If you’ve struggled with dark circles under your eyes and have been disappointed by expensive concealer products, you know the frustration well. Concealing those stubborn dark circles can be challenging, as they can make you appear tired and older than you’d like.
This blog focuses on camouflaging dark circles with budget-friendly concealers at the drugstore. Whether your dark circles stem from pigmentation, aging, or genetics, the drugstore offers numerous options to help cover them up, along with any puffiness or bags.
But before we delve into the list of best drugstore concealers for dark circles, let’s better understand what exactly causes dark circles.
Understanding Dark Circles
Dark circles are a common concern for many people, and they can be caused by various factors such as pigmentation, aging, puffiness, and bags under the eyes. While genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors also contribute.
Pigmentation issues are often a result of the delicate skin around the eyes being more prone to discoloration and uneven tone. When the skin is thin, blood vessels become more visible, leading to the appearance of dark circles. Sleep deprivation and stress can also exacerbate pigmentation problems.
Aging is another factor that can lead to dark circles. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, collagen, and fat, which results in thinner skin. This causes blood vessels to become more noticeable and creates shadows that enhance dark circles’ appearance. Additionally, the loss of fat can lead to the hollow, sunken look of the under-eye area.
Puffiness and bags under the eyes can also contribute to dark circles. Puffiness refers to the swelling and inflammation of the skin, while bags are the result of fat pads in the lower eyelid area that tend to sag or bulge. Factors like water retention, allergies, poor diet, and excessive salt consumption can cause puffiness and bags, making dark circles more prominent.
To combat dark circles, it’s essential to address the root cause and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and reducing stress. Skincare products such as eye creams and treatments that target pigmentation, puffiness, and aging can be helpful in reducing dark circles. Let’s learn about the best drugstore concealers for dark circles.
Best Drugstore Concealers for Dark Circles
When finding the perfect solution for covering dark circles and other imperfections, look no further than the incredible range of concealers available at the drugstore. These best drugstore concealers for dark circles are budget-friendly and offer impressive pigmentation and exceptional effectiveness. The drugstore has everything from concealers to neutralizers, correctors to brighteners.
NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Liquid Concealer
Contrary to common belief, achieving flawless coverage for dark circles, blemishes, discoloration, and other imperfections doesn’t require splurging on luxury concealers. The NYX HD Photogenic Liquid Concealer proves you can achieve exceptional results for less than $7.
This unbelievably affordable gem effortlessly glides onto your skin, leaving behind a smooth, non-cakey finish whether you prefer finger blending or a makeup sponge. With an impressive range of 23 shades, including color-correcting options, it caters to diverse skin tones. It’s worth noting that while it’s a liquid concealer, its watery consistency may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer deserves all the awards it has received as an exceptional concealer for dark circles and fine lines. I’ve mentioned it before, but it is the ultimate drugstore option for banishing dark circles.
Scratch that—it’s the best drugstore concealer for achieving flawless full coverage. With its convenient sponge applicator and medium, buildable coverage, this concealer effectively hides a multitude of skin concerns, especially those pesky dark circles. A few gentle taps and a seamless blend magically mask tired under-eyes, giving the illusion of a restful eight-hour slumber.
Plus, including glycerin ensures a hydrating experience, perfect for the delicate eye area. Although there’s much to love about this gem, I wish the sponge tip was removable for more flexibility in application. It is one of the best drugstore concealers for dark circles.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer
For those who live life at a relentless pace, a reliable concealer is an absolute must. We need something that can withstand the non-stop hustle without budging or creasing. Enter the Infallible Full Wear Concealer by L’Oréal Paris—the ultimate companion for marathon days.
This matte, full-coverage formula is a force to be reckoned with. It’s completely transfer-proof, fade-proof, and crease-proof, ensuring that it stays put no matter what challenges come your way. Plus, it’s waterproof, offering unwavering performance for up to 24 hours. When it comes to endurance, this concealer will never let you down.
Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
The Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer covers dark circles, under-eye bags, and other imperfections. It features a generously sized doe applicator and ensures a smooth and even application. The lightweight formula effortlessly dries to a matte finish, producing a natural-looking result.
You can find your perfect match with an impressive range of 30 shades covering 99% of skin tones from Light to Deep. This vegan formula is designed for seamless blending, but be cautious about applying only a little, as it may lead to some caking or creasing.
In my personal experience, I discovered the delicate balance of shade selection, ending up with a tone lighter than my fair skin. However, I must admit that the texture was delightful, providing the same full coverage as the L’Oreal Infallible concealer with more hydration.
e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
The E.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer is a game-changer—delivering full coverage and lasting up to 16 hours, it’s the ultimate dark circle vanisher. Ideal for all skin types, its matte finish is complemented by an oil-balancing formula that ensures it won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
With a large doe foot applicator, this award-winning concealer makes applying the highly pigmented yet lightweight formula a breeze. You can count on it to effortlessly camouflage, correct, and contour. The range of 26 shades, from Fair to Rich, accommodates Cool, Neutral, and Warm undertones.
I’m obsessed with this super-creamy formula’s exceptional coverage and the flawless matte finish it grants. For those of us with a combination or oily skin, it’s an absolute winner among the best drugstore concealers for dark circles.
Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer
Opting for a full-coverage concealer is a wise choice when achieving long-lasting coverage. However, many of these options tend to offer a strictly matte finish. If you prefer a more natural-looking alternative that doesn’t compromise on coverage or longevity, the Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer is a must-have. This unique formula balances matte and natural, seamlessly blending with your skin to create a second-skin effect.
While some users find it slightly challenging to blend due to its thickness, I recommend using a damp beauty blender to ensure it seamlessly melds with your skin. Trust me, the effort put into blending is worth it when you witness the flawless result.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer
There’s nothing more frustrating than your makeup melting away in hot and humid weather. Thankfully, you can bid farewell to that concern with Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer. T
his creamy, long-wear formula is designed to withstand muggy weather, high-intensity workouts, and even tears, all while maintaining its coveted, shine-free, matte finish. Unlike long-wear and full-coverage concealers that can feel heavy as the day progresses, this one remains weightless for hours.
Offering 20 shade options, there’s a perfect match for everyone. However, finding the shade name on the bottle can be challenging as it’s not listed. Despite that minor drawback, I’m a massive fan of this product. It ranks as the best drugstore concealers for dark circles.
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal H.D. Concealer is a velvety-smooth concealer that offers impeccable coverage in a long-wearing formula. It’s ideal for concealing under-eye circles, camouflaging blemishes and redness, and achieving a more even skin tone.
Additionally, it effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines under the eyes. With an impressive range of 43 shades, including various correctors and highlighters, you’re sure to find your perfect match. The concealer features a built-in brush for effortless and precise application.
I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional pigmentation of this concealer. Even better, you can effortlessly blend different concealer shades with correctors to achieve a naturally beautiful finish.
Revlon ColorStay Full Coverage Concealer
Revlon ColorStay Full Coverage Concealer is an exceptional full-coverage concealer that addresses under-eye circles, blemishes, and other skin imperfections. Its highly pigmented formula sets quickly, ensuring long-lasting color that stays intact throughout the day.
With 17 shades, this concealer effectively covers and corrects various imperfections while drying to a desirable matte finish. Its full-coverage formula works wonders in camouflaging shadows and discolorations under the eyes.
NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum
While many concealers focus solely on coverage, this hybrid product goes beyond that, serving as a concealer and a serum to promote a more even complexion while providing essential hydration.
Formulated with beneficial ingredients like tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea, this lightweight formula effortlessly addresses many skin concerns, including stubborn blemishes, scars, and dark circles. A little goes a long way with this product, as even the tiniest amount delivers impressive coverage and results.
These best drugstore concealer for dark circles are affordaable options that address dark circles effectively, enabling you to find the perfect match for your skin type and tone. The key to finding the best drugstore concealer for your dark circles lies in selecting one that suits your skin type and provides the desired level of coverage under your eyes.
Key Features of Best Drugstore Concealers
When looking for the best drugstore concealers for dark circles, it’s important to consider specific key features that will help you achieve a flawless and natural-looking finish. Here are some of the main aspects to consider:
- Hydrating: A good concealer should be hydrating, as this will help to prevent dryness and creasing under the eyes. This is especially important for those with dry or mature skin.
- Brightening: A brightening effect is crucial for concealing dark circles, as this feature helps to counteract the darkness and create a more awake appearance.
- Full-coverage: Opt for a concealer that offers full coverage to effectively hide dark circles, redness, and discoloration. This will ensure that any imperfections are concealed, giving you a smooth and flawless base.
- Blendable: A blendable formula is essential for achieving a seamless application. This will allow you to easily blend the concealer with the rest of your makeup, ensuring a natural finish.
- Waterproof: A waterproof concealer is a bonus, as this will ensure your makeup stays put throughout the day, even in humid conditions or during physical activities.
- Skin Tone Matching: Make sure the concealer you choose has a shade that matches your skin tone accurately. This will help the product blend seamlessly into your skin for a natural finish.
- Skincare Benefits: Some concealers include skincare ingredients, such as vitamins and antioxidants, which can help improve skin health over time.
- Natural Finish: A natural finish is always desirable when using concealer, as this will help the makeup look more like your own skin and less “cakey.”
- Buildable: Opt for a buildable concealer, as this will allow you to adjust the coverage as needed, ensuring that your makeup looks as natural as possible while still covering dark circles effectively.
By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect drugstore concealer for dark circles. Just remember: it’s always worth experimenting with different concealers and techniques to find the best solution for your specific skin type and concerns.
Selecting the Right Shade and Formula
When looking for the best drugstore concealers for dark circles, it’s essential to choose the right shade and formula. A mismatched shade could make your dark circles more noticeable, while an unsuitable formula may not provide the right coverage or wear throughout the day.
Start by determining your skin’s undertones: cool, warm, or neutral. This will help you find a concealer shade that complements your skin tone. When in doubt, opt for a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to avoid making the under-eye area look darker.
Color-correcting concealers can be used to neutralize dark circle pigments. Keep these color relationships in mind when selecting a corrector:
- Green: counters redness
- Yellow: brightens purple or blue tones
- Orange: neutralizes hyperpigmentation and blue veins
- Purple: counteracts sallowness and dullness
Adding a color corrector under your regular concealer can help improve the appearance of dark circles. You might also consider using a concealer with SPF to protect the delicate under-eye area from sun exposure and prevent worsening hyperpigmentation.
Formulas with added benefits, such as built-in highlighters, can bring extra radiance to the under-eye area. On the other hand, if you have dry skin or fine lines, look for hydrating or more creamy concealers to prevent creasing and flaking.
In summary, to select the right shade and formula for a drugstore concealer that suits your needs:
- Determine your skin’s undertones to find a complementary shade.
- Consider color-correcting options (green, yellow, orange, or purple) to address specific pigments in your dark circles.
- Look for a concealer with SPF to protect against sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
- Choose a formula with added benefits, such as hydration or highlighting, based on your skin’s needs.
Buying and Application Tips
When searching for the best drugstore concealers for dark circles, it’s essential to consider a few factors. Here are some tips to help you find the best drugstore concealers for dark circles:
- Choose the right shade: Select a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation. This will help brighten the under-eye area and make dark circles less noticeable. It’s a good idea to visit stores like Ulta and Target to test different shade ranges before buying.
- Consider the formula: Look for a concealer with an effective, long-lasting formula that can stay put for up to 24 hours. This will ensure your dark circles remain concealed all day long.
- Online or in-store: Shopping online at sites like Amazon allows for quick and easy access to a wide range of affordable concealers. Alternatively, visiting physical stores like Ulta and Target can provide you with the opportunity to swatch and test various concealers to find the perfect shade and formula.
- Listen to the experts: Beauty editors’ reviews can be invaluable when searching for the right concealer. Their input can steer you towards effective, affordable products that cater to various skin types and concerns.
- Mind the application: For a seamless finish, apply the concealer with a small, precise brush or a damp beauty sponge. This will prevent creasing and ensure long-lasting coverage.
- Layer with other makeup: To achieve a flawless look, consider using the concealer in conjunction with other makeup items such as foundation and contour products. This will not only enhance your concealer’s performance but create a cohesive appearance.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best drugstore concealers for dark circles. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and compare different products to find the one that best suits your needs.
Skincare Ingredients in Concealers
When searching for the best drugstore concealers for dark circles, it’s essential to consider not only their coverage but also the skincare ingredients they contain. Many concealers these days are formulated with beneficial ingredients that not only help cover those pesky dark circles but also improve the overall health of our skin.
Some of the most beneficial ingredients to look for in a concealer include:
- Niacinamide: This potent anti-inflammatory is great for helping to reduce redness and inflammation. It is especially effective in treating dark spots and can help improve the overall tone of the skin.
- Vitamin E: A well-known antioxidant, vitamin E helps to protect the skin from pollution and free radicals, while also providing hydration and promoting healing.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration superstar, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at keeping our skin moisturized and plump.
- Glycerin: This humectant attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and smooth.
Aside from these power-packed ingredients, there are other factors to consider when looking for best drugstore concealers for dark circles:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Ingredients like caffeine and peptides can help reduce inflammation around the eyes, which may contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
- Protection from pollution and blue light: Some concealers are now formulated to protect our skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and the harmful blue light emitted by electronic devices.
- Salicylic Acid: For those prone to acne, a concealer with salicylic acid can help prevent breakouts while providing coverage.
- Fragrance-free and Non-comedogenic: Sensitive skin types should look for concealers that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic to avoid irritation and clogged pores.
- Caffeine: This ingredient can help to constrict blood vessels under the eyes and temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Remember to choose best drugstore concealers for dark circles that not only provides excellent coverage but also includes beneficial skincare ingredients. Your skin will thank you.
Conclusion
While certain dark circles, like those caused by volume loss, may be challenging to conceal completely, these best drugstore concealers for dark circles have proven effective in brightening and revitalizing the under-eye area, giving you a more awake and youthful appearance.
My go-to for dark circles is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment. What are your favorite drugstore concealers for hiding dark circles? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
FAQs
How to apply concealer?
The versatility of concealer allows it to serve various purposes, such as covering imperfections, evening out skin tone, and brightening dark spots. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to its application. Most concealers come with a doe foot applicator wand, which makes it easy to precisely place the product where needed.
For under-eye application, dot two to three small dots directly on the area and gently tap it with a makeup sponge or ring finger to blend it seamlessly into the skin.
When addressing other areas, place a dot directly on the concerned spot and blend it out using the same technique. Using a makeup sponge helps the formula melt into the skin for a natural finish while using your finger provides fuller coverage.
Should I apply concealer before or after the foundation?
The order of applying concealer and foundation is not set in stone. Many individuals opt to use concealer instead of foundation for a more fresh-faced look. However, I recommend applying concealer after your foundation if you desire additional coverage. Remember to use thin layers to avoid a cakey appearance when layering multiple products.
