Ultimate Guide to Covering Dark Circles in Your 30s and 40s: Tips & Best Products
Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by Amy
As a mum in my 30s, dark undereye circles have become an all-too-familiar concern. Whether it’s due to sleepless nights or the general stresses of life, finding a good concealer has been a game-changer. If you’ve spent too many years obsessing over those stubborn under-eye shadows and want realistic tips to improve their appearance, then keep reading!
Understanding Dark Circles
Several factors contribute to dark circles, including:
- Age – As we get older, skin loses elasticity and volume, making blood vessels more visible.
- Hyperpigmentation – Often caused by sun exposure or genetics, it can be more pronounced in darker skin tones.
- Fatigue – Lack of sleep makes blood vessels more noticeable and can cause puffiness.
- Allergies – Allergic reactions trigger histamines, causing blood vessels to dilate and become more visible.
- Genetics – If your parents have dark circles, you might too.
- Skin Type – Dark circles can be more noticeable on dry or dehydrated skin.
Now that we understand the causes, let’s look at how to choose the right concealer.
Choosing the Right Concealer for Dark Circles
Finding the best concealer depends on coverage, formula, and finish. Here’s what to consider:
1. Coverage
- Full Coverage: Best for severe dark circles, providing complete opacity.
- Medium Coverage: A more natural look while still brightening the under-eye area.
- Sheer Coverage: Ideal for minimal dark circles or a light, fresh finish.
2. Formula Types
- Liquid Concealers – Suitable for all skin types, particularly effective for under-eyes. Usually more hydrating.
- Creamy Concealers – Best for normal to dry skin, offering good coverage and easy blending.
- Stick Concealers – Thicker consistency, better for blemishes but can work for dark circles if blended well.
3. Key Ingredients
Look for hydrating and brightening ingredients, especially if you have mature or dry skin:
- Hyaluronic Acid – Boosts hydration and prevents creasing.
- Vitamin C – Brightens dark circles over time.
- Peptides – Helps improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.
4. Shade Selection
- Under-Eye Concealer – Choose a shade slightly lighter than your foundation for a brightening effect.
- Blemish Concealer – Should match your skin tone exactly to avoid highlighting imperfections.
- Colour Correctors – Peach or orange tones neutralise dark circles, while green corrects redness.
5. Buildability
Opt for concealers that can be layered without looking cakey. A buildable formula allows you to customise your coverage.
How to Apply Concealer Like a Pro
Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results:
Step 1: Prep the Skin
Apply an eye cream to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. You can also use a primer to create a smooth base.
Step 2: Use a Corrector (If Needed)
For deep dark circles, apply a peach or salmon-toned corrector to neutralise the blue or purple undertones.
Step 3: Apply Concealer
You can apply concealer directly under your eyes by dotting it on, or try my preferred method: placing a small amount on the back of your hand and using a fluffy brush to blend it in for a more natural, diffused finish.
Step 4: Blend Gently
Use a ring finger, a damp makeup sponge or a fluffy concealer brush to blend. Avoid dragging the skin, as this can emphasize fine lines.
Step 5: Set with Powder
Lightly dust translucent powder to prevent creasing, but avoid heavy powders that can make the under-eye look dry.
The Best Concealers for Dark Circles
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer (£9.99)
This Maybelline concealer has gained a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. This concealer is specifically formulated to address dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, making it a multi-tasker in your makeup bag.
- Effectiveness on Dark Circles: Provides medium to full coverage and brightens the undereye area. Its formula contains goji berry and Haloxyl, which are known for their anti-ageing properties.
- Application and Formula: The built-in sponge applicator makes it easy to apply. The texture is creamy and lightweight, avoiding a cakey look while providing good coverage.
- My thoughts: I prefer to apply it to the back of my hand and then use clean fingers or a brush to tap it onto the undereye area. I always worry that the sponge is going to be a breeding ground for bacteria. I also find that I end up with far too much product when using the sponge directly on my face. This is a concealer that I always come back to. It is ideal for everyday use at a budget-friendly price and a tube seems to last forever!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and widely available | The sponge applicator can be unhygienic over time |
| Brightens the undereye area effectively | Limited shade range for deeper skin tones |
| Contains anti-ageing ingredients |
e.l.f. 16 HR Camo Concealer (£7)
e.l.f. is known for providing quality makeup at budget-friendly prices, and the e.l.f. Camo Concealer is no exception. This full-coverage concealer promises to cover dark circles and other imperfections with ease.
- Effectiveness on Dark Circles: Delivers full coverage, effectively hiding dark circles and brightening the undereye area. It has a matte finish, which helps prevent the undereye area from looking shiny throughout the day. Perfect for more oily skin types!
- Application and Formula: The large doe-foot applicator makes application quick and easy. The formula is thick, so a little goes a long way. It dries down quickly, so blending must be done promptly to avoid a patchy finish.
- My thoughts: I have always had mixed feelings about this concealer. While it offers excellent coverage and impressive staying power, it can be somewhat drying for my undereye area. Despite this drawback, I would still consider repurchasing it for special occasions when I want a full makeup look. On those days, I make sure to properly prep my skin and take extra care in blending out the product to achieve the best results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly affordable | Can be too drying for those with dry skin |
| Provides full coverage with a matte finish | Limited shade range |
| Long-lasting wear |
Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Concealer (£12.50 for members/£25 for non-members)
Beauty Pie offers luxury-quality makeup at more accessible prices, and their Everyday Great Skin Concealer is designed to offer natural-looking coverage.
- Effectiveness on Dark Circles: Provides medium coverage and has a hydrating formula, making it ideal for those with dry or mature skin. Effectively conceals dark circles while keeping the undereye area looking fresh and dewy.
- Application and Formula: The creamy formula is easy to blend and buildable, allowing for more customised coverage. Contains ingredients that nourish the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.
- My thoughts: I am on my 3rd tube of this concealer. As a makeup commitment-phobe, this is saying something! It blends beautifully without caking or settling into fine lines. It feels hydrating and lightweight while still being effective at improving my dark circles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hydrating formula suitable for dry and mature skin | Requires a Beauty Pie membership for the best price |
| Buildable coverage | Limited availability compared to other brands |
| Contains skin-nourishing ingredients. |
Beauty Pie Superluminous Under Eye Genius (£12 for members/£25 for non-members)
Another offering from Beauty Pie, the Superluminous Corrector, is designed to brighten and correct the undereye area with a radiant finish.
- Effectiveness on Dark Circles: Works well to neutralise dark circles, thanks to its peachy undertone, which counteracts the blue and purple hues typical of dark circles. It provides a luminous finish that helps to brighten the entire undereye area.
- Application and Formula: The creamy texture is easy to apply and blend, making it suitable for layering under concealer or wearing alone for a more natural look. The radiant finish adds a subtle glow that can make you look more awake.
- My thoughts: This is another ride-or-die product for me! And one I hope to never be without. Using this product is the closest I have ever come to completely covering my chronic dark circles. As it is a corrector, you will likely need another concealer over it. I have used all of the products mentioned in this post over this corrector with great results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brightens and neutralises dark circles effectively | Requires a Beauty Pie membership for the best price |
| Provides a radiant, luminous finish | Not a standalone concealer; works best as a corrector |
| Can be worn alone or under concealer |
Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer (£15)
Sculpted by Aimee is a brand known for its user-friendly products, and the Brighten Up Concealer is no exception. This product aims to deliver a bright, fresh look to the undereye area.
- Effectiveness on Dark Circles: Offers medium to full coverage with a brightening effect. Contains light-reflecting particles that help to diffuse the appearance of dark circles, making the undereye area look more awake and refreshed.
- Application and Formula: The formula is lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin. It’s designed to be hydrating, making it suitable for all skin types, including those with dry or mature skin.
- My thoughts: This concealer has a formula very similar to the Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Concealer—it’s lightweight, hydrating, and blends seamlessly. However, it provides a more noticeable brightening effect. I actually love using both together: I start with the Beauty Pie concealer to cover dark circles, then add a small amount of the Brighten Up concealer to the outer corners of my eyes for an extra touch of glow and hydration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brightens the undereye area with light-reflecting particles | Higher price point compared to drugstore options |
| Hydrating formula suitable for all skin types | Limited shade range |
| Easy to blend and buildable coverage |
Concealer Tips for Mature Skin
If you’re over 30, keep these in mind:
✔ Use minimal product to avoid emphasising fine lines.
✔ Blend well for a seamless finish.
✔ Prioritise hydration in both skincare and concealer formulas.
✔ Avoid heavy powders—opt for finely milled, translucent options.
Finding the right concealer for dark circles is about understanding your skin type, choosing the right formula, and applying it correctly. Whether you prefer full coverage or a natural finish, there’s a concealer out there for you.
What’s your favourite concealer? Have you tried any of these? Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best concealer for dark circles involves understanding coverage, ingredients, and application techniques. Here are some common questions and answers to help you find the right product.
Should I apply foundation under my eyes?
It is recommended that foundation only comes up to your cheekbones and that you use concealer for the undereye area. Applying foundation under the eyes may lead to cakey makeup and increased texture.
What techniques are most effective for hiding dark spots and under-eye circles?
To effectively hide dark circles, use a peach or orange corrector under your concealer to neutralise the dark tones. Apply a small amount of concealer and blend it using a damp makeup sponge. Setting the concealer with a light dusting of powder can also help it stay in place.
Should I apply concealer before or after foundation?
There has always been some debate on whether to apply concealer before or after foundation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your skin.
Applying Foundation First: Starting with foundation provides an even base and helps you see which areas need additional coverage. Applying foundation first allows you to use less concealer, as you can more accurately judge how much is necessary. You probably don’t need as much concealer as you think!
Applying Concealer First: Some prefer to apply concealer before foundation to minimise imperfections before applying a lighter layer of foundation. This approach can help achieve a more natural look with less product.
My Routine: I typically begin with a colour corrector on the undereye area, followed by foundation, skin tint, or tinted moisturiser. Afterwards, I apply concealer to add extra coverage where needed.
