Your Under-Eye Concealer Guide: Shade, Placement & Mistakes to Avoid
Ever applied concealer only to find it creasing, looking cakey or somehow making your dark circles more noticeable? You're not alone. The secret to a brighter, fresher-looking under-eye isn't more product - it's understanding what's causing the darkness, choosing the right shade and placing it where it matters most.
Not All Dark Circles Are the Same
Before picking a concealer, it helps to know what you're working with. Most people have a mix of different under-eye concerns rather than just one.
Brown or grey tones are often linked to pigmentation.
Blue or purple tones are usually caused by visible blood vessels beneath the skin.
Tear troughs and hollows create shadows that can make the under-eye area appear darker.
Puffiness can deepen nearby shadows and exaggerate darkness.
Did you know? Dark circles aren't always caused by lack of sleep. Genetics, skin thickness and facial structure often play a much bigger role.
Choose Your Concealer Shade Carefully
One of the biggest concealer myths is that lighter is always better.
If you're wondering how to choose concealer shades, the answer depends on what you're trying to achieve. For brightening under the eyes, many makeup artists recommend choosing a concealer that's around one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Going much lighter can create a grey or ashy effect rather than the fresh, lifted look you're after.
As Sophia Ghwedar, Sephora UK's Senior Category Manager, explains, undertones matter too. Warmer skin tones often suit yellow or peach-based concealers, while cooler skin tones tend to be flattered by pink-toned shades.
For blemishes and redness elsewhere on the face, an exact skin-tone match will usually create the most seamless finish.
When Colour Correction Makes More Sense
Pink and peach correctors help neutralise blue and purple under-eyes.
Orange and red correctors work particularly well on deeper skin tones.
Green correctors can help minimise redness.
A simple rule we love: correct first, conceal second. By neutralising darkness beforehand, you'll usually need less concealer and achieve a smoother, more natural-looking finish.
How to Cover Eye Circles and Conceal Under-Eye Bags
If you've spent any time on TikTok recently, you've probably seen creators abandoning the oversized under-eye triangle and we're fully on board.
When it comes to how to cover eye circles and conceal under-eye bags, today's makeup artists focus on strategic placement rather than maximum coverage.
Instead of covering the entire under-eye area, apply concealer to:
- The inner corner, where darkness is usually most concentrated
- The outer corner, using a small upward stroke for a subtle lifting effect
For puffiness, try placing concealer just beneath the shadow created by the under-eye bag rather than directly on the puffiness itself. This helps reflect light and creates a smoother, brighter appearance.
Why are we loving this technique at Sephora UK? Because it creates brightness and definition with less product, helping the under-eye area look fresh, smooth and natural.
Remember: when it comes to concealer, smarter placement almost always beats heavier coverage.
How to Apply Concealer for a Smooth, Crease-Free Finish
Ask almost any makeup artist for their best tip on how to apply concealer, and chances are they'll mention skincare first.
In fact, many professionals believe successful concealer application is 80% preparation and 20% makeup. Well-hydrated skin helps concealer blend seamlessly, sit comfortably and maintain a fresh-looking finish throughout the day.
Dry skin can pull moisture from concealer, leaving pigment behind that settles into fine lines and texture. On the other hand, rich eye creams that haven't fully absorbed can cause concealer to slide and separate.
The sweet spot? Hydrated skin with enough time for your skincare to absorb before makeup.
Foundation Before Concealer? Absolutely.
One expert trick that's stood the test of time is applying foundation before concealer. Creating an even-looking base first helps you see exactly where additional coverage is needed, preventing product overload and helping the result look more natural.
Less product almost always means less creasing and that's a beauty rule we'll always stand by at Sephora UK.
Choose the Right Texture for the Job
Not all concealers are designed to do the same thing.
According to Sophia Ghwedar, Sephora UK's Senior Category Manager, the under-eye area usually benefits from a light-reflecting formula that's around one shade lighter than your skin tone. This creates subtle brightness for everyday wear without looking heavy.
For evenings or occasions, she recommends pairing concealer with a brightener or colour corrector to create even more lift and help counteract darkness. For a lighter, more natural look, a brightener or corrector can even be worn alone - perfect for no-makeup makeup days or summer beauty routines.
When it comes to blemishes and redness elsewhere on the face, Sophia advises opting for a richer formula that closely matches your skin tone for the most seamless finish.
Why Does Concealer Crease?
If your concealer settles into fine lines by midday, you're not alone. The biggest culprit is often using too much product, especially in an area that moves constantly throughout the day.
Skincare can also play a role. Dry under-eyes can make concealer cling to texture, while rich eye creams that haven't fully absorbed may cause it to slide.
To help minimise creasing:
Use less product than you think you need
Allow skincare to absorb fully
Blend thoroughly
Set lightly with setting powder
Finish with your favourite setting spray
Sophia also recommends avoiding heavy layers close to the lower lash line. Instead, focus on areas of darkness and blend outwards for a smoother, more natural-looking finish.
Concealer Tips for Mature Skin
When it comes to mature skin, less is often more. Choose lightweight, hydrating concealers that move with the skin and focus on strategic placement rather than heavy coverage.
Apply concealer slightly below the lower lash line and blend upwards to brighten without emphasising fine lines. If needed, lightly set with a translucent setting powder, avoiding heavy baking techniques that can make the under-eye area look drier.
Why we love it at Sephora UK: Under-eye darkness is often caused by shadows as much as pigmentation, so placement can sometimes make a bigger difference than coverage alone. For more tips, explore our Mature Skin Makeup Guide.
Our Favourite Concealers at Sephora UK
For Brightness
Looking for a fresher, more awake-looking under-eye?
Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer
These formulas deliver lightweight brightness while keeping the finish natural and skin-like.
For Dark Circles
If darkness is your main concern, we love:
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer
These favourites strike the perfect balance between coverage and radiance.
For Full Coverage
When you need a little extra:
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer
For Blemishes
For targeted spot concealing, reach for:
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Concealer
A small amount pressed directly onto the area is often all you need.
Common Concealer Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best concealer can only do so much if it's applied incorrectly.
The most common mistakes we see are choosing a concealer that's too light, applying more product than necessary, and covering the entire under-eye area rather than focusing on where darkness actually appears.
Skipping skincare, over-powdering or not allowing products enough time to absorb can also lead to creasing and texture. And if dark circles are particularly pronounced, introducing colour correctors before concealer can often create a brighter, more natural-looking result with less product overall.
Remember: brighter doesn't always mean lighter.
Questions Everyone Asks
Why Do My Dark Circles Look Worse in the Morning?
Fluid naturally accumulates overnight, causing puffiness and making shadows appear deeper. Blood vessels can also appear more visible first thing in the morning.
Does Drinking More Water Help?
Hydration can help soften the appearance of shadows and improve the look of the under-eye area, but it won't completely eliminate pigmentation or structural hollows.
Can Dark Circles Be Removed Permanently?
Not always. Genetics, pigmentation and facial structure often play a role. However, the right combination of eye cream, colour corrector and concealer can make a noticeable difference.
Our Takeaway at Sephora UK
The best concealer routine isn't about more coverage - it's about smarter coverage. Choose the right shade, focus on strategic placement and use less product than you think you need for the freshest, most natural-looking finish.
Whether you're reaching for a brightener, colour corrector or concealer, the goal is always the same: brighten, enhance and let your skin shine through.
By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 29 July 2026
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