15
June
How to Conceal Dark Circles Under Eyes
How to Conceal Dark Circles Under Eyes
Learn how to effectively conceal dark circles under your eyes with our detailed step-by-step guide. Discover the best products, techniques, and colour correctors to achieve a flawless look that lasts all day. Whether your dark circles are due to genetics, lack of sleep, or other factors, this guide will help you look refreshed and radiant.
Understanding Concealer: What Is It and What Does It Do?
Concealer is a makeup product designed to mask imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, and discolouration. It works by providing coverage that blends seamlessly with your skin tone, creating a smooth and even complexion. Concealers come in various formulas, shades, and consistencies, making it essential to choose the right one for your specific needs.
Types of Concealer Formulas
Liquid Concealers: Versatile and suitable for most skin types. They offer buildable coverage and work well for both under-eye circles and blemishes. How to Know Your Skin Type
Cream Concealers: Thicker consistency provides full coverage, ideal for more pronounced dark circles or uneven skin tone.
Stick Concealers: Convenient and easy to apply, offering medium to full coverage. Best for quick touch-ups.
Powder Concealers: Often used for setting liquid or cream concealers, providing a matte finish. Ideal for oily skin.
Choosing the Right Color Corrector
Colour correctors are specialized makeup products designed to neutralize unwanted undertones in the skin before applying concealer. They work on the principle of colour theory, where opposite colours on the colour wheel cancel each other out. This is particularly useful when dealing with the various hues that can appear under the eyes, such as blue, purple, or brown. By neutralizing these colours, you create a more even base, allowing your concealer to blend seamlessly and effectively cover dark circles.
What Color Corrector Should You Use?
Peach/Orange Correctors:
Best For: Blue or purple dark circles.
Skin Tones: Typically fair to medium skin tones.
How It Works: Peach and orange tones are opposite blue and purple on the colour wheel, making them ideal for cancelling out these cool tones. If your dark circles have a bluish hue, a peach corrector will warm up the area and neutralize the colour, giving you a more balanced canvas for concealer.
Products to Try: Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, NYX Dark Circle Concealer.
Red/Deep Orange Correctors:
Best For: Very dark circles on deeper skin tones.
Skin Tones: Suitable for medium to deep skin tones.
How It Works: Red and deep orange correctors are more intense and are particularly effective at neutralizing very dark brown or purple under-eye circles, which are more common in deeper skin tones. The rich pigment in these correctors helps to counteract the deep darkness and brighten the under-eye area.
Products to Try: LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Orange Corrector, Fenty Beauty Match Stix Corrector in "Peach."
Yellow Correctors:
Best For: Purple or brown undertones.
Skin Tones: Works well for olive to medium skin tones.
How It Works: Yellow correctors are effective at brightening and neutralizing purple and brown tones, which can make the under-eye area look tired and dull. By applying a yellow corrector, you can counteract these shadows and bring warmth to the skin, making it appear more lively and even.
Products to Try: Maybelline Master Camo Color Correcting Pen in Yellow, Smashbox Color Correcting Stick in Get Less Red.
Green Correctors:
Best For: Neutralizing redness, such as from blemishes or rosacea.
Skin Tones: Suitable for all skin tones, but not typically used for under-eye circles.
How It Works: Green is the opposite of red on the colour wheel, making green correctors ideal for reducing redness in the skin. While green correctors are excellent for areas with rosacea, acne, or broken capillaries, they are not commonly used for under-eye circles, as this area typically has blue, purple, or brown tones rather than red.
Products to Try: Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Green, NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand in Green.
Additional Tips:
Layering: Apply the colour corrector in a thin layer directly over the dark circles, followed by your regular concealer. Blend gently to ensure a seamless transition.
Application Method: Use your fingertips, a makeup sponge, or a small brush to apply the corrector, and make sure it is fully blended before applying concealer.
Custom Mixing: Sometimes, the undertones in your dark circles may require a custom mix of correctors. Don’t be afraid to blend shades to achieve the perfect neutralization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Concealing Dark Circles
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Start by cleansing and moisturizing your skin. A well-hydrated under-eye area allows the concealer to blend smoothly and prevents it from settling into fine lines. Use an eye cream specifically designed for hydration and plumping.
You can also check these resources:
Prep Your Skin for Flawless Makeup
Step-by-Step Process on How to Use Serum
A Complete Guide on How to Double Cleanse Your Skin
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Take Care of Oily Skin: Effective Tips and Skincare Routine
Step 2: Apply a Color Corrector
If your dark circles have a distinct hue (blue, purple, or brown), apply a colour corrector before your concealer. Dab a small amount under your eyes and blend gently using your fingertips or a makeup sponge.
Step 3: Apply Concealer
Choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation. Apply it in an inverted triangle shape under your eyes to brighten and lift the area. Blend the concealer using a makeup sponge or brush, ensuring a seamless transition with the rest of your makeup. Foundation vs. Concealer
Step 4: Blend and Set
Blend the concealer well to avoid harsh lines or creasing. Set the concealer with a translucent powder to keep it in place throughout the day. Use a light hand and a fluffy brush to apply the powder.
Step 5: Make It Last
To ensure your concealer lasts all day, apply a setting spray or use a setting powder to lock everything in place. Reapply as needed during the day for touch-ups.
How to Get the No Makeup Makeup Look- A Step-by-Step Guide
Top Product Recommendations
Concealers
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: Full coverage, ideal for dark circles.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: Medium to full coverage, great for a natural finish.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser: This affordable option with a built-in applicator.
Colour Correctors
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector: A peach-toned corrector that brightens and neutralizes dark circles.
NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette: Includes a variety of shades for different skin concerns.
Setting Powders
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: Sets concealer without creasing.
RCMA No-Color Powder: Lightweight and versatile for all skin tones.
Does Concealer Make It Worse?
While concealer is designed to cover dark circles, using the wrong shade or formula can make the problem worse. One of the most common mistakes is choosing a concealer that is too light. This can create a "reverse raccoon effect," where the area under your eyes appears unnaturally bright compared to the rest of your face, drawing more attention to the dark circles. To avoid this, select a concealer that matches your skin tone or is just one shade lighter.
Another mistake is failing to properly blend the concealer. Harsh lines and uneven application can accentuate dark circles rather than conceal them. To avoid this, use a makeup sponge or a concealer brush to blend the product seamlessly into your skin. Additionally, it's crucial to set the concealer with a translucent powder to prevent it from creasing and settling into fine lines. This step ensures that your makeup stays in place throughout the day, maintaining a smooth and natural finish.
Dark Circle Treatment and Daily Tips
While makeup can effectively conceal dark circles, addressing the underlying causes can improve their appearance over time. Dark circles are often caused by factors such as genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, and sun exposure. Incorporating targeted skincare products into your daily routine can help reduce the visibility of dark circles.
Eye Creams: Look for eye creams containing ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C brightens the under-eye area, retinol promotes collagen production, and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, making dark circles less noticeable.
Sleep and Hydration: Ensure you get enough sleep, as fatigue can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can make the skin under your eyes look dull and sunken.
Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, including on the delicate skin around your eyes, to prevent hyperpigmentation and further darkening of the area.
Professional Makeup Tips
Before Skin Prep
Proper skin preparation is key to achieving a flawless makeup application. Always start with a clean, moisturized face to create a smooth base for your makeup. Apply a hydrating eye cream specifically designed for the under-eye area to plump the skin and create a smooth surface. This step is essential to prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines and ensures a more even application.
Shade Selection Based on Skin Tone
Choosing the correct concealer shade is crucial for effectively concealing dark circles. The right shade should blend seamlessly with your skin tone, providing coverage without looking obvious. If you select a concealer that is too light, it can highlight the under-eye area unnaturally, making dark circles more noticeable. A shade that matches your skin tone or is just one shade lighter will brighten the area without drawing unwanted attention.
When to Use What
To effectively conceal dark circles, start by applying a colour corrector if needed. Colour correctors neutralize the undertones of dark circles, such as blue or purple, making them easier to cover with concealer. Peach or orange correctors work well for blue or purple circles, while yellow correctors are best for brown or olive undertones.
After applying the colour corrector, follow with a concealer that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Apply it in an inverted triangle shape under the eyes to brighten and lift the area. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend the product into the skin, ensuring a natural finish. Finally, set the concealer with a translucent powder to lock it in place and prevent creasing. This multi-step approach ensures that your dark circles are fully concealed and your makeup lasts all day.
Want to Be a Professional?
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Concealing dark circles can transform your appearance, making you look more awake and refreshed. By following these steps and using the right products, you can effectively cover dark circles and achieve a flawless complexion. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
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FAQ
How do you hide dark circles on older skin?
Answer: A decent undereye concealer may provide perfect coverage while also making your eyes appear brighter in seconds! Choose a tint lighter than your natural skin tone to lighten the region, but also go for a "peachy" tone to neutralize the blueish hue of the shadows.
What's the greatest product for concealing dark circles?
Answer: Despite stiff competition, the Nars radiant creamy concealer triumphed because of its colour-correcting qualities. The Hourglass Disappear airbrush concealer was great for brightening, and the Ilia real skin serum concealer performed miracles on our under-eye region.
Why is my undereye still black after concealer?
Answer: Your eye region must be hydrated; if it is dry, concealer will seem uneven and will not blend correctly. If you have dark circles, fix them. Blue circles with a salmon colour corrector, brown with orange, purple with yellow, and red with the green corrector. Blend it thoroughly.
Does makeup worsen dark circles?
Answer: Dark circles beneath the eyes have long been considered unsightly. Makeup is simply a short-term solution, and in certain circumstances, it might exacerbate the circles. Sunglasses can conceal them, but they can become extremely difficult and noticeable at night or in dimly lit places.
How to hide dark circles beneath the eyes?
Answer: Focusing your concealer on the darkest areas, such as the inner corners and beneath the eyes, and then blending the borders into your foundation, helps to hide and cover the appearance of dark circles in seconds!
Which is the finest colour corrector for dark circles?
Answer: If you have dark blue undereye circles, use an orange or peach colour corrector, as orange is on the other side of the colour wheel from the blue. "To find the right color-corrector for your skin, saturation plays a role," according to Greenberg.