How to Apply Concealer for Dark Circles, According to Pro Makeup Artists

When done right, using concealer for dark circles is truly the next best thing to a good night’s sleep. But if you’ve ever dotted on the wrong shade or—noticed dryness and cracking under your eyes by lunchtime—you know that it’s often easier said than done.

Covering up dark circles usually isn’t as simple as hiding a blemish: There’s extra-sensitive skin, discoloration, and the constant threat of creasing to consider. But once you’ve struck the perfect balance, your results can be transformative. Below, we asked pro makeup artists for their best tips when applying concealer to dark circles—from choosing a shade to setting the product for all-day performance.

Ahead, you’ll find expert-backed advice on…

How to choose a concealer for dark circles

The heavy-duty concealer that covers your angriest breakouts might not be the best choice for the delicate skin under your eyes. “Undereye concealer should be less dry and thick in texture and consistency compared with pimple concealer,” celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh explains. “You want to make sure your pimple concealer stays put, while your undereye skin is delicate and thinner, and you want a concealer that won’t settle into fine lines.”

When covering dark circles specifically, you’ll want to prioritize targeting discoloration. Sometimes a combination of two shades will give you the best results. “When you are choosing a concealer for dark circles, pay attention to the tone of the darkness itself,” Sara Tanno, global artistry director of Haus Labs, says.

“If your circles lean blue or purple, a peach tone works beautifully to bring that warmth back and soften the shadow. If your darkness has more of a green or sallow cast, a rosy tone gives the area a gentle lift and adds a hint of freshness.” Once the tone has been corrected, you can layer on a shade of your true skin match for a more seamless final look. For added brightness, opt for a shade that’s slightly lighter than your foundation for under your eyes.

How to cover dark circles with concealer, step-by-step

Step 1: Prep the skin.

Whenever you’re applying makeup, start with clean, moisturized skin for best results. Since the skin under your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, “start by giving the area a moment of care,” Tanno advises. “Press in a lightweight eye cream and let it settle until the skin feels hydrated but not slippery.”

Step 2: Apply concealer.

It may be tempting to cover the entire undereye area in concealer, but more product doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage. In fact, too much can draw more attention to your dark circles. Start with three small dots of concealer, starting at the inner corner of your eyes and following the curve of your dark circles. “The goal is not to mask, but to bring the undereye back to its natural vibrancy with the least amount of product,” Tanno says.

As to where not to place concealer? “Avoid using concealer past your smile line, as this will enhance any fine lines you may have,” says makeup artist and founder Laura Geller.

Step 3: Blend.

When it comes to the delicate skin under your eyes, the warmth of your finger can help warm makeup so it blends on more easily and seamlessly. You can use your ring finger to tap and spread the product, but for a smoother finish, you’ll want to use a tool. Tanno recommends a soft, tapered detail brush like the Haus Labs concealer brush. “Its shape lets you sweep and tap the concealer exactly where you want it, almost as if you’re painting light onto the skin,” she says. “Work in thin layers, and build only where you need more coverage.”