Dark circles under your eyes may be caused by thinning skin that lets bluish blood vessels show through, says Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a New York City-based dermatologist, in "Good Housekeeping" magazine. Chronic eye rubbing and contact lens irritation also can result in dark circles, according to "Good Housekeeping." Dark circles can make you look tired and older than you might like. Whether your condition is the result of genes or environmental irritants, you can takes steps to cover the dark circles under your eyes.
Step 1
Use an eye cream every morning. It should contain kojic acid, licorice extract or vitamin K. The cream will plump up skin around your eyes to make dark circles less visible while the kojic acid, licorice extract or vitamin K gently lightens dark patches.
Step 2
Choose a creamy concealer--one that comes in a tube or pot will have a creamier consistency than a product that comes in a solid form. Opt for a yellowish concealer if your dark circles are blue or purple; a peach concealer is most effective for hiding brown circles.
Step 3
Use a thin makeup brush to gently dot concealer under your eyes, working outward from your inner eye. Let the concealer sit on your skin for a few minutes to warm up.
Step 4
Use your ring finger to gently pat the concealer into your skin until it's completely blended. Follow with your usual makeup routine.
Step 5
Use a retinol-based night cream at bedtime to stimulate collagen production so dark circles are less visible beneath thin skin. Use a light hand--over-applying night cream can make you wake up with puffy eyes, warns "Allure" magazine.
Tips and Warnings
- Always wear sunscreen when you're outdoors. Invest in a pair of UV 400 sunglasses with large frames to protect your eyes. Sun damage can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles.
- Don't substitute foundation for concealer, even if the color seems right, warns "Real Simple" magazine. Foundation can dry out the thin skin around your eyes and draw attention to your dark circle cover-up.
Things You'll Need
- Eye cream
- Concealer
- Makeup brush
- Night cream
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