The 7 Best Under-Eye Color Correctors of 2023, Tested and Approved (2024)

Our Top Picks

Although one shade (like pink, for example) can help diminish the look of dark circles, having a bunch of colors to play around with makes finding a perfect match easier. Our tester was impressed with Stila’s Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette and its array of shade options ranging from neutralizing pink and red to tone-enhancing green and lavender. Though the color and coverage are key, consistency is just as important—the last thing you want is for your color corrector to be hard to blend. But fear not: According to our tester, each color felt pliable, hydrating, and, best of all, easy to control.

Format: Cream palette | Colors: 7; Beige, pink, red, green, lavender

For a color corrector that stays put for hours on end, you can’t go wrong with the Makeup Forever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette. It comes with a few shades of beige and the option of either lavender or green (depending on the palette you get). Though it doesn’t come with an applicator either, this palette glides well and smooths out easily under the eye area. At first glance, our tester admitted that she was worried the formula would be too powdery and hard to work with. To her surprise, however, the texture was creamy, malleable, and hydrating. In fact, it settled “nicely” on her skin, leaving behind a finish free from creases or fine lines. Keep in mind that the formula is buildable, but if you use a lot, it can end up being too pigmented. Our advice: Take it little by little and blend everything out before going in for more.

Format: Cream | Colors: 4; Shades of beige, plus lavender or green

Green color correctors are known for their magic ability to neutralize redness related to acne and rosacea. Believe it or not, green can also be really helpful in covering darkness around the eyes, too. This ultra-pigmented, long-wearing color corrector from Lancôme seamlessly camouflages redness in seconds, laying the groundwork for concealers to follow. Our tester was pleased with how well the formula neutralized the appearance of her dark circles—specifically their natural dark red, purplish tone—before adding any concealer on top. Though it blends into the skin nicely, too much pigment can leave skin looking green, so be careful to use just a dot at a time.

Format: Cream | Colors: 1; Green

As the name suggests, this color-correcting formula from Charlotte Tilbury is pure sorcery. Each of the four shades—pink, peach, orange, and red—looks intimidating at first (understandably so) but actually transforms the look of under eyes after a few pats of a makeup sponge. The warm colors work to even out dull, purplish skin, thus, covering up dark circles. Our tester was really happy with the results, sharing that the formula provided the perfect amount of coverage to her under-eye area.

Format: Cream | Colors: 4; Pink, peach, orange, red

If your under eyes need a little pep, consider the cult-favorite Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, which has now found its new home at Smashbox. The one-of-a-kind formula relies on light-reflecting illuminators to deflect light away from dark circles and discoloration. It also contains vitamin E, which helps to smooth the delicate skin around the eyes, creating a soft-focus base for concealer and foundation. The brightening color corrector comes in three peachy shades, each designed to suit a different skin tone. We wish there were more options available aside from Medium, Medium/Dark, and Dark.

Format: Creamy | Colors: 1 per pot; 3 shades available

Those who have lighter skin tones might notice their dark circles looking green or blue, like the color of veins. To help counteract that, Bobbi Brown created her fan-favorite Under Eye Corrector, which is available in pink- or peach-based shades. The water-, sweat-, and humidity-resistant formula is designed to be layered underneath concealer and foundation for hours of wear. According to our tester, the color payoff is excellent, and she didn’t have a hard time finding a “perfect match.” Just be sure to wear a moisturizer or eye cream before applying; she noticed the product settling into lines after a few hours.

Format: Cream | Colors: 1 per package, 11 shades available

A personal favorite of Dr. Idriss, these easy-to-use color-correcting sticks from Live Tinted are a great addition to any makeup kit. Sure, they’re comparable to a cosmetic crayon, but they do a fantastic job of disguising pigmentation on darker skin tonesandserve as a nifty multi-stick for a wash of color on eyelids, cheeks, and lips. Take your pick between five orange-y red shades and dab some color on your under eyes. Then, blend everything out with either your fingertip or a sponge. Our tester shared that the crayon tip made it easy to apply, and loved that she didn’t need to rely on a specific applicator or brush to get the product out.

Format: Cream | Colors: 1 per stick; 5 red-toned shades available

Testing the Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles

FAQ

• What are color correctors?

  According to product developer and president of SOS Beauty Charlene Valledor, color correctors, like those meant for dark undereye circles, are cosmetic products that use the principles of color theory to neutralize the appearance of certain tones in the skin.

• What colors are used for color correction?

  It depends on what you’re looking to correct. “Green is used to help neutralize the appearance of redness in the skin, so it’s great to use when trying to camouflage a breakout,” Valledor says. “Red or orange tones are great at helping to neutralize deep blue or dark gray tones, such as very dark under eyes or dark acne scarring.”

• How can you apply under eye concealer to cancel out dark circles?

  Apply an under-eye color corrector to your dark circles before concealer and foundation. Depending on the color or if the color corrector is enough coverage, you can skip, but it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to add concealer or foundation on top.