5 Tips for Concealing Dark Under-Eye Circles Fast

If you have dark under-eye circles, then you know just how frustrating it is to try and “get rid” of them. You’ve probably read a million tips on how to cover dark circles in your effort to make them go away, and may have even done some research on what causes them in the first place.

We’re going to keep it honest here: While a good night’s sleep and an awesome eye cream can definitely help minimize the appearance of dark circles, this blue-gray effect is often hereditary. In other words? They’re not going to magically disappear, so it becomes mission #1 to learn how to color-correct dark circles using the best makeup tricks of the trade.

Ahead, we’re teaching you how to hide dark circles under eyes once and for all—until it’s time to wash off your makeup, of course. Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know for nixing dark under-eye shadows, including why you should color-correct first, and how to apply concealer under your eyes so the makeup doesn’t look cake-y or obvious.

How to Cover Dark Circles: Step By Step

If you’ve been scouring the internet to find out how to conceal dark circles, you can consider your search over. Follow this simple five-step routine, which starts with skincare and covers all the details on applying color-corrector, concealer, and setting products.

1. Prime your skin

First thing’s first: skincare. No great under-eye makeup routine starts without creating a smooth and hydrated canvas for your products, so make sure you’ve gently cleansed your skin and are properly moisturized. That includes applying top-tier eye products.

A little bit of L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum will help depuff and visibly brighten dark under-eye shadows. As a bonus, the formula also helps reduce the look of crow's feet.

Next, apply a great makeup primer, such as the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter. This primer gives skin a smooth and even base for a seamless makeup application and can also help extend your makeup wear time to up to 24 hours. Since you want your under-eye makeup to last a long time, this is pretty important.

2. Color correct

While concealer and foundation are key when learning how to hide dark circles under eyes, color correcting is equally important. Not sure exactly how it works? Think of the color wheel: Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel can cancel each other out.

You simply need to apply this color theory when figuring out how to color correct dark circles. Since dark circles tend to have a purplish-blue hue, an orange or peach-toned concealer is what you need to neutralize their appearance.

Apply your color corrector in a dot pattern in the under-eye area, and blend until even. Keep in mind a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly. The goal in this step is to simply neutralize the darkness, not to conceal it.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re trying to figure out how to cover a black eye or mild bruising, you may need a different color-corrector compared to your usual go-to. Remember to follow the color theory approach by using a shade that's opposite the colors you're trying to neutralize.

3. Apply concealer

Concealer is a very important step in learning how to cover dark circles. This step masks the color corrector and brightens your under-eye area for an even and natural finish. Apply the concealer directly to your under-eye area and blend, preferably with a brush or damp makeup sponge.

Like your color corrector, apply it in a dot pattern under the eyes, and extend toward the temple for a lifting effect. A little goes a long way; too much can lead to creasing later in the day. Here are some of our favorite concealers for the job:

• Medium Coverage, Radiant Finish: For a radiant effect, use the L’Oreal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which comes in 24 shades. The medium-coverage formula with hyaluronic acid and caffeine helps depuff and hydrate for up to 24 hours while covering dark circles.
• Full Coverage, Matte Finish: If you prefer more of a matte finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage. This formula provides full, matte coverage and works to conceal and correct the appearance of dark circles.

4. Apply foundation

With your concealer in place, it’s time to create an even base. Remember, you should always use a foundation that suits your skin type and addresses your skincare concerns.

• Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, try a lightweight foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. Formulated with 1% hyaluronic acid, it instantly makes skin look brighter and feel more hydrated.
• Oily Skin: For oily skin, reach for a matte-finish foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. This long-wearing formula minimizes the look of excess oil to reveal a smooth and clear complexion.
• Normal or Combination Skin: Grab the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. Formulated to cover dark spots, blemishes, scars and hyperpigmentation, this foundation comes in 47 shades organized by skin tone and undertone to make finding the perfect shade super easy.

Whichever foundation you choose, apply it with a damp makeup sponge, using quick dabbing and rolling motions until you reach your desired level of coverage.

Editor’s Note: While this application order may differ from your go-to routine, it’s important to follow these steps on how to cover dark circles. By applying corrector, concealer, and foundation in this order, you’ll more effectively prevent purple or orange tones from peaking through your makeup.

5. Set it well

Use a translucent powder to bake your makeup by applying it directly under your eyes with a makeup brush and letting it set for about five minutes before dusting away the excess. This final step in learning how to conceal dark circles will help create a flawless-looking, crease-free finish under your eyes.

After finishing the rest of your makeup—be it a dark smokey makeup look or something that looks ultra-natural—follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. Mist it over your face in ‘X’ and ‘T’ motions to help extend your makeup wear time.

Next Up: Concealer Application 101: Where to Put Concealer

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris