Color Correctors That Cover Dark Circles and a Bad Night’s Sleep, We Tested to Know for Sure (2024)

Black Friday Deals

TL;DR

Our top pick is the Nars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector, thanks to its exceptional ability to neutralize dark circles and provide a seamless application. The cherry on top: it’s a long-wearing, crease-proof formula. If you’re looking for an affordable option that you can find at the drugstore, we highly recommend the e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it hydrates while camouflaging any discoloration.

Our Top Picks

Size: 0.2 oz | Available Shades: 4 | Finish: Radiant

Nars is known for its long-wearing and highly pigmented makeup, and this color corrector is no exception. The lightweight, buildable formula diminishes the darkest of circles. Coming in four peachy hues, it combats the deep blues and purples often found under the eyes. Our tester raved about the non-creasing formula and how easy it was to blend and use in her usual makeup routine. Plus, the radiant finish looks skin-like, so you can wear it on no-makeup makeup days or with a full glam look. We loved it so much that we wish it had a bigger applicator to cover larger areas, but the precise wand is great for getting close to the lash line. This pick checked all our boxes in terms of wear, consistency, coverage, and use.

Bianca, tester wearing shade medium-deep: “I used a sponge to blend out the formula, and it blended so well, I had to do a double take to make sure it was there! This did a great job of neutralizing the discoloration under my eyes and around my mouth. It not only lasted for hours, but it did not crease; I also think it helped my concealer last longer, too. It's the best one I've ever tried!”

Size: 0.09 oz | Available Shades: 5 | Finish: Satin

Finding an affordable color corrector that performs well may seem like a daunting task, but this wonder from e.l.f makes it easy. Simply apply the doe foot applicator under your eyes and watch hyperpigmentation instantly fade away. The thinner formula easily blends into the skin, and thanks to hyaluronic acid, it hydrates your under-eyes, giving them a radiant, lively look. What’s more, it comes in five different shades, including a blue to offset warm-toned foundations and concealers. We do wish there were more peachy shades to correct the under-eye area specifically, but if you can find a shade that suits you, we think you’ll be pleased with it. This long-wearing gem will leave you looking like you got a few extra hours of sleep.

Samantha, tester wearing shade peach: “As a woman of color with brown skin, I think this works well to lift or camouflage the dark color under the eye, and combined with my concealer, it does a great job of not making me look like I've been up all night.”

Size: 1.2 oz | Available Shades: 4 | Finish: Matte

A corrector that’s buildable without becoming cakey is key to a flawless makeup look. This buttery pot of gold from Charlotte Tilbury instantly transforms dark circles and disguises them in a brightening, velvety formula. Our tester effortlessly layered the product to her desired coverage (using just her fingers), noting how well it paired with her other products. The effects are depuffed, illuminated under-eyes, thanks to the flavonoid and mica-enriched formula.

The lightweight formula doesn’t get cakey or patchy, though the creamy texture does settle into creases a bit. We recommend applying a light layer of setting powder to prevent creasing throughout the day.

Lauren, tester wearing shade medium: “As a parent with two young children who don't sleep, I always have dark circles under my eyes. This definitely helped cover some of the darkness by neutralizing it with peach. It's creamy and light (not sheer, but light), so it really can build up.”

Size: 0.1 oz | Available Shades: 6 | Finish: Demi-matte

Darker skin tones require deeper pigments to neutralize dark undertones, and this standout from Live Tinted does just that and more. Infused with moisturizing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this creamy four-in-one multi-stick melts into the skin without getting cakey. Our tester easily blended the formula around his under-eyes, mouth, and T-zone, noting the excellent full-coverage and natural-looking finish. While he found the texture to be creamy and seamless to blend, it’s worth noting that some online reviewers say it’s a bit stiff to work with. So, we recommend warming up the stick on the back of your hand before applying it under your eyes.

Saleam, tester wearing shade origin: “This is a deeply pigmented, full-coverage product. There was no tugging, and the product seemed to melt as I applied it to my skin. However, it never became too heavy or cakey on me. It evened out my problem areas, but my skin still showed through.”

Size: 0.05 oz | Available Shades: 10 | Finish: Radiant

Dark circles don’t stand a chance against the Bobbi Brown Color Correct Under Eye Corrector. This compact completely erases dark circles while illuminating under-eyes. The satin-like formula comes in 10 shades—all pink and peach-based—that deliver a smooth and camouflaged finish under the eyes. Our tester loved how it covered her dark circles and appreciated that the formula is sweatproof and humidity-resistant. She noted that the texture was a bit stiff but found that warming it up and applying it with her fingertips helped it go on smoothly. No wonder this is a favorite among beauty editors and makeup artists.

Ally Hirschlag, Byrdie associate editorial director wearing shade porcelain peach: “I have very dark circles, and I'd say, sans concealer, this took the darkness down by about 80%. I like how easy it is to apply and how well the formula works with my concealer. I felt like I could use a lot less concealer, and the pigments complemented each other well.”

Size: 0.035, 0.225 oz | Available Shades: 5 | Finish: Radiant

If you’re searching for a corrector with some serious coverage, this pick from Tarte is your secret weapon. Available in five shades—including a green hue to cancel out any redness—this weightless product magically veils discoloration. The full-coverage formula uses a blend of vitamins, maracuja oil, niacinamide, and cloudberry to pack a luminous and hydrating punch. Since the formula lends itself on the runnier side, and a little goes a long way, be sure to use a light hand and build up as needed. But rest assured that this corrector will look just as good at the end of the day as when first applied, as it doesn’t crease, fade, or get oily. Bonus: Our tester found that it even worked well to neutralize her melasma.

Ashley, tester wearing shade peachy pink: “I am honestly amazed by how well this covers my dark circles. I have super dark circles, and this absolutely neutralizes the discoloration and brightens up my whole face as a result. I have received so many compliments since switching to this product.”

Size: 0.25 oz | Available Shades: 8 | Finish: Radiant

This color-correcting concealer is the secret to faking a full night’s rest. Like the name suggests, this pick instantly awakens your under-eye area, giving it a radiant and lively look. The noncomedogenic formula’s secret is hyaluronic acid, peptides, and a pearly sheen that hydrates and brightens the skin. The serum-like consistency left our tester’s skin silky and smooth sans creasing. While we noted that it doesn’t offer full-coverage pigment, the radiant finish is perfect for no-makeup makeup days. But, if you’re looking for a more perfected finish, we recommend topping it with a concealer.

Ashley, tester wearing shades golden hour and pale sun: “It's not a super pigmented product, but it does add a brightening and hydrating flair, which I loved. It appears silky and radiant once blended.”

Size: 0.21 oz | Available Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural

If you’re looking for customizable color correction, a palette is the right way to go. With two color-correcting and concealing shades, this cream compact allows you to mix and match to find your perfect camouflage. First, go in with the correcting colors to balance out hyperpigmentation. Then, layer the concealer on top to build coverage as needed. The result: diminished under-eye circles and a seamless, velvety finish.

This corrector is quite pigmented—you only need a bit at a time—so it will last quite a while before you need to repurchase. It’s important to note that our tester discovered the formula sets pretty quickly, so to avoid any creasing, we suggest using a setting powder.

Samantha, tester wearing shade light: “I like that this product offers four color correctors to work with that you can mix to create the coverage that you need. With the summer months and more exposure to the sun, my skin tends to get darker, and it lightens up in the winter, so this product is more accommodating to the change in my complexion.”

FAQ

• What is causing my dark circles?

  “There are two main overarching reasons that contribute to dark circles, including blood vessels that show through the skin and increased skin pigmentation,” says Dr. Rabach. “There are also genetic factors that are in play. These factors cause a decrease in collagen elasticity, making the blood vessels more visible,” she adds. She also explains that dehydration, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle and environmental stressors can cause the skin to be thinner, which makes blood and darkness underneath more visible.

• How do you get rid of dark circles?

  While more permanent options include chemical peels, surgery, or dermatological treatments, Dr. Zubritsky advises using eye creams, color correctors, concealer, and sunscreen to improve your dark circles.

• How do you apply color correctors to conceal dark circles?

  “I like to use color correctors overtop of moisturized skin and let it sit for five minutes, so it becomes tacky,” Malek shares. Then, she adds concealer and finishes with foundation on top. “If the discoloration is more prominent, I will go back in with a little concealer before powder,” she adds.

• What color should you use to cover dark circles?

  “The peachy, red colors help neutralize any purple and blue tones on the skin, so if someone has dark under-eyes, peach is usually used to combat those tones,” says Malek.

Amanda Rosenthal is a writer at Byrdie. She has been writing about beauty and skincare for several years and has extensively researched dozens of color correctors, including all the picks on this list.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough color correctors for dark circles from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.