Night owls and workaholics have something in common: dark under-eye circles! In most cases, dark circles are tiny blood vessels that are visible through the skin. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body. As blood passes close to the surface, it can produce a bluish tint. Many factors can contribute to their appearance, including poor circulation, bone structure, lack of sleep and heredity.
There are two types of dark circles, according to Catherine Raubiet, Lierac Paris national training director. Blue under-eye circles, the most common, appear when blood vessels beneath the skin become visible. The second type, brown under-eye circles, are usually based on heredity and the accumulation of melanin pigment in the superficial layer of the skin. You can conceal these dark circles with a little skin-care and makeup application know-how.
Step 1
Cleanse skin with a gentle face wash that removes dirt and makeup without overdrying. A face wash that is right for your skin type should leave skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. If your skin begins to feel tight or sore, thise is an indication that the wash is too harsh.
Step 2
"Apply a depuffing eye gel by gently tapping the under-eye area with fingertips to improve circulation and eliminate any excess fluid," recommends Benefit cosmetics makeup artist Maggie Ford Danielson. "Puffy eyes often go hand in hand with dark circles."
Step 3
Moisturize the area around the eyes with creams packed with mildly acidic ingredients, such as vitamin C, to prevent dark circles. New York- and Miami-based dermatologist Dr. Frederic Brandt recommends that patients look for products that contain antioxidants such as green and white tea to reduce inflammation.
Step 4
Experiment with a variety of under-eye products to find the one that is best for your skin type. Makeup artist Napoleon Perdis suggests reading the ingredients closely and testing samples.
Step 5
"Use a sheer, light-textured color corrector," advises makeup artist Jemma Kidd. Using thick, heavy-textured concealers draws attention to under-eye circles. Foundation cannot correct what a concealer can, according to Lizz Starr, executive director of Origins Product Development. "Choose a good concealer that is not too white."
Step 6
Use tools like an eyelash curler to move the emphasis away from dark circles and make the eyes look bright. Makeup artist Petra Strand advises clients to keep makeup light and to steer away from smoky eye color or too much eyeliner, as this will only emphasize eye area darkness.
Step 7
Generously apply mascara, focusing on the upper lash line to divert attention from any darkness and give an instant lift to the face.
Tips and Warnings
- "Dark circles may appear worse if you are tired or dehydrated, so get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water to flush away any toxins," Kidd says. "However, sometimes there's nothing you can do, particularly if dark circles are hereditary or if you have pale, translucent skin."
- While many doctors may urge patients to use retinol or similar products to minimize wrinkles and circles, Dr. Lori Brightman of The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York cautions patients: "The skin under the eye is incredibly sensitive and these products can be very irritating. Use them sparingly."
Things You'll Need
- Eye cream
- Mascara
- Eye lash curler
- Moisturizer
References
- Maggie Ford Danielson; Makeup Artist; Benefit
- Jemma Kidd; Makeup Artist and Founder; Jemma Kidd Make Up School
- The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York: Dr. Lori Brightman
- Lizz Starr; Executive Director of Product Development; Origins
- Frederic Brandt, M.D.; Dermatologist; New York and Miami
Member Comments