Mini Miracle Eye Wand
£29, Charlotte Tilbury (charlottetilbury.com)
They say: The ultimate remedy for tired, dull and exhausted under-eyes, brightening the eye contour and hydrating the skin’s surface for a luminous finish.
We say: Five years in the making and launched a few weeks ago, Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Miracle Eye Wand is the Rolls-Royce of under-eye concealers. This little pen, complete with two sleek dispensing brushes, is a lifesaver if you struggle after not getting enough shut-eye. One end pumps out eye cream designed to tighten the skin and smooth out bags, while the other contains a light-reflecting concealer to perk up purple-tinged patches. Expect to look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (even if you’re desperately craving a duvet).
Secret Concealer
£19.50, Laura Mercier (selfridges.com)
They say: A moisture-rich concealer designed for under and around the eyes to conceal discolouration and dark circles without settling into wrinkles.
We say: A tiny pot that packs a big punch, Laura Mercier’s cult product is the perfect antidote to stubborn bags and the brand’s best-selling concealer. Its moisture-rich formula means that it has more “glide” than other under-eye concealers, covering fine lines without catching, and helping to even out shadowy areas. Use the tip of your middle finger to firmly pat under the eye (and on the lid to cover blue veins) before blending in a smile shape.
All About Eyes Concealer
£17, Clinique (clinique.co.uk)
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They say: Disguises dark under-eye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Its long-wearing, moisturising formula means it won’t crease or settle into fine lines.
We say: Clinique’s formula is quite thick so you really have to work it into the under-eye contour with your fingertips or concealer brush. All that massaging means that it lasts from dawn to dusk with no hurried touch-ups, covering pigmented skin and de-puffing bags in the process. Having applied it after blusher by mistake, I can vouch for the fact that it also does a stellar job of highlighting the curve of cheekbones and softening the too-rosy effect of hastily applied powder. Bonus.
Erase Paste
£20.50, Benefit (benefitcosmetics.co.uk)
They say: This concentrated, creamy concealer brightens and camouflages, targeting dark circles, discolouration and imperfections.
We say: Benefit’s pot comes with a tiny spatula to scoop out the concealer, which is perfect — you only need a tiny amount. For best results the instruction booklet (yes, concealing dark circles warrants a manual) suggests dabbing a dot of Erase Paste on the inner and outer corners of the eye and using your ring finger to blend towards the centre. And suddenly the dewy, doe-eyed look is possible to achieve . . .
Eraser Eye Concealer
£7.99, Maybelline (superdrug.com)
They say: Improving the appearance of skin and perfecting the under-eye area using coloured pigments to give flawless cover.
We say: If the hollows under your eyes are looking a little, well, prominent of late then Maybelline’s Eraser Eye is ideal. Its formula is enriched with goji berries, which help restore hydration and leave skin looking plump instead of sallow. The sponge top is a dream to use, though it does require a few dozen clicks to get it going, and is great for speedy application after you’ve hit the snooze button too many times. The sponge also comes in handy when you have a particularly shadowy spot that needs attention, like the pesky triangle of purple fanning out from your inner eye. Consider it covered.