Most concealers work well for covering minor blemishes, but finding one that covers dark circles is more of a challenge. Peachy concealers are suitable for counteracting the bluish and purplish undertones of dark circles, while pink concealers work best for those with grey undertones. Make sure you understand the undertone of your dark circles because pink concealers can accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles (in color theory, pink + blue = purple).
MAC Pro Longwear concealer in NW20 and MUFE HD concealer in R30 work best for counteracting my dark circles. They both have a pink undertone, but it's not too strong where it would accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles. They also can be worn alone without having to layer a yellow based concealer on top, even for those who have a warm complexion like myself. They are also one shade lighter than my skintone because I like the brightening effect. I just set it with a powder and they last all day without creasing or looking cakey. R22 has a stronger pink undertone and is lighter than R30. (For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD Y345, L'oreal True Match W4, and Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031.)
For those who find that peachy or pink concealers are still not enough to diminish the appearance of dark circles, then I recommend using color correctors. They are not concealers, and instead are intended to correct discoloration. Therefore, they must be used in conjunction with concealers.
Packaging: The Under Eye Brightening corrector comes in a glass jar, while the Backlight Targeted Colour correctors come in a frosted one. The backside of the jars are conveniently labeled with the name and color, which allows me store them upside down and prevent the product from drying out as quickly.
Application: All 3 products are very creamy, pigmented and easy to blend. A little goes a long way. Make sure to not over apply it. I don't have any issues with creasing when set with a powder. Also, it doesn't leave a cakey finish as long as I moisturize well with an eye cream
I normally use a flat paddle brush (pictures) to apply concealer because the size fits perfectly underneath the eyes. However, when working with correctors, I prefer to use a smaller brush that will give me better precision, such as the Sephora #28 and #76 brush. I use both interchangeably, but I find that since the #76 is slightly smaller, it provides a more precise application, while the #28 provides better ease of blending since it's fluffier.
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Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector ($30 for 4.5g/0.16oz): This product has a brightening effect; therefore, I pair it with a concealer that is closer to my skintone to prevent it from looking too light. Unfortunately, the pink undertone is too strong for my warm complexion and accentuates my dark circles. In addition, it also leaves a sheen that looks unnatural under my eyes. This product works best for those who don't have extreme dark circles and as a face highlighter for those who have a cool undertone. It looks absolutely gorgeous on the high points of the face, like the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polybutene, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Kaolin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Barium Sulfate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Squalane, Zinc Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trihydroxystearin, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartatel, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol
May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Becca Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector in Peach ($30 for 4.5g/0.16oz): This shade works well for neutralizing dark circles and is infused with light-reflecting pearls that provide a very subtle, natural glow. The key is to use as little as possible. A gentle dip into the product is enough for one application on both under eyes. If you over apply it or apply it on areas where it's not needed, the corrector will be seen through concealer. I only apply it in the inner corner of my under eyes where my dark circles are most prominent. I then apply concealer over it and set it with a powder. The peachiness really packs a punch for intense dark circles.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Polybutene, Kaolin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Barium Sulfate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Squalane, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Aluminum Hydroxide, Zinc Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Ultramarines (CI 77007) Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289)
Becca Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector in Papaya ($30 for 4.5g/0.16oz): This shade neutralizes deep blues and green and has the same finish as Peach. Papaya is more suitable for those with darker skintones and for those who want to cover tattoos. When I use a concealer with a pink undertone over the corrector, I find that the shade, Papaya, makes my under eye look more pink compared to Peach. I don't have any issues with the color when I pair Papaya with a yellow-based concealer. Therefore, for those who have extreme dark circles and a yellow undertone, I recommend wearing Papaya with a yellow-based concealer to prevent it from looking too pink.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Polybutene, Kaolin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Barium Sulfate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Squalane, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Aluminum Hydroxide, Zinc Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Ultramarines (CI 77007) Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289).
Bottom Line: The Becca Backlight Targeted Colour correctors are the keys to combating extreme dark circles, while the Under Eye Brightening corrector is ideal for those who are looking to highlight their under eyes with a dewy glow. Both these products serve different purposes and yield different results.
Note: The Becca Under Eye Brightening corrector is available at Sephora, Ulta, B-Glowing, and Dermstore. The Backlight Targeted Colour correctors are currently available only at Sephora. The #28 and #76 brushes are sold exclusively at Sephora.
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