How to Disguise Darkness Under Your Eyes

They say that eyes are windows to the soul (which I strongly believe) especially when making a first impression. I also believe we all want to look and feel our best including when it seems that signs of aging are displayed on our face. That’s where the benefits of makeup can come into play. Even though we’re all entitled to do what we like in order to make ourselves look good and feel good, many of us would prefer a temporary fix rather than a costly trip to the cosmetic surgeon’s office to improve our appearance.

As we age, the amount of collagen and elastin in our skin begins to decrease and that includes the thin skin under our eyes. Age isn’t the only thing playing a huge part in these dark eye circles. A poor night’s sleep, stress, our lifestyle and even hereditary factors play a role. If you’re ready to check out some popular and effective skincare concealers that do a wonderful job in disguising those dark circles, you’re in luck! Unsure how to apply the product properly? Read on!

An amazing concealer is only effective when you know how to properly apply it. Remember the following steps…

Use An Under Eye Primer

Applying your primer plays a huge role in putting the look all together. The primer is used to create a smooth base and without it, makeup ends up settling into creases which prevents a more youthful and smoother appearance. Makeup also lasts longer when used with a primer.

Red/Orange Color Corrector

Just imagine if you were painting and you only were given primary colors, what do you do? You mix those colors to create the desired shade you’re looking for. That’s kind of what color correcting makeup does for your skin. Reds and oranges when applied to those bluish and purple shades under your eyes, results in a skin colored tone that balances out those dark circles. Avoid purchasing a stick concealer as it looks piled on and doesn’t leave you with a natural looking finish. Instead try to find a cream corrector.

A Lighter Concealer (1 or 2 shades lighter)

The way the color hue of makeup works is the lighter the color the more it’s brought forward (imagine a light source) when using darker colors, there are more shadows and makes that area appear further and even left with a ‘sunken’ effect. When contouring, light colors are used to highlight, and dark colors are used to contour. Using a concealer that’s a shade or lighter than your foundation will give a brightening effect to the under eye area.

Setting Spray

A quality setting spray can make all the difference in how well your cover up will last, and will also help in preventing it from settling into wrinkles and creases. The sprays that have a fine mist are my favorite as they leave skin with a balanced amount of hydration where some have a smaller spray leaving some areas more hydrated than others. You can also use a setting powder under the eyes if you prefer. I prefer translucent

I prefer to apply the color corrector and concealer with my fingers (first allowing it to warm up a few moments) for easier blending. I like to use a beauty sponge to gently but thoroughly blend. Although not required, it is suggested that lightly wetting the sponge when applying the concealer helps the product from caking into those nooks and crannies for a more natural appearance..

** I suggest looking for products with the words “illuminating” and “radiant” which usually contain small hints of ‘sparkle’ to brighten up the area. Don’t forget to look for those that are “creamy” as these typically leave skin smoother without having to worry about a dry appearance.

Some of my favorite concealers to recommend for those frustrating, dark, under eye circles, are fairly easy to find and can be found in every budget.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen $38

This product is a bit more expensive, but includes a sheer to medium coverage with micro pearls that reflect the light and leaves you with a luminous finish. This is a long time favorite of mine.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer $30

With so many different color options, you’re bound to find the perfect shade for you. This award winning concealer lasts up to 16 hours providing medium coverage with a natural looking finish. I always have this one in my makeup bag.

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer $29

Looking for lightweight? This concealer provides super, lightweight coverage with amazing hydration that will soften and ‘youthen’ up the area. It hydrates the under eye area and blurs the look of fine lines too.

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer – This is another fantastic product with a huge fan base. It helps to cover and conceal my dark circles to brighten up the under eye area. It’s long-wearing with ultra concentrated pigments.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer $8

This is a more affordable option and does wonders on neutralizing the dark circles as well as diminishes the amount of puffiness around the area. This is one that’s easy to pick up at a drugstore. Grab one. You’ll thank me later!

LA Girl HD Pro Conceal, Orange Corrector $5

With an opaque coverage, this long wearing corrector disguises under eye dark circles, which are visibly reduced and with this blendable and buildable formula, you can personalize the amount needed helping you in achieving a more natural and desired look you’re going for..

Most of us will have some discoloration under our eyes especially as we age, but the best way to handle it is with prevention. Regularly drinking tons of water is a great way to soften, smooth and plump up the skin minimizing the appearance of dark circles. Every time you step foot outside the home, make sure an spf 30+ sunscreen is applied and reapplied to keep your skin healthy reducing the amount of premature aging.

We don’t have to go under the knife or receive injectables to create a healthy, more youthful and awakened appearance. With practice and proper products, you too have the ability to disguise those dark under eye circles. You can do it in a matter of minutes without the downtime, risks or possible side effects that may come along with other options. Show off those beautiful, sparkling eyes to the world with or without your pandemic mask!