I can’t remember the last time I got the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. With the addition of stress (and maybe some not-so-healthy stress eating), the inevitable happens. Those annoying dark under eye circles slowly appear, further exaggerating how tired I look. I’ve learned that with the right techniques, it only takes a few minutes to make those dark under eye circles “disappear”. While these cover-up techniques offer you a quick-fix, it is important to also address the root of the problem by taking some preventive measures (I cover 3 easy ones below).
Here are the essential items that I use for covering up my dark under eye circles:
Prepping the Base
It’s important that your under eye area is hydrated and moisturized to prevent the product that is layered on top from creasing. Dryness will also accentuate the appearance of any fine lines.
One of my favorites ways to fit in a mini pamper session while moisturizing my under eye area is with a DIY eye mask (optional, but highly recommended).
DIY Eye Mask Steps
1. Take a thin cotton pad
2. Cut it in half to create one for each eye
3. Soak the cotton pads with a moisturizing product – I’m using the AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Mist
4. Apply to pads the under eye area
5. Wait for 5 minutes (you can do your hair, eyebrows, relax…)
6. Remove and you’re ready to go!
Two Cover-up Techniques
Highlighter
If your under eye circles are not too dark, you can probably get away with just using a highlighter. I like using the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat since its really easy to apply & blend. I apply it in strokes and create a triangle region (instead of a circle) under my eye area to avoid creating a halo effect around my eyes. Also, if you’ll be doing some light contouring later with some bronzer, one of the sides of the triangle creates a nice diagonal line that is parallel to your cheekbone line. This will help accentuate your cheekbones by creating more contrast. I just used my fingers to lightly blend in the product.
Corrector + Concealer
For more serious dark under eye circles, I apply a corrector first to brighten up the under eye area with a color that will counteract the blue or purple tints. I’m using the Peach Corrector by Bobbi Brown and apply it to from the inner corner of my eye, covering all the dark areas. I then apply a concealer (either equal to or a shade lighter than my skin-tone) to create an even or lighter tone.
Setting with Powder
The last step is to set the highlighter or concealer with a light powder – this will keep the skin looking fresh.
Here’s the full video tutorial:
Products used:
Prevention
Dark circles may be a result of hereditary pigmentation, but other times you can minimize the appearance of them by changing some of your daily habits:
Sleep
While you’re asleep, your body is using that time to repair and regenerate. So, get as many zzz’s as you can to give your skin cells the time to recover and renew, leading to more elastic and clear skin.
Diet
Puffiness under the eyes (leading to shadows under the eyes) can be avoided by steering clear of salty foods or alcohol as these will cause you to retain excess water. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Sun
Dark pigmentation can be a result of sun exposure, so protect that delicate eye area with some SPF (some eye creams come with SPF or you can layer it under your concealer). I go for double coverage by also throwing on a pair of sunglasses.
Have any other tips on preventing dark under eye circles or product recommendations for covering them up? Would love it if you shared them with me!
Tags: amore pacific, bobbi brown, dark under eye circles concealer, dark under eye circles prevention, practical beauty tips, ysl