11 Best Concealers for Dark Circles and Blemishes

A good concealer is worth its weight in gold, and we’re always on the hunt for a long-lasting, lightweight formula that feels like nothing but does it ALL. We’re looking for concealers that brighten, conceal blemishes and have everyone asking our sleep secrets. So we’ve put together our tried and trusted concealers for different skin types, textures and needs right here. Just browse the list and see if you fall for a new favourite. 

What is concealer used for and what does it do? 

Whether you want to hide blemishes or highlight the contours of your face, concealer really does do it all. Typically in a cream or liquid form, you can be sure to find a variety of shades to match your skin tone. Used for imperfections on the skin, concealer is effective in concealing acne, pimples, and scars by providing extra coverage to those areas. Late night? No problem, concealer is *the* perfect cover up for dark circles under the eyes.

Concealer can help to even out skin tone by covering areas of hyperpigmentation and reduce redness from conditions like Rosacea or general skin irritation. We love using it to highlight our natural beauty and features we're particularly proud of, such as the bridge of the nose and the centre of the forehead. 

How to apply concealer 

If you've gone through years of trials and tribulations of not knowing how to use concealer, you can put your trust in our concealer technique. Whether you like to use a concealer brush, a sponge or channel your inner artist with some finger painting, we’ve got the top tips for how to stop concealer from creasing. Crease-free concealer application, coming right up.

Once you've prepped your complexion with skincare, start by applying powder in the area you want to cover, then go in with your concealer, starting with a little, and finally back in with your powder for a stay-all-day finish. If you’re always asking where to put concealer, we would suggest applying anywhere you want to brighten - you can even use instead of foundation to let your natural skin shine.

And for those hoping to conceal blemishes, less is always more. Applying too much product can accentuate fine lines and create a cakey appearance. Dab a small amount onto wherever you want to cover, blend well to avoid any harsh lines, then set with a little translucent setting powder, using a small, fluffy brush to apply lightly. As a finishing touch, check the areas where you've applied concealer in natural light to ensure it looks seamless.

How to cover eye circles and conceal under eye bags

Fifty shades of dark circles under your eyes? You need the sleep secrets for faking a full eight hours. That's where concealer steps in. Covering dark circles and concealing under-eye bags can make all the difference in brightening your eyes and creating a refreshed appearance. 

Prior to concealing, you want to start with clean, moisturised skin. This is the most important step (along with applying a good eye cream) to help hydrate the under-eye area and create a smoother surface for your concealer to sit. When choosing your concealer shade, consider one with a peach undertone, as this can help neutralise the blue or purple hues that come with dark circles. You can also apply a peach or orange-toned colour corrector under your concealer if your dark circles are particularly pronounced. 

Using a concealer brush or your fingertip, apply your concealer in a triangular shape with the base along your lower lash line and the point extending toward your cheek. This is the perfect shape not only for covering dark circles, but also for brightening and lifting the eyes. As your under-eye skin is so delicate, be mindful not to tug or pull the skin when blending gently with a makeup sponge or brush.

For under-eye bags, focus on applying concealer to the darkest part, usually near the inner corner of the eye and avoid applying too much product. Once you're happy with the amount of coverage, set your concealer with a small amount of setting powder to prevent creasing and make it last. Our top tip? We love putting a pop of reflective highlighter on the inner corners to add a little extra light to your eye area. Set with your fave setting spray and you're good to go. 

How to choose concealer shades

Feel instantly more confident with the right concealer shade for your skin tone. Choosing a concealer shade all depends on what you're using it for. If you're covering blemishes or imperfections, you want to choose a shade that closely matches your natural skin tone and blends in seamlessly. Brightening areas of your face? Go slightly lighter with a concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone, helping to create a more illuminated, lifted appearance.

As concealers come in different undertones, such as cool (pink or blue undertones), warm (yellow or golden undertones), and neutral, you should opt for a concealer that complements the undertones of your skin to achieve a harmonious look. When possible, test concealer shades along your jawline in natural light for a more accurate representation of how it looks on your skin. And if you're a foundation wearer, both your concealer and foundation should work together to complement your skin.

You may need to adapt your concealer shades for different areas of your face and specific skin concerns. If you're still unsure about which concealer shade to choose, don't hesitate to ask our wonderful beauty advisors in our Sephora stores who can help you find what shade works best for your unique skin tone. 

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 27 November 2023