
How to Cover Dark Circles With Makeup: 5 Pro Tips for Fast Concealing
Under-eye circles? They are an inseparable part of everyone’s life. Whether it is the occasional dark under-eye circles or an everyday occurrence, it’s important to learn how to camouflage them using clean makeup.
Regardless of the cause, be it stress, genetics, or a hectic week, dark circles can make you look stressed, tired, or older than your actual age.
This blog will throw light on how to cover dark circles with makeup to effortlessly and quickly convert those puffy, tired eyes into a bright, refreshed look.

Table of Contents
Essential Tools and Products for Concealing Dark Circles
Applying the right tools and products is important to cover dark circles flawlessly. The following is a list of essential tools/makeup products for hiding dark circles:
Color corrector
A colour corrector is a non-negotiable prep step to neutralize dark circles before covering them. Opt for one that is compatible with your skin’s undertones – orange or peach for deeper circles and pink or peach for light skin tones. This prep step, by cancelling out the dark pigments, will help set the stage for concealer.
Concealer
Apply a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone to conceal dark circles effectively. For permanent results, choose creamy, full-coverage concealer. Choose a buildable, lightweight formula for a natural and seamless finish. The step will brighten your under-eye area, to make you look awake and refreshed.
Setting powder
Finely ground setting powder is useful to set your concealer and to stop it from fading or creasing. It will also help prevent a cakey appearance. It will keep your makeup intact all day long and provide a smooth, matte finish without making the undereye area appear dry.
Brushes or sponges
A damp makeup sponge helps blend concealer and colour corrector seamlessly with a smooth finish. You can also opt for a fluffy, soft brush for blending gently. While both tools are perfect to provide a flawless finish, the sponge has an upper edge to provide a more natural, airbrushed appearance.
5 Tips for Concealing Dark Under-Eye Circles Fast
The following tips and tricks will help with dark circles under eyes makeup cover in as little time as possible
1. Prime your skin
The definition of great under-eye makeup lies in prepping the skin around your eyes. Getting a smooth and hydrated base for your makeup has now become easy with this step. Apply top-tier eye creams or gels to smooth the under-eye area.
To ensure long-lasting wear, apply a good makeup primer that will help provide your skin with a smooth and even base for a seamless makeup application and will also ensure the longevity of your under-eye makeup.
2 Color Correct
The goal of applying a color corrector is to neutralize the darkness, rather than concealing it. The product mainly works on colour wheel theory, where colors opposite each other on the wheel can cancel each other out.
Apply an orange or peach-toned concealer to neutralize the appearance of dark circles with a purplish blue hue. The best way of using a colour corrector is to use it sparingly, in a dot form in the under-eye area, and continue to blend until even.
3. Apply Concealer
A non-negotiable makeup to cover dark circles is concealer. This step helps you to attain a natural and even finish. It does so by masking the color corrector and brightening the under-eye area. You can apply the concealer directly to the under-eye part and blend, using a damp makeup sponge or brush.
Apply the concealer in dots on the under-eye skin, and extend toward the temple for a firm-up effect. Apply it in a smaller quantity to prevent creasing later in the day.
4 Apply Foundation
Applying foundation helps create an even base. Keep in mind to use a foundation as per your skin type and skin problems:
- Dry skin: For dry skin, lightweight foundation is the best choice. It helps your skin feel hydrated and instantly makes it brighter.
- Oily skin: If you have oily skin, select a matte finish foundation with a long-lasting formula. This helps reveal a clear and smooth complexion and reduces the appearance of oiliness on skin.
- Combination or normal skin: Opt for shades designed to cover dark spots, scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation on the under-eye area.
5 Set It Well
The final step in how to cover dark circles with makeup includes applying a translucent powder directly under your eyes using a makeup brush and keeping it for about 5 minutes before you dust away the excess. This step helps create a flawless, crease-free finish under your eyes.

How to Cover Up Dark Circles with Makeup-Do’s and Don’ts to Follow
Do’s | Don’ts |
Go for a lightweight concealer for a natural and flawless finish. A thick concealer can look cakey on the delicate skin of your eyes. | Do not skip the skin prep step. Applying makeup without prepping your under-eye skin can cause patchy or uneven coverage. |
Blending helps achieve a natural, flawless look. To ensure a smooth, airbrushed finish, keep a damp makeup sponge handy for the product to blend in gently. | Avoid using thick, creamy formulas for concealers that tend to crease under the eyes. |
Apply hydrating eye cream before concealing. It is effective to prep the skin and prevent dryness around under eye skin. | Do not skip hydration, as neglecting to hydrate the under-eye area may exacerbate creasing. |
Select the right concealer with in-built colour correction (orange or peach) to skip extra steps and get full coverage. | Do not apply too much concealer, as it can make your under-eye area appear cakey and unnatural. |
Apply highlighter in the inner corner of the eyes for extra brightness. | Avoid applying too much powder. While powder can help set your makeup. Too many applications can make the under-eye skin look dry and cracked. |
More Information For You: Easy Steps For A Flawless Makeup Look
Is Concealer or Foundation Better for Dark Circles Under Eyes?
For dark circles under the eyes, concealer is generally better than foundation because it’s designed for targeted coverage and can often be applied first before foundation for optimal results. Concealer offers more specific coverage for imperfections like dark circles and blemishes
Why Concealer is Preferred:
Targeted Coverage: Concealer is formulated to provide spot coverage for specific areas, making it ideal for under-eye circles.
Color Correction: Concealer can help neutralize the color of dark circles, often by using peach or red undertones.
Customization: Concealer can be applied in a buildable manner, allowing for more precise coverage and a natural-looking finish.
Why Foundation is Not Ideal for Dark Circles:
Overall Coverage: Foundation is meant to create an even skin tone across the entire face, not necessarily to cover specific imperfections.
Can Blend with Foundation: Applying concealer before foundation allows the foundation to blend seamlessly with the concealer, creating a more natural look.

In Summary:
Concealer is a better choice for dark circles because it’s designed for targeted coverage, color correction, and can be used to create a more natural, flawless look when used in conjunction with foundation.
Conclusion
Whether you are preparing for a busy day or gearing up for a special occasion, the aforementioned steps on how to cover dark circles with makeup will help you hide dark circles effortlessly and boost your confidence. With the right products and steps, you can improve your makeup routine and enjoy a fresh, natural appearance all day long without spending too much time.
FAQs
What are the steps to apply makeup to cover dark circles under eyes?
To cover dark circles with makeup, here is a step-by-step list to follow :
1 ) Prep the skin: This includes de-duffing and hydrating to reduce puffiness and blend smoothly.
2) Color correct: The step includes choosing the right corrector, followed by applying and blending.
3) Apply concealer: It follows the same pattern as highlighted in the case of a color corrector.
4) Setting with powder: This includes applying a compact or loose powder to set the concealer and help it last all day long.
How to cover extreme dark circles with makeup?
Here are some of the best tips for covering extreme dark circles with makeup such as :
- Avoid overapplying: Applying a little amount of concealer will help build the coverage for a natural-looking finish.
- Use a damp sponge or brush: It helps blend the makeup and prevent creasing.
- Use a color correcting palette: these palettes help neutralize different types of dark circles.
- Set with powder: Prevents creasing and makes the makeup last longer.
Is there any makeup that covers dark circles?
The answer is revealer concealer. It provides a unique skin-like finish so that you may skip foundation altogether.
Can I apply sunscreen on dark circles?
Yes, you can apply sunscreen on dark circles. It’s recommended to do so, especially in the under-eye area, as sun exposure might worsen the appearance of dark circles.
What is the fastest way to get rid of dark circles under eyes?
There is no fastest way to get rid of dark circles under eyes. It is all about lifestyle adjustments and targeted skincare. You can also opt for professional treatments for severe dark circles.
What are the best home remedies to fix dark circles?
Cucumber slices, chilled tea bags, rosewater, aloe vera, coconut oil, etc, are some of the best home-based natural remedies to nourish and hydrate the under-eye skin.
What color helps cancel out dark circles?
Shades of peach and orange are best for canceling bluish undertone of dark circles. People with lighter skin tones should opt for a peach color corrector.
How do I hide dark circles with lipstick?
Use orange or red lipstick as a colour corrector before you apply your regular corrector.
Is there any permanent makeup for dark circles?
Under-eye camouflage is a long-lasting process. You can expect this makeup to last up to 2 years.
What deficiency leads to dark circles?
Vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin K, and iron deficiencies can weaken collagen production, making the under-eye skin thinner and more translucent, thereby causing dark circles.