Permanent under-eye concealer is the latest cosmetic treatment causing a stir in beauty. Tattoo-like in practice, the procedure promises a permanent solution to those committed to covering dark circles on the daily. So what's involved?
Watch: Permanent Under-Eye Concealer In Motion
How Does Permanent Under-Eye Concealer Work?
The technical term for the permanent under-eye concealertreatment in question is micropigmentation and it works by inserting medical-grade pigment - matched to the client's skin tone - between the dark circles themselves (a mix of more visible dark tissue and blood vessels) and the surface layers of your skin. The same sort of process is used in microblading, where a semi-permanent pigment is used, and permanent make-up appointments. The permanent under-eye concealer was pioneered by Brazilian tattoo artist Rodolpho Torres, who specialises in reducing the look of stretch marks and scars.
Is Permanent Under-Eye Concealer Available In The UK?
The procedure isn't available in the UK just yet and we can't say we're all that sorry. A lot of cosmetic treatments aren't sufficiently regulated in the UK. Only this month did the 'Botox Bill' banning under 18s getting Botox-type treatments and fillers come into effect. Erasing exhaustion will be an understandably popular – and lucrative – treatment. Indeed, everyone will want a look in - even the unregulated practitioners. But when it comes having a tattoo gun held near your eyes, it's not worth the risk. We'll stick to Touche Éclat thanks.
Best concealers 2021
Huda Beauty Overachiever Concealer, £24
'When you want the big guns – little compares to this guy. Heavy duty stuff, it covers EVERYTHING without miraculously looking caked on. I use the tiniest amount on my cheeks to cover redness and it works a charm' - Joely Walker, Beauty Director
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £22
'I have so much love for this it's verging on ridiculous. In fact, if I could only use 5 make-up products forever more this would be one of them. Ample coverage, melts seamlessly into skin, stays PUT – it ticks all boxes. Use with your fingers, a sponge, or – my personal favourite – a synthetic Real Techniques brush and buff into skin' - Joely Walker, Beauty Director
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, £21
'Ok, so it's not technically a concealer, but by god this stuff is good! Dab and blend the pink, almost tacky cream under eyes and dark circles will look 10 times better in seconds. Heroic' - Joely Walker, Beauty Director
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, £54
'If anyone had told me a few months back that my favourite concealer would be a Harrods exclusive I'd have scoffed. Before using this I'd been happy with any hum drum buy, as long as the shade match was right, but this one, new to the UK this year is a serious game changer. It's blendable enough to use under my eye without dragging my skin, pigmented enough to cover the darkest of circles, and slip-proof enough to keep blemishes covered all day long. I was lucky enough to be gifted my first stick of this, but post Christmas crunch I'll be hard pushed not to splurge,' - Annie Vischer, Beauty Editor
Marc Jacobs Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick, £32
'This creamy, dreamy concealer stick delivers natural, believable coverage and is my beauty BFF. Seriously, I cannot go a single day without her – she covers under-eye circles, blurs blemishes and adds a little more coverage where needed – for me, that's my t-zone – and does it so, bloomin' well. Packed with snow mushroom (aka nature's hyaluronic acid) the formula also won't crease' – Emma Stoddart, Senior Beauty Writer
e.l.f. 16hr Camo Concealer, £5
'E.L.F is a bit of an unsung hero in the UK, but this concealer was my gateway into their full range. its heavy duty, heavy coverage so a little goes a long way, but the great shade range manages to blend really well without being cakey' - Remy Farrell, Fashion & Beauty Assistant
MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Liquid Concealer, £19.50
'If you're a fan of MAC's Studio Fix foundation, then you'll love the concealer. Like it says on the tube, it's 24-hour wear - staying put for hours and hours and gives full coverage without looking caked on' - Emma Stoddart, Beauty Writer
Armani Beauty Power Fabric Concealer, £32.50
'For those good skin days where you want a little pick-me-up, skip foundation and go straight to this super-thin, liquid concealer. Impressively long-lasting considering the light consistency, swipe on and blend in with fingertips for a healthy, glow-y complexion' – Emma Stoddart, Beauty Writer
UOMA Beauty Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer, £21
Find your true concealer match in UOMA Beauty's Stay Woke offering. With 17 shades to choose from, ranging from very fair to very deep, there's the perfect pick for everyone.
ZOEVA Authentik Skin Perfector Concealer, £15
Blended with rosehip oil, this creamy concealer blurs imperfections whilst hydrating skin for a naturally radiant finish.
YSL Beauty Touche Éclat, £27
A classic for a reason, this illuminating pen goes above and beyond particularly when it comes to dark circles. It's lightweight and blendable meaning you won't stress that delicate under-eye skin when you apply it.
Too Faced Peach Perfect Instant Coverage Concealer, £18.50
This medium-to-full coverage concealer makes light work of dark circles. Sweat-proof, water-proof and long wearing - you can rely on it come rain or shine.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer, £9.99
A thick, hard-working concealer that can cover up redness, blemishes and even out skin tone. Work it in with a brush until it looks seamless.
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