The best concealer for dark under eye circles is one that looks natural, yet provides the coverage you need to disguise the circles. Covering problematic darkness under the eyes can boost your confidence and help you look your best.
Dealing with Dark Circles

Dealing with dark circles under the eyes can be frustrating. Not only are today's women busier and under more demands than ever before, but they are expected to tackle it all while looking beautiful. Dark shadows and circles can give a poor first impression and can make a woman feel less than her best.

While there are many concealers on the market that are designed precisely for this troublesome issue, it is important to address the underlying cause. Sometimes dark circles can be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be addressed, so it is important to rule that out before just using makeup to cover the area. Darkness under the eyes can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and inadequate water intake.

Other possibilities include:
Allergies
Congestion or illness
Eczema
Irritation from rubbing or pulling at the eyes

For some people, this darkness is merely the result of heredity, the natural aging process, having extra-thin skin under the eyes, or skin irregularities.
Concealer Shade

Choosing the best shade or color of concealer can be slightly tricky. The area under the eyes is naturally a bit lighter, but going with a color that is too light can result in a 'raccoon-eye' type effect. This effect draws more attention to the area and does not blend in well. Going too light also draws more attention to any imperfections in the area. A good rule of thumb is to try a concealer that is somewhat lighter than your skin tone, but not more than two shades lighter. In general, a yellow-based product will help to counteract the darkness, which is often blue or purplish in color.
Features of the Best Eye Concealers

Some of the features you'll want to look for in a product to camouflage circles include:
Substantial coverage: A lightweight, thin concealer may not do the trick. More opaque products will provide the thicker coverage for this condition.
Moisturizing or nourishing: A product that is drying may conceal darkness, but will emphasize any lines.
Fade- and crease-resistant: You want your concealer to last all day, so your circles aren't showing by your afternoon coffee break.
Smooth and easy to blend: If you have to rub or pull to blend the product, it can be damaging to the eye area.
Brightening: Products that deflect light from under the eyes will disguise the problem even better.
Eight Best Concealers for Dark Under Eye Circles

When it comes to concealer, most beauty experts agree it pays to go with a quality product. Most top makeup brands have their own special eye concealers that work very well. Some of the best products to combat under eye darkness include:
MAC Studio Finish Concealer: MAC is a well-known and loved brand of makeup. This professional cosmetic company offers several concealers, but the Studio Finish provides opaque coverage and is water-resistant, making it a good pick for under the eyes.
Benefit Bo-ing: This high-coverage concealer provides a smooth, natural look for the delicate under eye skin but is rich enough to cover darkness. The product is available in three shades and is fade-resistant.
Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer: This professional-grade product is a lightweight but high-coverage product recommended for highly problematic areas, such as dark under eye circles.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer: If you want to look as good or Jessica Alba or Megan Fox, this celebrity makeup artist favorite might do the trick. This long-lasting concealer is one of the pricier concealers, but it offers outstanding, long-lasting coverage.
Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat: This popular product highlights the under eye area to disguise darkness and create a youthful glow.
Time Balm: This reasonably-priced product not only conceals, but has ingredients designed to protect and nourish the under eye skin.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage: This concealer duo, voted Best of Beauty Editors' Choice from Allure Magazine, glides on and provides a double whammy of concealing and brightening power.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer: Voted a "Best Beauty Buy" from InStyle Magazine, Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer doesn't dry out the under skin, but yet camouflages circles extremely well.

These eight products are some of the most well-respected in the world of under eye concealers, but there are many more, too. Shop your favorite brands, get recommendations from your local department store makeup counter, and reader reviews to find the brand that is best for you.
More Tips for Combating Dark Circles

A concealing product can do wonders to help reduce the appearance of under-eye darkness, but the following tips and tricks can also help you keep a fresh, beautiful appearance.
Try creams or serums designed specifically for dark circles. Apply these prior to your concealer.
Do not apply mascara to the lower lashes or mascara on the lower eyelid. This can increase a dark or shadowy look.
Use an eye primer to make sure eye shadow and eye liner applied on the upper lid stay put.
Avoid oil-based eye makeup. These products may smear or migrate to the lower eye and increase a dark appearance.
Always use the lowest level of coverage for your needs, and apply sparingly. Overdoing the concealer can result in a cakey appearance that will look worse than the dark circles are trying to conceal.

Although the condition can be aggravating, using one of the best concealer for dark under eye circles can help you maintain confidence and look your best.