Under eye brightener: what is it and how is it different from concealer?
An under eye brightener is a light, often pink or peach toned make-up for under your eyes that neutralises dark circles and reflects light, so your eyes look fresher. A concealer, on the other hand, covers in your own skin tone. For most people the two work best together: a thin layer of brightener first, then concealer only where you need it.
Especially in the darker months, after a party or a short night, you reach for something under your eyes more often. Below you read what a brightener actually does, when you pick it instead of a concealer and how to apply it without it turning grey or patchy.
What does an under eye brightener actually do?
Dark circles often have a blue, purple or brown undertone. A brightener has a shade that sits opposite that, usually pink, peach or a warm nude, which cancels the undertone out. On top of that, the fine pigments reflect light, so the area under your eyes looks brighter.
The effect is optical. A brightener doesn't change what causes your circles, it just makes them less noticeable. It won't make puffiness smaller either. For that, cold eye patches are a better step in your morning routine, read more in eye patches: what do they do and how do you use them?
What is the difference between an under eye brightener and a concealer?
A concealer covers. It has more pigment, matches your skin or is a touch lighter and also hides spots, redness and marks. A brightener corrects and lights up, with less coverage and a softer finish. If you only use concealer on very dark circles, the result can look dull, because the blue undertone shows through.
| Product | What it does | Coverage | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under eye brightener | Neutralises the undertone and brightens | Light to medium | Light to moderate circles, a fresh look without a heavy layer |
| Concealer | Covers in your skin tone | Medium to full | Circles plus marks, or as the last layer over the brightener |
| Colour corrector | Only neutralises the colour | Medium | Very dark or clearly blue circles, always with concealer on top |
| Brightening powder | Sets and brightens | Light | As a finish, so everything stays put and doesn't settle into fine lines |
Want to know more about concealer itself? Read what is a concealer and how do you apply it?
Which under eye brightener shade suits you?
The fairer your skin, the more likely you end up with pink. Pink neutralises the blue and purple tones you see most often on fair skin. On medium skin peach or a warm nude works better, and on deep skin a rich, warm orange brown shade. Pick a shade that is too light and you get a grey or white cast instead of a fresh look.
The Catrice Under Eye Brightener is a stick with a creamy texture and comes in five shades, from 010 Light Rose for fair skin to 040 Dark Mocha for deep skin. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter, is fragrance free and vegan.
Looking for a cream in a pot that you tap in with your finger? The Palladio Beauty Under Eye Brightener Soft Pink is a good choice for fair skin. It is lightweight, contains caffeine, peptides and vitamin E, and you wear it on its own or under your concealer.
Prefer a liquid or more coverage?
A liquid brightener feels the lightest and is nice if the skin under your eyes dries out quickly or has fine lines. The Catrice Under Eye Brightener Liquid has a sponge applicator and a subtle pink undertone, in 010 Light Rose and 020 Warm Nude.
Want to correct and cover in one product? Then go for a hybrid. The Essence Correct & Conceal Under Eye Brightening Concealer combines the brightening effect of a brightener with the coverage of a concealer, with an applicator to place it precisely.
How do you apply an under eye brightener?
- Start with hydrated skin. An eye cream or light moisturiser, and let it sink in for a few minutes. On dry skin every product creeps into fine lines.
- Use a little, only on the darkest spot. Usually that is the inner corner and the line just below your eye. Not all the way to your cheek, or you will see a light patch.
- Tap it in, don't rub. With your ring finger or a damp sponge, so the layer stays thin.
- Concealer only where needed. Still see some shadow? Tap a little concealer in your own shade over the brightener.
- Set with a thin layer of powder. That way everything stays put and doesn't settle into creases.
For that last step you can use a brightening powder instead of a regular translucent one. The Catrice Under Eye Brightener Setting Powder adds a little extra brightness and contains squalane, aloe vera and vitamin E. It comes in four shades, from 010 Light Rose to 040 Dark Mocha.
A small, tapered brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner without applying too much powder. The Boozyshop UP08 Under Eye Brush is made for exactly that, with soft synthetic bristles.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use an under eye brightener without concealer?
Yes. With light to moderate circles a brightener is often enough for a fresh, natural look. Only with dark circles or marks do you need concealer as well.
Does brightener go before or after concealer?
Before. The brightener neutralises the colour, the concealer then evens it out in your own skin tone. The other way round, the concealer shifts and the result gets patchy.
Does an under eye brightener help with puffiness?
No. A brightener makes dark circles less visible, but puffiness stays puffiness. Cold eye patches and enough sleep do more for that.
Why does my brightener turn grey?
Usually the shade is too light for your skin or you are applying too much. Choose a warmer or deeper shade and use a thinner layer.
Is an under eye brightener the same as a colour corrector?
Almost. A colour corrector only neutralises the colour and always needs a layer on top. A brightener corrects and brightens at the same time, and you can also wear it on its own.