The 8 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles, Loved By Testers and Approved By Experts

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The 8 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles, Loved By Testers and Approved By Experts

The secret to faking a full night’s rest.

In This Article

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In This Article

  • Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Consider
  • How We Tested
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Why Trust Byrdie
Person applying and showing before and before of Bobbi Brown Color Corrector for dark circlesPerson applying and showing before and before of Bobbi Brown Color Corrector for dark circles

Byrdie

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.

Whether you didn’t get a full eight hours of sleep or naturally have deeper discoloration under your eyes, dark circles are very common. While they are totally normal, we completely understand wanting to look more bright-eyed. Luckily, there is a quick fix. Cue color correctors—a secret among makeup artists and beauty editors. These often overlooked products use color theory to neutralize hyperpigmentation and give your under-eye area a flawless look.

Genetics, allergies, vasculature (the arrangement of blood vessels), a damaged skin barrier, UV damage, lack of sleep, and aging can all cause dark circles, according to Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist. While there are more permanent ways to neutralize discoloration—dermatological treatments, lasers, or chemical peels—color correctors are a great way to temporarily mask them and boost your confidence. To find the best color correctors for dark circles, we tested the top picks—critiquing each on application, consistency, coverage, finish, and overall wear—and spoke with experts to learn more about what to consider when buying an under-eye color corrector. The ones on this list are tester-approved and worth every penny.

Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector at Narscosmetics.com

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Color Corrector at Amazon$5

Jump to Review

Best Buildable:

Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector at Sephora$36

Jump to Review

Best for Dark Skin Tones:

Live Tinted Huestick Corrector at Amazon$26

Jump to Review

Best for Light Skin Tones:

Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector at Sephora$35

Jump to Review

Best Pigmentation:

Tarte Color Corrector at Sephora$32

Jump to Review

Best for Brightening:

Caliray Under Eye Color Corrector Concealer at Sephora$29

Jump to Review

Best Palette:

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette at Amazon$45

Jump to Review


Best Overall

Nars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

Nars Radiant Creamy Color CorrectorNars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector
Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue
View on Narscosmetics.com
What We Like
  • Neutralizes discoloration seamlessly

  • Blends into a skin-like texture that pairs well with other makeup

  • Long-wearing and crease-proof

  • Buildable coverage without getting cakey

What to Consider
  • A larger applicator would make it easier to target bigger areas

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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x NARS Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

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!”


Best Drugstore

e.l.f. Cosmetics Color Corrector

e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Correctore.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
Credit: e.l.f. Cosmetics

$5

$5 at Amazon$5 at Ulta$5 at Target

What We Like
  • Affordable and available at most drugstores

  • Diminishes dark circles without appearing thick

  • Long-wearing

What to Consider
  • Shade range could be more extensive for correcting dark circles

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 its 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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x elf Camo Color Corrector

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.”


Best Buildable

Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector

Charlotte Tilbury Color CorrectorCharlotte Tilbury Color Corrector
Credit: Nordstrom
$36 at Sephora$36 at Nordstrom$36 at Kohls.com
What We Like
  • Full coverage and impressive buildability

  • Doesn’t cake or look patchy after extended wear

  • Effortlessly blends into the skin with just fingertips

What to Consider
  • Prone to a bit of creasing

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

An under-eye 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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector

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.”


Best for Dark Skin Tones

Live Tinted Huestick Corrector

Live Tinted Huestick CorrectorLive Tinted Huestick Corrector
Credit: Credo

$26

$25 at AmazonView on Ulta$26 at Target

What We Like
  • Offers full, pigmented coverage

  • Skin-like formula is buildable

  • Formulated with hydrating ingredients that easily blend

What to Consider
  • Some people find the formula to be a bit dry

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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Live Tinted Huestick Corrector

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. Even more, it never became too heavy or cakey on me. It evened out my problem areas, but my skin still showed through.”


Best for Light Skin Tones

Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector

Bobbi Brown Under Eye CorrectorBobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector
Credit: Sephora
$35 at SephoraView on Ulta$35 at Nordstrom
What We Like
  • Offers a wide range of undertones for light skin tones

  • Conceals dark pigmentation

  • Sweat-proof and humidity-resistant

What to Consider
  • Formula is a bit stiff

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 the 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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Bobbi Brown Color Correct Under Eye Corrector

Ally Hirschlag, former 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.”


Best Pigmentation

Tarte Color Corrector

Sephora Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Color CorrectorSephora Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Color Corrector
Credit: Sephora
$32 at Sephora$32 at Ulta$32 at Dermstore
What We Like
  • Highly pigmented formula covers intense darkness

  • Doesn’t crease throughout the day

  • Hydrating ingredients plump and smooth the skin

What to Consider
  • The formula is a bit runny

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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Tarte Creaseless Corrector

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.”


Best for Brightening

Caliray Under Eye Color Corrector Concealer

caliray hideaway brightening + hydrating under eye color corrector concealercaliray hideaway brightening + hydrating under eye color corrector concealer
Credit: Sephora
$29 at SephoraView on Caliraybeauty.com
What We Like
  • Brightening, radiant finish

  • Lightweight, serum-like consistency

  • Remains cake-free, even without setting powder

What to Consider
  • Not the most buildable formula

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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Caliray hideaway brightening + hydrating under eye color corrector 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.”


Best Palette

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction PaletteMakeup Forever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette
Credit: Sephora
$45 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Makeupforever.com
What We Like
  • Can mix shades to customize the right color for your complexion

  • Includes two color-correcting shades and two concealing colors

  • Provides long-lasting coverage

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider
  • The dryer formula makes it harder to blend

  • Dries down very quickly

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.

Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Makeup For Ever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette

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.”

What to Consider for Color Correctors for Dark Circles

  • Color: Colors play a vital role when correcting and balancing out dark circles. According to Shadi Malek, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, you generally want to opt for colors oppositeeach other on the color wheel. For instance, if your dark circles have a lot of blue and purple undertones, a peachy color will counter their pigment. If you have a lot of redness, going in with a green-based product will help mask any hyperpigmentation. 
  • Ingredients:  According to Dr. Morgan Rabach, a board-certified dermatologist, many color correctors contain ingredients that aid in diminishing the appearance of dark circles. “Vitamin C brightens the skin to help reduce pigmentation and promotes collagen production, so there’s a thicker layer of skin between the outer layer and the blood vessels underneath,” she says. “Caffeine helps to reduce puffiness and hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides hydrate and support the skin’s elasticity.” If you want to disguise your dark circles while also giving them some TLC, look for a color corrector that contains some of these ingredients.
  • Finish and Coverage: Most correctors come in a matte, demi-matte, or radiant finish, with their coverage ranging from light to full. Finding your ideal finish and coverage is a matter of personal preference. When finding the right pick for you, consider what finish suits your needs. For example, if you have dry skin under your eyes, a formula with a radiant finish will help create the appearance of more hydrated skin.

How We Tested Color Correctors for Dark Circles

A person with caliray hideaway brightening + hydrating under eye color corrector concealer applied to their handA person with caliray hideaway brightening + hydrating under eye color corrector concealer applied to their hand

Byrdie

We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would, which is why we test products in real-life settings. 

  • Testing Period: 3 weeks 
  • Methodology: Color correctors for dark circles were tested at home over three weeks. Each product was used separately and with the testers’ daily makeup routines.
  • Factors Considered: Application, consistency (weight and dry time), coverage, finish, shade range, and overall wear.
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 over top 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.

Meet Our Experts

We consulted with two board-certified dermatologists and a makeup artist for more insights about color correctors for dark circles. Those experts include: 

  • Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is currently partnered with Avène, the French skincare brand.
  • Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical PLLC, a dermatology and facial plastic surgery practice.
  • Shadi Malek is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist with extensive experience using and testing color correctors on herself and clients.

Why Trust Byrdie

Amanda Rosenthal is a former 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. In addition to talking to experts, she also reviewed testing insights. Testers used the color correctors for three weeks and narrowed them down to the top picks that ranked the highest for factors including application, consistency, coverage, finish, and overall wear.

Edited by
Alyssa Kaplan
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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-color-correctors-for-dark-circles-8725325


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