How To Hide Bags Under Eyes With Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide

Under-eye bags can make anyone look tired, even after a good night’s sleep. They often appear as puffiness or dark shadows beneath the eyes, affecting your overall fresh and youthful look. Fortunately, makeup offers quick and effective ways to conceal these bags and brighten your face.

Learning how to hide bags under eyes with makeup is a game-changer for busy mornings or special occasions. With the right products and techniques, you can minimize puffiness, hide dark circles, and create a smooth, natural finish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps to hide eye bags with makeup, recommend the best concealers and color correctors, and share tips to keep your under-eye area looking flawless all day long.

Why Do Under Eye Bags Appear?

Under eye bags are a common cosmetic concern, often showing up as puffiness or swelling beneath the eyes. They develop when the tissues and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken, causing the skin to sag. Fat that is normally held around the eye can then shift downward, making the area appear puffy or swollen.

Fluid retention is another major factor in the appearance of under eye bags. This often happens after waking up or consuming salty foods, as salt causes the body to hold onto water. The collected fluid in the lower eyelid area can make bags look more pronounced, especially in the morning.

Aging is the most common cause of under eye bags. As we get older, the skin loses elasticity and the muscles around the eyes become weaker. This natural process allows fat and fluid to accumulate under the eyes, leading to the classic baggy.

Lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Lack of sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and dehydration can all contribute to puffiness and dark circles. Allergies and sinus issues may cause inflammation and swelling in the under eye area, making bags more noticeable.

Genetics are another important factor. If your parents or other close relatives have under eye bags, you are more likely to develop them as well. In some cases, medical conditions such as thyroid problems, dermatitis, or kidney disease can also be a cause, though this is less common.

While under eye bags are usually harmless and mainly a cosmetic issue, they can sometimes be persistent or bothersome. Understanding the underlying causes can help you choose the best makeup techniques and lifestyle changes to minimize their appearance.

Step 1: Prep Your Under Eye Area

Preparing your under eye area is the most important first step to covering bags under eyes with makeup. When the skin beneath your eyes is well-hydrated and smooth, concealer applies more evenly and lasts longer without creasing or settling into fine lines.

Start by gently cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. Use a mild cleanser to avoid drying out the delicate skin under your eyes. Next, apply a hydrating eye cream formulated to reduce puffiness and brighten the area. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and caffeine are especially effective – hyaluronic acid plumps and moisturizes, while caffeine helps shrink swollen blood vessels and reduce puffiness.

For an extra boost, try using cooling eye gels or chilled eye masks before makeup; these can temporarily depuff tired eyes and create a smoother canvas. Allow your eye cream or gel to fully absorb before moving on to makeup.

Once your under eyes feel soft and supple, consider applying a lightweight primer specifically designed for the eye area. This helps fill in fine lines and creates a smooth base, ensuring your concealer glides on effortlessly and stays put throughout the day.

Properly prepping your under eye area not only improves the look of your makeup but also helps minimize the appearance of bags and dark circles naturally. It’s the essential foundation for any effective makeup for under eye bags routine.

Step 2: Use Color Corrector for Under Eyes

Color correcting is a powerful step to neutralize dark circles and discoloration before applying concealer. It helps reduce the appearance of under eye bags by canceling out the blue, purple, or brown tones that make them look more pronounced. Using a color corrector means you can use less concealer, resulting in a more natural, lightweight finish.

To choose the right color corrector, start by identifying the undertone of your dark circles. For blue or purple hues, peach or salmon shades work best because they counteract cool tones. If you have deeper skin tones with more intense dark circles, opt for a richer orange corrector to effectively neutralize the darkness.

Apply a small amount of color corrector only on the areas where you see discoloration-usually the inner corners and under the eyes. Use a concealer brush, your ring finger, or a damp sponge to gently blend it out in a thin layer. Avoid applying it all over the under eye area; targeted application ensures a natural look.

Once blended, layer your regular concealer on top to match your skin tone, brightening and evening out the under eye area. Finish by setting with a finely milled translucent powder to lock in the coverage and prevent creasing.

This two-step approach-color corrector followed by concealer-is a game-changer for those struggling with dark circles and under eye bags. It brightens your eyes, reduces puffiness appearance, and creates a smooth, flawless base for the rest of your makeup.

Step 3: Choose the Best Concealer for Under Eye Bags

Choosing the best concealer for under eye bags is essential to achieving a bright, smooth, and natural-looking finish. Since the skin under your eyes is delicate and prone to dryness, you want a formula that offers good coverage without being heavy or cakey.

Look for concealers that are creamy, hydrating, and lightweight. Many top-rated options contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to plump and smooth the skin, preventing creasing and settling into fine lines. For example, Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer is praised for its gel-like texture and medium coverage that blends effortlessly while hydrating the under eye area.

If you need full coverage to completely hide dark circles and under eye bags, consider concealers like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye or LYS Beauty Triple Fix Brightening Concealer. These provide excellent coverage and brightening effects, making tired eyes look refreshed and awake.

For those with mature or dry skin, formulas infused with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil are ideal. L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Concealer is a great budget-friendly option that won’t settle into lines and keeps the under eye area soft and radiant.

When selecting your shade, pick a concealer one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone to brighten without looking unnatural. Avoid overly light shades that can create a stark contrast.

The best concealer for under eye bags should be hydrating, buildable, and long-lasting. It should brighten the under eye area while minimizing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. With the right concealer, you’ll achieve a fresh, well-rested look that lasts all day.

Step 4: Apply Concealer with the Right Technique

Applying concealer with the right technique is just as important as choosing the best product for covering under eye bags. Even the most effective concealer can look cakey or crease if not applied properly.

Begin by dotting your concealer in an upside-down triangle shape under your eyes. The base of the triangle should follow your lower lash line, while the point extends toward your cheek. This shape not only covers dark circles but also brightens the entire under eye area, creating a lifted and refreshed look.

Use a damp beauty sponge, your ring finger, or a soft concealer brush to blend the product. Gently tap and press the concealer into your skin instead of rubbing or dragging. This tapping motion helps the concealer adhere better and prevents irritation or disruption of your foundation.

If you need more coverage in certain spots, apply a small additional amount and blend carefully. Avoid piling on too much product at once, as this can emphasize fine lines and texture.

Once blended, make sure the edges of the concealer seamlessly blend into your foundation or natural skin tone. This 

prevents harsh lines and creates a smooth, natural finish.

Set your concealer with a finely milled translucent powder using a small brush. Applying powder lightly helps lock the concealer in place, reduces shine, and minimizes creasing throughout the day. Be careful not to over-powder, as too much can make the under eye area look dry and accentuate texture.

Step 5: Set Under Eye Concealer

Setting your under eye concealer is a crucial step to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day and prevents creasing. After applying and blending your concealer, lightly dust a finely milled, translucent setting powder over the area. This locks in the concealer, controls oiliness, and helps avoid any unwanted smudging or fading.

To apply setting powder correctly, use a small, soft, fluffy brush or a damp makeup sponge. Tap off any excess powder before gently pressing or lightly sweeping it onto your under eyes. Avoid sweeping motions that can disturb your concealer. Instead, use a gentle pressing or rolling motion to set the product without moving it around.

Choose a setting powder that is specifically formulated for the delicate under eye area-these tend to be finely milled and lightweight, preventing the powder from settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. Translucent powders or those slightly lighter than your skin tone work best to brighten the area without adding heaviness.

Be careful not to over-apply powder, as too much can lead to a cakey or dry appearance, especially on mature or dry skin. A light touch is key to achieving a smooth, natural finish.

For added longevity, some makeup artists recommend spritzing a hydrating setting spray after powdering to meld all the products together and keep your under eye area looking fresh and radiant throughout the day.

Additional Makeup Tips for Under Eye Bags

Beyond the basic steps of prepping, color correcting, and concealing, a few extra makeup tricks can further minimize the appearance of under eye bags and brighten tired eyes.

Use Light Layers: When applying concealer, opt for thin, buildable layers rather than one thick coat. This helps prevent cakey makeup that can settle into fine lines and emphasize puffiness. Blend well with a damp sponge or your ring finger using gentle patting motions to avoid tugging on delicate skin.

Brighten with Light-Colored Eyeshadow: Applying a light cream or champagne eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes and along the lid instantly makes your eyes look more awake and wide open. This subtle brightness draws attention away from under eye bags and dark circles.

Apply Highlighter on Concealer: After concealer, add a touch of shimmery highlighter on the high points of the under eye area. This catches the light and camouflages shadows, further reducing the look of bags.

Arch Your Eyebrows: Well-groomed, slightly arched eyebrows help lift the eye area visually. Fill in sparse spots with an eyebrow pencil or powder and brush through for a natural finish. This draws focus upward and away from puffiness.

Swoop Eyeshadow Upward: Applying eyeshadow with an upward and outward sweep lifts the eyes, making them appear more alert. Stick to subtle shades that complement your skin tone for a natural effect.

Curl Your Lashes: Curling your lashes before mascara opens up your eyes and makes them look bigger. This simple step shifts attention away from under eye bags and adds a youthful, refreshed vibe.

Use Two Concealer Shades for Dimension: If you have both puffiness and discoloration, try using two concealer shades. Apply a lighter concealer just under the eye bag to brighten the shadow, and a slightly deeper tone on the bag itself. This creates contrast and distracts from puffiness.

Set with Low-Pigment Powder: Always finish by setting your concealer with a finely milled, low-pigment translucent powder. This prevents creasing and keeps your makeup fresh without drawing attention to texture.

Incorporating these additional tips into your makeup routine will help you reduce the look of under eye bags and achieve a bright, well-rested appearance that lasts all day.

Best Products for Under Eye Bags

Choosing the right products can make all the difference when it comes to covering under eye bags with makeup. Here are some of the top-rated concealers and color correctors of 2025 that combine effective coverage with hydrating, brightening ingredients to keep your under eye area looking fresh and smooth.

Top Concealers for Under Eye Bags

Finding the right concealer is key to effectively hiding under eye bags and brightening tired-looking eyes. The best concealers combine hydrating formulas with buildable coverage to smooth, brighten, and refresh the delicate under eye area without creasing or settling into fine lines. Here’s a roundup of the top concealers that deliver flawless, long-lasting results for all skin types and tones.

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

The Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer is a clean, lightweight, and long-wearing concealer designed to visibly blur, brighten, and conceal under eye bags with medium, buildable coverage. It is formulated with hydrating and de-puffing skincare ingredients such as bio-engineered caffeine (a de-puffing agent), niacinamide (to brighten and boost hydration), fermented arnica (to reduce redness and irritation), and a hyaluronic acid complex (to plump and hydrate).

Clinical studies show that after just one use, most users experienced a 26% increase in skin hydration and 94% saw a brighter under eye area. After two weeks of regular use, it visibly reduces under eye puffiness. The formula is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

For application, you can use your finger or a concealer brush to apply the product anywhere you want to conceal, brighten, and blur. The formula allows for building coverage from medium to full by layering and letting the concealer set between layers for optimal performance.

Users praise it for feeling weightless and comfortable on the skin all day, with 100% reporting improved hydration and effective concealment without creasing. It comes in 31 shades, offering a wide range of options for various skin tones.

The Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer is a hydrating, brightening, and de-puffing concealer that combines skincare benefits with effective medium coverage, making it an excellent choice for covering under eye bags while improving the skin’s appearance over time.

Nyx Cosmetics Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer

The NYX Cosmetics Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer is a versatile color-correcting and concealing stick designed to brighten, conceal, and correct a variety of skin concerns, including under eye bags and dark circles. It features a creamy, medium-coverage formula that glides on smoothly without drying or dragging, thanks to its infusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid.

This concealer stick comes in 24 pro shades, including six color correctors tailored for different undertones and discolorations:

• Green to neutralize redness on light to medium skin tones

• Pink to brighten and conceal discoloration on fair to medium skin tones

• Yellow to brighten and conceal discoloration on fair to light skin tones

• Dark Peach to brighten and conceal discoloration on medium to deep skin tones

• Apricot to conceal hyperpigmentation on deep skin tones

• Brick Red to correct deep discoloration on rich deep skin tones

After applying the appropriate color corrector, you can layer complexion shades over it to conceal and brighten the under eye area seamlessly. The formula is crease-resistant, offers up to 12 hours of wear, and provides a natural, skin-like finish. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types.

For best results, prep your skin with a hydrating primer, apply the color corrector in targeted areas, blend well, then apply the concealer stick on top to conceal and brighten. The Pro Fix Stick can be used alone or layered under or over foundation for a full-face flawless look.

Overall, NYX Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer is praised for its smooth glide, buildable medium coverage, and effective color correction, making it an excellent choice for covering under eye bags and dark circles on a variety of skin tones.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a top-selling, multi-purpose concealer known for its luxurious texture and luminous finish. It provides medium, buildable coverage that brightens, corrects, and perfects the under eye area while lasting up to 16 hours. This concealer is highly regarded for instantly smoothing the look of skin and reducing visible signs of fatigue, including dark circles and fine lines.

Formulated with a Multi-Active Botanical Blend, it hydrates the delicate under eye skin for 24 hours, firms, reduces redness, and strengthens skin resilience. Unique powders in the formula help even out skin tone and blur imperfections without masking them, creating a natural, radiant finish that works for all skin types and tones. It is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and free from alcohol, parabens, and fragrance.

Users report that 97% find it lightweight and comfortable, 95% say their skin looks smoother, and 93% agree it brightens the eye area. It is available in 30 shades, making it easy to find a perfect match. Besides concealing, it can also be used for highlighting and contouring.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a hydrating, crease-resistant concealer that effectively covers under eye bags and dark circles while improving skin texture and brightness for a fresh, well-rested look.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer

The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer is a highly pigmented, full-coverage, waterproof concealer designed to effectively conceal dark circles, under eye bags, redness, age spots, and other imperfections for up to 24 hours. It features Expression Proof™ Technology, which ensures a flawless finish that won’t settle into fine lines or creases, making it ideal for long wear.

This award-winning concealer is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and K. These ingredients help hydrate, firm, and improve the appearance of the delicate under eye area while providing anti-aging benefits. Many users praise its creamy yet lightweight texture that blends well and offers buildable coverage without caking.

Because of its thick consistency, it’s recommended to use very small amounts-just a dot or less-and warm the product between your fingers before applying. Applying in thin layers helps prevent heaviness and creasing. Setting the concealer with a translucent powder is advised to maintain longevity and reduce creasing.

While some users with dry or mature skin report occasional creasing, many find it long-lasting and effective for brightening tired eyes and covering under eye bags. It comes in 24 true-to-skin shades, making it easier to find a suitable match.

Overall, Bye Bye Under Eye is celebrated for its full coverage, long wear, and skin-improving ingredients, making it a favorite for those seeking to conceal under eye bags and dark circles with a natural finish that lasts all day.

Key Features:

• Full coverage, waterproof concealer with up to 24-hour wear

• Expression Proof™ Technology prevents creasing and settling

• Infused with peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants

• Lightweight yet creamy texture, buildable coverage

• Available in 24 shades

• Recommended to apply in thin layers and set with powder

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer

The Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer is a lightweight, gel-cream concealer designed to provide natural-looking, buildable coverage while smoothing and blurring imperfections like dark circles and under eye bags. Its featherlight texture blends seamlessly without caking or creasing, making it ideal for delicate under eye skin.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, it hydrates and plumps the under eye area, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. The formula features unique micro-powders and Ultra HD technology that diffuse light to create a bright, flawless, and fresh finish all day long.

This concealer offers up to 12 hours of crease-free wear and comes in 26 to 31 shades, catering to a wide range of skin tones. It is praised for its smooth application, natural satin finish, and ability to build coverage from medium to full without feeling heavy or cakey.

Application tips include using the dot-and-dab method-applying small dots of concealer on the darkest areas and gently blending with a finger or sponge. Many users find it works well without needing to set with powder, though setting can extend wear and reduce shine.

Overall, Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer is a versatile, hydrating, and long-wearing concealer that effectively brightens and conceals under eye bags and dark circles, making it a favorite for everyday use and professional makeup looks.

Key Features:

• Featherlight gel-cream texture with buildable coverage

• Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil

• Diffuses light for a bright, natural finish

• Up to 12 hours of crease-free wear

• Available in 26–31 shades

• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

MAC Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer

The MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer is a weightless, radiant concealer that provides 24-hour medium buildable coverage while delivering +90% immediate hydration. Formulated with 80% skincare ingredients, it features 31 hydrating, illuminating, and plumping components such as niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which help reduce the look of dark circles over time by 18% with continued use.

This concealer is infused with skin-caring superfoods like olive and jojoba oils to condition and nourish the delicate under eye area. Its luxurious, serum-like texture glides effortlessly onto the skin and blends out seamlessly, delivering a natural, radiant finish without caking, streaking, or creasing.

The product includes an Artist-Curated Radiance Blend made from silver and gold pearlescent particles designed to complement a wide range of skin undertones, enhancing brightness and lift. It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types.

Available in 44 radiant shades, it pairs perfectly with the Studio Radiance Serum-Powered™ Foundation for a luminous, fresh-faced look. Application is easy with the wand applicator, and blending can be done with a brush, fingers, or makeup sponge.

MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer offers a hydrating, brightening, and long-lasting solution for concealing under eye bags and dark circles, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a natural radiant finish with skincare benefits.

Key Features:

• 24-hour medium buildable coverage

• +90% immediate hydration

• Reduces dark circles over time by 18%

• Natural radiant finish without creasing

• Contains niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, olive and jojoba oils

• Suitable for all skin types

• Available in 44 shades

Best Color Correctors for Under Eyes

Color correctors are essential tools to neutralize dark circles and discoloration before applying concealer, creating a brighter and more even under eye area. Here are some of the best color correctors for under eyes in 2025, tested and recommended by beauty experts:

NARS Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

This top-rated corrector is praised for its lightweight, buildable formula that seamlessly neutralizes deep blues and purples under the eyes. Available in four peachy shades, it brightens the under eye area with a radiant, skin-like finish. It’s long-wearing, crease-proof, and blends effortlessly, making it suitable for both natural and full glam looks.

Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector

Ideal for light skin tones, this satin-finish corrector comes in 10 pink and peach-based shades designed to conceal dark pigmentation. It’s sweat-proof and humidity-resistant, providing a smooth, camouflaged finish. Though the texture can be a bit stiff, warming it up before application helps it blend easily.

Tarte Color Corrector

Tarte’s corrector is a favorite for its effective color neutralization and smooth application. It offers good coverage and a natural finish, making it a reliable choice for brightening tired eyes.

E.l.f. Camo Color Corrector

A budget-friendly option enriched with hyaluronic acid, this corrector hydrates while camouflaging discoloration. It’s lightweight, easy to blend, and works well under concealer to brighten the under eye area.

Huda Beauty #Faux Filter Colour Corrector

Available in multiple shades, this corrector is crease-proof, transfer-proof, and lightweight. It contains vitamin C to brighten and banish dark circles, making it a great choice for those seeking a luminous finish.

Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-eye Genius

Formulated with sunflower and castor oils, this corrector hydrates the delicate under eye skin while correcting discoloration. It adds a luminous finish and is especially good for dry skin types.

Color Corrector Shades and Their Uses

Peach/Salmon: Neutralizes blue or purple tones, ideal for most light to medium skin tones.

Orange/Red: Best for deeper skin tones with dark circles.

Pink: Brightens and conceals discoloration on fair skin.

Yellow: Helps brighten dullness and mild discoloration.

Using the right color corrector tailored to your skin tone and under eye discoloration can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your concealer and overall makeup look. These top picks combine pigmentation, blendability, and skincare benefits to brighten your eyes and reduce the appearance of under eye bags and dark circles.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to cover bags under eyes with makeup is all about preparation, the right products, and technique. With these simple steps, you can brighten your under eye area, hide puffiness, and look refreshed every day. Remember, makeup is your secret weapon to boost confidence and put your best face forward-even on your busiest mornings.

FAQs About Hide Bags Under Eyes with Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions about how to hide bags under eyes with makeup, based on Expert Tips and proven techniques:

What is the best way to prep my under eye area before applying makeup to hide bags?

Start by cleansing and hydrating the under eye area with a lightweight, moisturizing eye cream containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or caffeine. This helps smooth the skin and reduce puffiness, allowing concealer to apply evenly without creasing.

Should I use a color corrector before applying concealer for under eye bags?

Yes. Using a color corrector neutralizes discoloration and dark circles, making concealer more effective. Peach or salmon tones work well for blue or purple undertones, while orange shades suit deeper skin tones. Apply sparingly only where needed and blend well before layering concealer.

What type of concealer is best for covering under eye bags?

Choose a lightweight, hydrating concealer with buildable coverage that won’t settle into fine lines or emphasize puffiness. Concealers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and caffeine help brighten and smooth the area. A shade one or two lighter than your skin tone creates a natural lift.

How should I apply concealer to hide eye bags effectively?

Apply concealer in an upside-down triangle shape under the eyes, focusing on the shadow the bag creates rather than the puffiness itself. Blend gently by tapping with a damp sponge, brush, or ring finger to avoid irritation and ensure even coverage.

Can I use powder to set my under eye concealer?

Yes, lightly setting concealer with a finely milled translucent powder helps prevent creasing and extends wear. Use a small brush and apply powder sparingly to avoid a cakey or dry appearance.

How can I avoid making under eye bags look worse with makeup?

Avoid applying concealer directly on the puffiness or too far down the cheek, as highlighting the bag itself can accentuate it. Instead, conceal the shadow the bag creates. Use minimal product and blend carefully to keep a natural look.

Are there any additional makeup tricks to reduce the appearance of under eye bags?

Yes. Brighten the inner corners of your eyes with light eyeshadow, curl your lashes to open up the eyes, and groom your eyebrows to lift the eye area visually. Using two concealer shades-one to neutralize darkness and one to brighten-can also add dimension and reduce puffiness appearance.

Lila Rose

Lila Rose is a renowned makeup artist and beauty educator with over a decade of experience in the cosmetics industry. Known for her innovative techniques and passion for empowering clients, Lila specializes in creating radiant, natural looks that enhance individual beauty. She has worked with leading beauty brands, contributed to top fashion magazines, and regularly shares expert tips on achieving flawless skin and timeless makeup styles. Lila is dedicated to helping people of all ages embrace their unique features and feel confident in their own skin.

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