Bargain vs Bougie: A Beauty Writer Reviews the Best Concealers for Dark Circles in NZ

If I had to pick the MVP of my everyday makeup routine, it would be concealer.

I have very visible dark under eye circles, so a full-coverage concealer is truly my saving grace.

In fact, there’s nothing I’ve searched high and low for more than ‘the best concealers for dark circles in Australia'.

And now, with so many great full-coverage concealers in Australia doing the Lord’s work in masking, camouflaging and blurring dark circles, I feel much better about embracing mine. 

If you’re someone with dark circles and are on the hunt for a heavy-duty concealer, then keep scrolling to read my thoughts on five full-coverage concealers for dark circles. 

Because we know Kris Jenner works hard, but these concealers in Australia work harder.

How to Find the Right Under Eye Concealer for Dark Circles in Australia.

Not all dark circles are the same, so having some guidance on how to cover dark circles is always great. 

Some (like mine) have a deeper brown colour and are genetic - meaning, no eye cream or magic serum is going to erase them. 

Others have more of a purplish tinge or undertone, and some are more of a hollowness under the eyes that creates a shadow.

So before I dive into reviewing five full coverage concealers for dark circles, here’s a pro tip our resident makeup artist Megan Miloshis gave us:

“The best way to brighten darkness around the under eye is to lean into colour correcting.”

"A colour corrector can be applied underneath your concealer to counteract the darkness you may be experiencing. Your concealer can then go over the top and will work to add coverage and brighten the area."

"Red based colour correctors will counteract dark circles for those with deep skin tones. Orange based colour correctors will counteract dark circles for those with medium skin tones. Peach based colour correctors will counteract dark circles for those with light skin tones.”

You can shop our range of colour correctors here, or watch my YouTube video on how I like to prep and conceal my dark circles below:

Best Full Coverage Concealers for Dark Circles.

Because my brownish hue circles are quite noticeable and darker than the rest of my face, they can often make me look fatigued if I don't lay down a concealer first. 

Here are the main features I look for in a concealer for dark circles: 

• Heavy and full coverage. 

• Brightens under eye area - brightening concealers can instantly awaken eyes and face. 

• Staying power - can this concealer last all day?

• Creasage factor - concealer creasing is unavoidable, but I’m looking for a concealer that doesn't settle into my creases too much or look cakey.

OK, let's get into my reviews of concealers for dark circles.

1. The Ordinary Coverage Concealer, $11.40.

What: The Ordinary Coverage Concealer

Fast facts:

• The Ordinary's concealer is high-coverage and promises a skin-like matte finish. 

• Comes in 36 shades across four tones. I used shade 2.1P medium. 

• Is good for concealing blemishes or discolouration, too. 

• Is suited to all skin types, but those with dehydrated skin may want to prep skin with hydration before applying as it does have a matte finish. 

• Vegan as well as cruelty, mineral oil and alcohol free. 

My The Ordinary Coverage Concealer review:

For $11.40, which was less than what my lunch cost today, I didn’t expect much from this concealer. 

I had my doubts, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

It did a good job at neutralising my dark circles and while the brand says it has a matte finish, the formula still brightened the under-eye area rather than making it look dull (I’ve experienced this with matte concealers before).

It’s also buildable, so I loved that I could work two layers in to get the coverage I was happy with. 

The only downside is it did settle into my creases more than the others, so you may need to touch up during the day.

A small price to pay!

2. L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer, $29.95.

What: L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer

Fast facts:

• Comes in 16 shades and I used the shade Caramel 335.

• A creamy, full coverage concealer with a matte finish and weightless wear. 

• Comes with a doe-foot applicator for easy use.

• Long-lasting and ideal for blemishes, dark circles and uneven skin tone.

My L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer review: 

I first came across this concealer in my '5 Products in My Quick & Easy Everyday Makeup Routine That Cost Less Than $40' article and really rated it. 

It’s the closest comparison I have to my beloved Clinique concealer (further down). 

Here are three big reasons I love it:

1. Creamy texture glides on the skin really nicely.

2. Great coverage for an affordable concealer.

3. Almost erases my dark circles on initial application.

While it doesn't quite have the staying power of my Clinique one, I love having a budget concealer like this one in my bag for touch ups. 

3. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, $43.

What: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

Fast facts:

• The tick textured product comes in an impressive 47 shades, I tried shade 32.5/Tan Amber. 

• Is water-resistant, sweat-proof, humidity-proof, cruelty-free and promises 24 hour long-wear.

• Ideal for mature skin, targets age spots, redness, dark under-eyes and discolouration.

• Has skin-loving ingredients like peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to plump, smooth, nourish and protect delicate under eye area. 

• 89% of testers said the product corrects the appearance of uneven skin ton, while 86% found the product corrects the look of imperfections.

My IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer review:

OK, woah. This concealer wasn’t lying when it said it comes on thick! 

A little goes a long way peeps! Start with a tiny dab, warm up with your fingers - then apply. 

There’s no doubt this heavy-lifting concealer with a beautiful golden undertone delivers on its full coverage promise. It brightened my under eyes with a luminous finish. 

I found it to be a little too heavy for day-time use, and it requires more blending for a seamless finish.

This is perfect for those nights out when I need a full coverage concealer that won't budge.

Would I wear this concealer on a 9am Zoom meeting? Nah. But I give it 10 points for mitigating the darkest of circles like mine!

4. Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser, $43.

What: Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser

Fast facts:

• Comes in 42 shades and I wear toasted wheat or biscuit.

• A skincare and makeup hybrid that includes vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine to plump and energise under eyes.

• Has a crease, sweat and humidity-resistant formula.

• Is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.

• 12-hour wear for correcting and blurring dark spots and dark circles.

My Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser Review:

The perfect concealer for dark circles doesn’t exi- scrap that, this concealer is magic for dark circles like mine.

It was when I first discovered brightening concealers thanks to my ‘This New Concealer Is Legit an Eraser for Dark Circles Like Mine’ story. 

From there, my concealer game transitioned from dull-looking to healthy and bright-looking.

This creamy concealer covers all your bases - hydrating, brightening, masking and wears so lovely on the skin. 

It matches and blends into my skin tone so well that on lazy makeup days, I wear this on its own without foundation. 

It never fails me. A love story for the ages. 

5. MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Concealer, $48.

What: MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Concealer

Fast facts:

• MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Concealer comes in 22 shades. I used shade 4.4.

• Ideal for covering dark circles, blemishes and imperfections. 

• Has light-capturing technology to instantly brighten dark under-eye circles. 

• Had a blendable texture to offer natural-looking finish. 

• Has a self-setting, radiant formula and a gel-cream texture.

My MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Concealer review:

I’m no longer a matte-finish concealer girl, but as promised, this had a radiant finish that really suited my complexion. 

The coverage on my dark circles was impressive, as was its staying power.

It got me through a whole day of errands without caking. 

I also found that for a heavier concealer, this was surprisingly comfortable to wear.

A great option if you prefer a more matte, satin finish complexion.

Final Verdict...

My dark circles are something I was insecure about for a very long time, but just like textured skin, having dark circles is totally normal!

And thanks to full-coverage concealers like these in Australia, I feel a little more confident in my skin.

I’m sure I’ve only scratched the surface with these five and I’m always looking to expand my concealers for dark circles repertoire...

So shall we do a part two?


Looking for even more dark circle concealer options?

Whether you’re working with oily skin, tackling purplish under eye undertones, or simply want something to reflect the light, we’ve found even more of the best concealers for dark circles.

How to Use Concealer to Cover Dark Under-Eye Circles

If your dark circles are faint, you don't have to correct them first, so you can skip Step 2 below. If you have significant dark circles, though, you'll need a bit of extra help. Here's how to cover your under-eye circles in just a couple of minutes—no foundation needed:

1. Begin with an eye primer formulated for your skin type. Primer gives your makeup something to stick to and can prevent it from becoming greasy or settling into fine lines as the day wears on.

2. Apply a colour-correcting product to the area. You might need to experiment to find the right one for your needs. If your under-eye circles are reddish, then green hues work best. For blue-green circles, yellow or red will do the trick 3. Dab on concealer with your fingers or a concealer brush. Blend any visible edges by dabbing or tapping, not rubbing, since excessive rubbing can irritate the delicate skin under your eyes.

P.S. You can learn EVERYTHING there is to know about concealers in this episode of the Makeup School podcast below.

Want more concealer and dark circles product recommendations in Australia? Check out these articles:

• 5 Adore Staffers Rate the New Bobbi Brown Concealer Stick You’ve Seen All Over Instagram

• This Best-Seller Now Comes in an Eye Cream & My Dark Circles Won't Do Concealer Without It

• My All-Time Favourite Concealer Isn't Actually... a Concealer

• How to Cover Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

• Our Verdict on 5 Popular Concealers Under $30

• Our Guide to Colour Corrector for Dark Circles