Covering Dark Under-Eye Circles
How to Use a Concealer to Hide Bags and Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Mar 30, 2008
When it comes to covering up the dark circles under the eye, it's important to keep in mind that the skin under the eye is different from other places on the face. It is far more delicate; its tissue is only slightly thicker than a sheet of paper, and needs to be treated with care.
Dark circles are annoying, and while there are many products that say they can eliminate dark circles altogether, it truly is a buyer-beware market when it comes to such claims. Under-eye circles are mostly hereditary, and tend to become more pronounced as you age. Aging causes the skin beneath the eye to thin even more, allowing the blood vessels to show through the skin.
Other than concealing their appearance, there is little that can be done to make them physically disappear. However, the American Academy of Dermatology advises that products with vitamin K and retinol can have a lightening effect, and can be a good treatment for dark circles under the eyes.
The following tips will help you conceal dark under eye circles easily, with only a few extra seconds added to your daily routine.
- Choose a concealer that has been opthamologist tested and reported as safe for use in the eye area.
- When deciding on the appropriate concealer color, choose a shade that is one to one-and-a-half times lighter than your skin tone. Choosing a concealer that is too light will result in a grayish, violet cast to the skin. Choosing a concealer that is too dark will only compound the problem.
- Before applying any makeup, hydrate the eye area with an eye cream. The extra moisture will ensure that your concealer glides on the skin, making it less likely to appear cakey or heavy.
- Apply your concealer after you apply your foundation. Your foundation will partially hide the dark circles under the eyes, lessening the amount of concealer you need to use.
- Apply the concealer using a makeup brush. This provides more control and allows you to get into the hard to reach areas, like the corner of the eye, without getting the makeup into your eye.
- If using your fingers to apply the concealer, use your ring finger. It's soft touch will lessen the likelihood of pressing too hard into the delicate tissue of the eye area.
- If you concealer feels too thick, or tends to look dry and cakey, mix into it a drop or two of your favorite eye cream. The eye cream will help it absorb into the skin and thin the concealer into a more workable consistency.
- Remember that less is more. Using too much concealer actually draws more attention to what you are trying to hide. Start by using only a little concealer under the eye, and add more only if necessary.
Looking for the best concealers for covering those dark under eye circles? Check out the Best Concealers list that can be found here.
