Can Highlighter Really Cover Your Dark Circles? This Viral Makeup Hack Says Yes

Concealer has long been the go-to product for covering dark circles, but your makeup bag might have another under-eye brightening MVP: highlighter. Yes, the same product you use to give your cheekbones that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow can also help make tired-looking undereyes appear brighter.

The trick is knowing which kind of highlighter to use and where to apply it. While a shimmery champagne powder might look pretty on your cheekbones, putting the same formula directly under your eyes may emphasize texture, fine lines, and dryness. The goal is to brighten the area and make dark circles less noticeable, not draw more attention to them.

The technique works by using light-reflecting pigments to create the illusion of a brighter undereye area. Unlike concealer, which relies on pigment to cover discoloration, highlighter helps diffuse shadows by bouncing light off the skin. This can make the hollow and darker areas appear less prominent, giving your face a more rested, fresher look.

The trick has also been making the rounds on TikTok, with makeup enthusiasts using liquid and cream highlighters in place of their usual concealer. Makeup artists like Rose Siard have also pointed out that the technique works particularly well when you want a lighter base without piling on too many products.

P.S. It's worth remembering, though, that highlighter doesn't actually erase pigmentation. It works best for dark circles caused by shadows or hollowness, while more pronounced brown, blue, or purple discoloration may still need a color corrector or concealer to properly cover them.

Ready to try out this makeup trick for yourself? The good news is you don't need to completely overhaul your routine to try this out. Content creators like TikTok user @cclaracr have been posting how they've made the little step their own:

Before reaching for your makeup, make sure your underyes are well-moisturized. The skin in this area is v delicate, and any dryness can cause the makeup to settle into the fine lines and make it look patchy. Apply a lightweight eye cream or moisturizing, tap it on to the area carefully, and give it a little time to settle before moving on to the next step.

Go for a liquid or cream highlighter with fine, light-reflecting pigments for a natural glow. Champagne, soft gold, and pearly shades work well, as long as they complement your skin tone. Skip chunky glitter and overly metallic finishes, as they can emphasize shadows and fine lines.

Using your fingertip or a small angled brush, dab a tiny amount into the inner corners, where the shadows tend to be more visible. Avoid applying it all over your undereyes, especially the puffy parts, as this can make them look more visible (unless that's your preferred aesthetic).

Gently tap the product on to your skin using your ring finger, a fluffy brush, or a damp makeup sponge. Start with a thin layer and apply only where you need it. The goal is a fresh, skin-like finish, not an obvious stripe of shimmer under your eyes.

Have more noticeable dark circles? Start with a peach or orange-toned color corrector (depending on your skin tone) to neutralize discoloration, then apply a thin layer of concealer. Finish with a touch of highlighter on areas that need extra brightness for that well-rested, bright-eyed look.