How to Conceal Under Eye Circles

The majority of women apply a flesh colored concealer under their eyes, or just an extra amount of foundation. Following this routine however, can leave you with a cakey look making the fine lines or wrinkles more noticeable.

Using the correct type of products, knowing how they work and how they should be applied will tremendously aid you in concealing your under eye circles.

Products:

• MAC Mattifying Gel
• Amazing Cosmetics Concealer
  • Light Skin – Light Golden 
  • Medium Skin- Tan 
  • Dark Skin- Deep Golden 
• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation 
• Benefit Powderflage 

Tools:

• Beauty Blender Sponge 
• MUG Foundation Stippling Brush 
• NYX Small Powder Puff 

PRIMER

I don’t think we can stress to you enough how very important this step is not only in covering your dark circles, but in your overall foundation routine as well.  Primers work wonders by helping any concealer or foundation to adhere to your skin and keep them from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.  If you are uncertain about which primer to use or what kind is good for your skin type, please check out “Top 5 Face Primers”.
To apply, use your clean ring finger and gently pat out a pea sized amount of primer under each eye. The ring finger has the lightest touch and will keep you from pulling too hard on the area.  Your goal is to apply a smooth, thin layer.

CONCEALER

Concealer is the most effective tool for hiding dark under-eye circles.  There is much debate as to which color of concealer works best for cancelling out those unsightly circles.  If your circles are more blue-tinged, use a yellow based concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone.  This color masks the blue discoloration and brightens the skin.  If you have more brown colored circles, then use a peach or orange based concealer- 80% of all women fall under this category.
You want to use a concealer with a gel like base to avoid it caking up under the eyes. Bobbi Brown Correctors and Eve Pearl Salmon Concealers are my favorites. Using your ring finger, pat on a thin layer of concealer, paying close attention to the innermost corners, where many of us have dark shadows.  Keep patting and gently swiping until you have a smooth even layer over your dark circles.

FOUNDATION

The next obvious step to concealing your under eye circles is to apply your foundation.  Make sure the color matches your skin to where it will blend well down the neck line for a flawless finish.  Place several dots of your foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin area.  Using a Beauty Blender or a stippling brush, smooth out your foundation to create a smooth finish. Make sure to get under the eye area covering the concealer, but be careful not to blend too harshly as it can wipe away the concealer you just applied.
Setting the Concealer
This is a very important step as it makes your concealer and foundation last much longer and not crease or fade throughout the day.  Use a finely milled powder like Palladio Rice Powder, Benefit Powderflage, or NARS Loose powder.  Using a small powder puff like NYX’s will prevent the powder from caking up and making the “problem” area more noticeable.  Use the smallest amount of powder and gently pat under the eyes and onto the rest of the face.

That’s all there is to it!  Now your face is ready for the rest of your fabulous makeup.  Concealing dark under eye circles is such a daunting task, but with these helpful tips your eyes will be looking fabulous in no time.