Brightening Powders Are the Key to Airbrushed Under-eyes

Dark circles are a pesky issue that plagues many of us. Whether you’re dealing with hereditary bags or slight discoloration under the eye, it’s no fun trying to cover them up. In theory, concealers would be all that’s needed to get the job done. But when it comes to discoloration, a correcting shade, rather than a skin-matching one, is more ideal. Color correctors and brightening powders are the better option. They combat the deep blue and purple colors that contribute to under-eye discoloration and lift the area. It’s the perfect combination with instant results, which is more than satisfying when you’re dealing with dark circles. Here, we’ve rounded up the best brightening powders from high-end to drugstore, that are guaranteed to brighten and blur.

Brightening powders to try

1 / 8

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Color Correcting Under Eye Setting Powder ($35)

Laura Mercier’s setting powder is one of the best in the business, and this under-eye version lives up to the same standards. The loose formula is just as lightweight and blurring, but has the added effect of color correcting. It comes in four shades to brighten the area and leaves it with a soft, natural radiance.

• BUY NOW – $35

2 / 8

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Bright Fix Instant Brightening + Setting Powder ($38)

If you don’t want to be bothered with loose formulas or prefer a travel-friendly powder, you will love this compact. It’s small but mighty. A light application is all that’s needed to instantly brighten the under-eye area and extend the wear of your concealer. Like any Fenty product, the lineup includes a diverse range of shades to match any complexion —think lavender, banana, peach and pumpkin.

• BUY ON FENTY – $38
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $38

3 / 8

Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder ($36)

This setting powder by Kosas offers light coverage and delivers a smooth finish. The powder itself is buttery soft but absorbs excess oil to give your skin a naturally matte look. The sheer formula, paired with the color correcting shades, brightens without leaving behind any cakey residue.

• BUY NOW – $36

4 / 8

Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Powder ($75)

This talc-free pressed powder eliminates shine and blurs the appearance of fine lines. It’s seemingly weightless and adds a sheer veil that doesn’t settle into lines or add creases. Beyond that, it’s formulated with skin-care ingredients to improve the look of skin over time.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $75
• BUY ON CREDO BEAUTY – $75

5 / 8

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Brightening and Setting Powder ($38)

Full-coverage makeup looks are all about flawless, smooth skin with no harsh lines, including the under-eye area. This powder covers all the bases. Choose from classic baking shades such as banana and turmeric, or go for something eclectic like cherry blossom to brighten and add a touch of color to your makeup.

• BUY ON HUDA BEAUTY – $38
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $38

6 / 8

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder ($16)

Looking for an affordable option? L’Oréal’s pink setting powders are your best bet. The Infallible collection is known to deliver well above its price point when it comes to long-lasting full coverage formulas. The two pink setting powders offer the same promise, plus brighten and smooth your under-eyes in just one application.

• BUY ON ULTA – $16
• BUY ON AMAZON – $16

7 / 8

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Under Eye Brightener Loose Setting Powder ($32)

Made with mature skin in mind, Thrive’s loose powder is infused with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients. It brightens and blurs while evening tone to give you a more youthful look. The finish falls somewhere between soft matte and radiant for the most natural look.

• BUY NOW – $32

8 / 8

Catrice Under Eye Brightener Setting Powder ($6)

If you’ve ever tried Catrice’s viral under-eye brightener, you know how quickly it conceals dark circles. These setting powders are designed to complement the creamy brightening products to lock in the look. The loose powder is finely milled, so you don’t have to worry about it creasing and maintains the natural satiny finish of the concealer.

• BUY ON CATRICE – $6
• BUY ON AMAZON – $6