If your dark circles seem impossible to cover or your under-eyes constantly look puffy and tired, you’re not alone. Professional makeup artist and beauty YouTuber Smitha Deepak knows the struggle all too well—and after trying literally everything from luxury to drugstore, she’s revealing the five best concealers that actually work.
“These five concealers are my holy grails,” says Deepak. “They give you that flawless finish, erase dark circles, and still feel light on the skin—without breaking the bank.”
Even better? Her tests are thorough—each product is applied to only one side of her face for a visible before-and-after comparison, with no powder used to fake the results.
“I want you to see what these concealers can do on their own,” she says. “With powder, anything can look flawless. I wanted to keep it real.”
Let’s dive into Smitha’s top picks!
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1: Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer
Best for: All skin types, flawless natural look
Smitha’s #1 choice? Milani’s longwear concealer, hands down.
“It gives full coverage without feeling like you're wearing anything,” she says. “It’s the perfect balance—hydrating, blendable, and long-lasting.”
Pros:
- Hydrating, blendable, and lightweight
- Covers everything from dark circles to redness and spots
- Feels comfortable all day
Cons:
- Limited shade range compared to others
- May need setting powder for oily skin types
2: L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear Concealer
Best for: Long days, sweatproof coverage
This one is all about high impact—just use it sparingly.
“It’s super full-coverage, sweatproof, and doesn’t budge,” Smitha raves. “But use a light hand—it’s pigmented enough to cover anything.”
Pros:
- Covers dark circles, scars, blemishes with ease
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Wide shade range
Cons:
- Can cake if over-applied
- Slightly drying for under-eyes
- Has a subtle fragrance that may not suit everyone
3: e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
Best for: Dry or mature skin
Don’t confuse this with the regular camo concealer—Smitha is specifically recommending the hydrating version.
“This is creamy, hydrating, and works beautifully on mature skin,” she says. “It won’t settle into fine lines if you prep right.”
Pros:
- Full coverage without creasing
- Very hydrating for delicate under-eyes
- Vegan and budget-friendly
Cons:
- Can feel heavy on oily skin
- Tricky shade matching in-store
- Requires powder to set for long wear
4: Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Full Coverage Concealer
Best for: Oily or combination skin, full-day wear
A true matte, full-coverage formula with a big doe-foot applicator, this concealer dries quickly—so speed is key.
“It’s weightless but packs serious coverage,” says Smitha. “Just blend fast! Don’t wait, or it’ll set too quickly.”
Pros:
- Matte finish great for oily skin
- Lasts all day
- High pigment, very little needed
Cons:
- Can be drying for mature or dry skin
- May emphasize fine lines if not prepped properly
- Fast-drying formula needs quick blending
5: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Best for: Everyday use, light to medium coverage
This cult-favorite comes with a built-in sponge tip applicator, making it easy to target dark circles, spots, and uneven tone.
“It’s lightweight, blendable, and brightens the under-eyes,” Smitha notes. “It even helps reduce puffiness over time.”
Pros:
- Natural, breathable finish
- Easy application
- Great for subtle brightening
Cons:
- Medium coverage—not ideal for very dark circles
- Sponge tip may absorb product, causing waste
- Not super hydrating for dry skin types
“If you have dry or mature skin, go for Milani or e.l.f.,” she advises. “If you’re oily and want longwear, L’Oréal and Covergirl are perfect. For a natural everyday look, stick with Maybelline.”
No matter which one you choose, Smitha emphasizes that application is key:
“Apply in thin layers, let it sit for 20–30 seconds for more coverage, and always prep your skin—especially if you want it to look smooth and fresh.”
