The skin underneath your eye is very thin and delicate. Blood vessels rest under this thin skin, and these vessels can dilate and cause dark under-eye circles. Whether due to allergies, lack of sleep, water retention or another cause, dark under-eye circles can make you appear older and more tired than you are. Fortunately, you can use makeup to conceal these dark circles and give you a more refreshed appearance.
Step 1
Wash your face and remove any leftover eye makeup. This creates a blank canvas for you to apply makeup to. Always remove the previous day's makeup in order to prevent the makeup from creasing under the eyes or from causing the area to look darker.
Step 2
Apply a soothing under-eye cream to the area, recommends Real Simple magazine. A cream that contains caffeine, vitamin K or another soothing ingredient can help to constrict the blood vessels. Because makeup can sometimes enter the creases under the eye, the moisturizer will also ensure a more even application.
Step 3
Apply a yellow-undertone cream concealer to the area under the eye. The yellow coloring helps to neutralize purple circles, helping them to better blend with the skin. For the most even application, use a small, soft-bristled makeup brush. If you prefer to use your finger, use your ring finger, which can be less damaging to your eye area than the index finger. Begin at the area closest to the nose, then work your way outward.
Step 4
Wait for one to two minutes while the concealer acclimates to the skin.
Step 5
Dab the area under the eye with your ring finger. This helps to set the concealer in place and ensures it blends with your surrounding skin. Be careful not to smudge--smudging only moves the concealer away from the areas that need it most.
Step 6
Set the area with a loose powder. Powder is an ideal balance for the cream concealer because its application prevents the concealer from slipping into skin cracks and extends the concealer's effectiveness. Dust the powder on with a clean powder puff or large, soft-bristled brush.
Tips and Warnings
- Creams that fight hemorrhoids may be good for application under the eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles prior to applying makeup, according to Julie Tussey, a makeup artist for More magazine. Leave on for two minutes, then rinse away.
Things You'll Need
- Skin cleanser
- Moisturizing eye cream
- Cream-based concealer
- Small, soft-bristled makeup brush
- Loose powder
- Powder puff or large, soft-bristled brush
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