every beauty YouTuber out there voted it their number one concealer. A few months ago, I was sent a new one (which was a miracle because mine was disgustingly out of date and totally unusable), and I've rediscovered my love for it all over again. It's creamy, blendable, full-coverage, and beautifully pore-blurring. If you've never had the joy of using Shape Tape, consider 2023 your year.