A few years ago, we were stuck with thick, heavy concealers that tended to crease before lunch. Now, the focus has shifted toward light-reflecting formulas that brighten without feeling like a mask.
Finding the Best under Eye Highlighter involves picking a finish that suits your specific skin texture. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a sharp, sculpted look, these picks will help you brighten your eyes. Keep reading to see how these options compare.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to prevent the product from settling into fine lines.
- Select a color-correcting undertone like rose or peach if you are aiming to neutralize deep dark circles.
- Choose a pencil format for precise application on the waterline or inner corners of the eyes.
- Consider a matte finish if you want to brighten and lift dull areas without adding unwanted shimmer or glitter.
- Evaluate the wear time claims to ensure the product remains in place throughout a standard workday.
| Best K-Beauty Sparkle |  |
Thebom AegyoSal Under Eye Pencil | Perfect for aegyo-sal look | Soft application | Radiant champagne shade | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Hydrating Color Corrector |  |
Catrice Under Eye Brightener | Reduces dark circles | Hydrating ingredients | Vegan formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energizing Skincare Hybrid |  |
Palladio Under Eye Brightener | Contains caffeine | Smooths skin texture | Brightens tired eyes | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Brightening Essential |  |
Tarte Fake Awake Pencil | Longwear performance | Opens up eyes | Vegan and cruelty-free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Silky Daily Luminizer |  |
Colorgram Under Eye Highlighter Stick | Smudge-proof finish | Easy stick format | Silky texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High Coverage Radiance |  |
Thesaem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer | High coverage formula | Long lasting | Radiant finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Creamy Prime Solution |  |
Elf Putty Eye Brightener | Blurs fine lines | Corrects color | Vegan and cruelty-free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Glow Multi-Tasker |  |
NYX Jumbo Highlighter Stick | Multi-use application | Creamy consistency | Easy to blend | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precise Sculpting Liquid |  |
Judydoll Liquid Under Eye Brightener | Ultra-blendable formula | Buildable coverage | Cool undertone friendly | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Focus Matte |  |
Girlcult Matte Under Eye Highlighter | Matte finish | Finely milled powder | Soft focus effect | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Thebom AegyoSal Under Eye Pencil
If you want that signature Korean pop look, this pencil is your best friend. It creates a soft, champagne-toned shimmer that catches the light exactly where you want it under the lash line.
The texture is soft enough to glide on without dragging, which is vital for the delicate skin under your eyes. Just keep in mind that the glitter finish is quite noticeable, so it is better for special occasions or a bold daily look rather than a strictly professional setting.
- Brand Name:Thebom
- Product Type:Eye pencil
- Finish Type:Glitter
- Primary Benefit:Enhances under-eye volume
- Additional Feature:Precision tip for detail
- Additional Feature:Travel friendly design
- Additional Feature:Creamy formula
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Catrice Under Eye Brightener
Think of this as a morning coffee for your skin. It uses a light rose tint to neutralize the blueish tones of dark circles, making you look awake before you even touch your concealer.
The infusion of hyaluronic acid and shea butter ensures the product does not settle into fine lines throughout the day. Because it is quite pigmented, you only need a tiny amount to see a massive difference in your overall brightness.
- Brand Name:Catrice
- Product Type:Color corrector
- Special Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, Shea butter
- Net Weight:0.14 oz
- Primary Benefit:Brightening dark circles
- Additional Feature:Fragrance free
- Additional Feature:Lightweight buildable coverage
- Additional Feature:Cruelty free
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Palladio Under Eye Brightener
This is a fantastic option if you prefer your makeup to do double duty as skincare. It includes caffeine and peptides, which are excellent for helping to depuff the area while you wear it.
The soft pink tone is specifically designed to cancel out sallowness. It works well as a primer, creating a smooth surface so your makeup does not crack or fade by lunch.
- Brand Name:Palladio
- Product Type:Brightener and primer
- Special Ingredients:Caffeine, Peptides, Vitamin E
- Primary Benefit:Reduces dark circles
- Additional Feature:Color correcting tint
- Additional Feature:Prepares skin for makeup
- Additional Feature:Vitamin enriched formula
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Tarte Fake Awake Pencil
This pencil is a staple for a reason, as it excels at opening up the eyes. Applying this to your waterline makes the whites of your eyes look clearer and your whole face look more alert.
The formula is remarkably long-wearing, staying put even if your eyes tend to water. It is a bit firmer than some other pencils, so use a light hand to get the best result.
- Brand Name:Tarte
- Product Type:Highlighter pencil
- Primary Benefit:Brightening eyes and brows
- Additional Feature:Precise application
- Additional Feature:Vibrant pigment
- Additional Feature:Professional finish
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Colorgram Under Eye Highlighter Stick
If you struggle with products that smudge, this stick formula will change your routine. It offers a smooth, silky application that sets quickly, making it ideal for a fast morning makeup session.
The shade 03 is specifically formulated to look natural on the skin, providing a subtle sheen rather than an obvious streak of color. It is excellent for light contouring around the eyes, though you should blend it quickly before it locks into place.
- Brand Name:Colorgram
- Product Type:Highlighter stick
- Finish Type:Luminous
- Primary Benefit:Daily brightening
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting wear
- Additional Feature:Buildable intensity
- Additional Feature:Convenient packaging
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Thesaem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer
This is essentially a heavy-duty concealer with a brightening twist. If your dark circles are particularly stubborn, the high coverage formula provides the opacity you need to hide them entirely.
It leaves a radiant glow rather than a flat matte finish, which prevents the under-eye area from looking dry. Just be careful with how much you apply, as a little bit goes a long way.
- Brand Name:Thesaem
- Product Type:Brightening concealer
- Net Weight:0.2 fl. oz.
- Primary Benefit:Defined radiant look
- Additional Feature:Tip applicator
- Additional Feature:Blends well
- Additional Feature:High pigment load
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Elf Putty Eye Brightener
The putty texture of this product is unique because it warms up against your skin for a seamless blend. It acts as both a color corrector and a primer, which is a great space-saver in your makeup bag.
It is particularly effective at blurring fine lines while neutralizing discoloration. Because it is a cream, it works best if you set it with a tiny bit of powder to ensure it stays put all day.
- Brand Name:e.l.f.
- Product Type:Putty brightener
- Primary Benefit:Reduces dark circles
- Additional Feature:Primer properties
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
- Additional Feature:Lightweight feel
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NYX Jumbo Highlighter Stick
Think of this as a Swiss Army knife for your face. While it is perfect for the under-eye area, you can also use it on your cheekbones or brow bone to add a cohesive highlight.
The Vanilla Ice Cream shade is a versatile light tone that works across many skin types. Since the stick is quite thick, it is best for broad areas, but you can use your finger to tap it into smaller spots.
- Brand Name:NYX
- Product Type:Highlighter stick
- Primary Benefit:Face highlighting
- Additional Feature:Jumbo size
- Additional Feature:Buildable glow
- Additional Feature:Creamy pigment
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Judydoll Liquid Under Eye Brightener
Liquid formulas are excellent for sheer, natural-looking results. This product from Judydoll offers a buildable texture that allows you to control exactly how much light you want to bring to the under-eye area.
It is designed with cool undertones in mind, making it perfect for brightening without turning orange or muddy. The slim applicator is a major plus for those who like to be precise with their placement.
- Brand Name:Judydoll
- Product Type:Liquid highlighter
- Primary Benefit:Under eye brightening
- Additional Feature:Precise wand
- Additional Feature:Lightweight liquid
- Additional Feature:Natural finish
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Girlcult Matte Under Eye Highlighter
Not everyone wants to sparkle, and that is where this matte brightener shines. It uses light-reflecting pigments without any shimmer, creating a soft-focus effect that makes the skin look airbrushed.
It is finely milled, which means it sits beautifully on the skin without caking or emphasizing texture. This is a must for anyone who prefers a clean, sophisticated look over a glossy finish.
- Brand Name:Girlcult
- Product Type:Matte highlighter
- Finish Type:Matte
- Primary Benefit:Brightening dull areas
- Additional Feature:Natural look
- Additional Feature:Non-shimmery
- Additional Feature:Smooth application
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply my highlighter before or after concealer?
Always apply your highlighter after your concealer. This allows you to brighten specific high points without moving the coverage you just applied to hide dark circles. Think of it as the final touch to add dimension and light to your finished complexion.
Will these products settle into my fine lines?
Any product can settle if it is too heavy or if you use too much. To prevent this, apply a thin layer and blend it well with a damp sponge or your ring finger. Using a hydrating formula will also help the highlighter stay flexible as your face moves throughout the day.
Can I use a regular face highlighter under my eyes?
You can, but be careful with the finish. Many face highlighters contain large shimmer particles that draw attention to texture or wrinkles. If you use a face highlighter, make sure it is a sheer, cream-based product rather than a powdery or metallic one.
How do I choose the right shade for dark circles?
If you have deep purple or blue tones under your eyes, look for a highlighter with a peach or apricot base. These warm tones act as a color corrector to neutralize the darkness while adding a healthy glow. A cool-toned highlighter might make dark circles look dull or ashy.
Do I need to set the highlighter with powder?
Setting it is optional, but a light dusting of translucent powder can help lock the product in place, especially if you have oily skin. If you choose to set it, use a fluffy brush to apply only a sheer veil of powder. This keeps the glow alive while preventing the highlighter from migrating.
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