I’ve Tried Countless Products For My Dark Under-Eye Circles. Here’s What Actually Makes Them Look Better

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Posted on Oct 21, 2026 UTC

I’ve had dark under-eye circles for as long as I can remember, and at this point, I’ve accepted that they’re probably not going anywhere. What I haven’t accepted is letting them win.

As a beauty writer, I’ve tried more concealers, color correctors, eye creams and under-eye treatments than I could possibly count in an effort to make the area look brighter and more refreshed. Along the way, I’ve found a handful of products that actually make a noticeable difference.

Below, I’m taking you through my all time favorite products for my dark under-eye circles, including color correctors, concealers and skincare products that make this notoriously tricky area look brighter, smoother and refreshed.

1. A virtually weightless color corrector that I can use without concealer

2. A creamier formula with fuller coverage

3. A multi-balm for deep hydration

The only thing worse than dark under-eye circles is dark under-eye circles and dryness. That’s why I always prep my under-eyes with this balm stick from D’Alba. Will it cover dark circles? No. But, it features a blend of hydrating and nourishing ingredients that help moisturize and smooth the delicate skin under the eyes, creating a much better base for my eventual color corrector and concealer application. (I also love that because it’s in stick form, there’s no risk of contamination dipping your fingers into a pot or squeezing out too much product.)

Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 

4. A retinal cream that smooths the under-eye surface

I don’t just rely on makeup to camouflage my dark circles. I also like to tackle them from a skincare standpoint, and this Medik8 eye cream has become one of my go-tos. I use it at night to help brighten and smooth my under-eye area over time, thanks to retinal, a vitamin A derivative that targets the look of uneven tone, fine lines and texture. While it obviously doesn’t make my dark circles disappear on contact the way a peachy corrector does, I find that my under-eyes look less dull and shadowy when I’m using it regularly. The added hydration is a major bonus, since smoother, plumper-looking skin also makes the darkness appear less pronounced — and gives me a much better canvas for concealer the next morning.

Get it from Amazon for $54 (available in three shades). 

5. A masking formula for when I want my circles out of sight

Full-coverage, easy to build up and perfectly creamy, this concealer from Charlotte Tilbury is what I reach for when I want my dark circles completely out of sight. The formula has enough pigment to cover even the darkest areas underneath my eyes, but it still feels lightweight and blends seamlessly into my skin rather than looking like a thick layer of makeup. I like to concentrate it right where I’m darkest — particularly around my inner corners — and then tap it outward with a sponge (or a brush if I need fuller coverage). One layer makes a major difference, but on especially rough dark-circle days, I can easily add a little more coverage without it looking heavy or cakey.

Get it from Amazon for $36 (available in 34 shades). 

6. A concealer that’s packed with skincare ingredients

One reason why I love this It Cosmetics concealer so much is that it not only covers dark circles beautifully, but it’s infused with ingredients to improve my under-eyes over time. There’s 2% niacinamide in it, which helps brighten the look of discoloration and uneven tone, plus hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the delicate under-eye area. It also features caffeine, an ingredient I especially like seeing in an under-eye product because it can help make tired-looking eyes appear more awake and refreshed.

Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in 30 shades).

7. These under-eye patches for a quick pick-me-up

Whenever my dark circles are looking particularly intense, I love throwing on these under-eye patches for a quick pick-me-up. They’re soaked in a serum that has niacinamide and caffeine to brighten and wake up tired, puffy under-eyes. I also love that the formula includes hemp seed oil and green tea extract to help soothe and hydrate. I don’t expect a pair of eye patches to permanently erase my dark circles, but these make the area look noticeably fresher and more luminous in the moment, especially when I use them before makeup. I’ll leave them on while I’m getting ready, peel them off and then go straight in with my color corrector and concealer.

Get them from Amazon for $34.