How to Conceal Dark Circles
By Lamyaa Aissi · Professional Makeup Artist, Casablanca
Dark circles are the most requested fix in my chair — and the most commonly over-corrected. Piling on light concealer over a dark circle produces grey, creased under-eyes by lunchtime.
The professional formula has three small steps: cancel the darkness, brighten the area, and set only where movement creases. Done right, it looks like sleep, not makeup.
What you'll need
- A peach or orange corrector (depth matched to your skin)
- A concealer one shade lighter than your foundation
- A damp sponge and finely milled setting powder
Step 1: Start with hydrated skin
Eye cream or a light moisturiser, ten minutes before makeup. Concealer over dry under-eyes cracks into every fine line.
Step 2: Cancel the colour
Press a thin layer of peach (fair to medium skin) or orange (deeper skin) corrector only where the shadow is darkest — usually the inner corner and the hollow. Tap with a fingertip until it disappears.
Step 3: Draw the triangle
Apply concealer in a small triangle from the inner corner down toward the cheek and back up to the outer corner. This shape lifts the whole eye area, not just the line under the lashes.
Step 4: Press with a damp sponge
Bounce the sponge to melt the concealer into the corrector layer without wiping it away. Edges should vanish into the cheek.
Step 5: Set the crease zone only
With a small brush, press setting powder just where your eye creases when you smile. Setting the whole under-eye is what causes the dry, textured look.
Step 6: Check in daylight
Under-eyes that look perfect in bathroom light often look ashy in sunlight. Always check by a window and warm up with a drop more corrector if needed.
Pro tips from the chair
- Less product, more pressing. Two thin pressed layers outperform one thick painted one every time.
- If texture is your issue more than darkness, skip corrector and use a single thin concealer layer — texture amplifies with every added product.
- A tiny dot of the corrector on the inner corner of the eyelid too instantly brightens tired eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my concealer crease within an hour?
Too much product and unset movement zones. Thin layers, pressed in, powder only in the smile crease — creasing drops by ninety percent.
What shade of concealer should I buy?
One shade lighter than your foundation, in the same undertone. Anything more than one shade lighter turns grey over dark circles.
Learn it hands-on in Casablanca
Reading only gets you so far — technique clicks when someone corrects your hand in real time. I teach one-on-one makeup lessons in Casablanca tailored to your face, your kit, and your skill level, from 600 MAD. Or if you'd rather have it done for you, book a session for your next event.
More guides: all tutorials · the full smokey eye masterclass · bridal makeup tutorial.