We've all had them. And some just won't go away. Whether it's too much partying or too little sleep, dark circles are beauty flaws that make us look exhausted and worn. But, sleep deprivation and wild nights aren't the only culprits. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark circles stem from sun damage and allergies to genetics and aging skin. With a little help, you can mask them.
Step 1
Choose a concealer. Go with a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone or foundation. Yellow-based concealer neutralizes bluish-purple circles while orange or apricot tints work best for discoloration on dark and olive skin. Avoid going too light, otherwise you'll look chalky.
Step 2
Select a type. Aside from color, decide which form to use. Wands provide sheer coverage for fair skin while sticks and pots provide heavier coverage on darker tones. If your skin is dry, avoid matte formulas and opt for creams or liquids.
Step 3
Pick your tools. A ring finger is handy for applying concealer, but you'll miss pinpointing the inner corners of your eye. Instead, use a fine-tip, synthetic brush to reach the tiniest spots and ensure a smooth application. Natural bristles absorb too much concealer and can cause streaks.
Step 4
Prep the eyes. Before applying concealer, gently pat a lightweight eye cream around the area. This keeps the concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Blot excess cream with a tissue to keep the concealer from sliding off. If you wear foundation, apply it next to minimize the amount of concealer you need.
Step 5
Dab three dots of concealer from the inner corner to the iris. Unless you have discoloration all the way across, avoid going past the center. Otherwise, you'll exaggerate wrinkles in the outer corners. For a natural finish, lightly dust loose or pressed translucent powder over the concealer.
Tips and Warnings
- Draw attention away from dark circles. Skip red and purple eye shadows and don't use eyeliner or mascara on the lower lashes. If your concealer cakes, dab a little eye cream over the area with a cotton swab to smooth it out. Don't test colors on your wrist. Check them against the jawline or area next to your neck for a solid match.
- Avoid scented products and those containing salicylic or glycolic acid because they can irritate the eye tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Concealer
- Fine-tip brush
- Eye cream
- Face powder
References
- The Original Beauty Bible; Paula Begoun; 2009
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