So you’ve had your 8-hour beauty sleep, cut down on your unhealthy habits and did the whole de-puffing cucumber trick. But you still inevitably get the dreaded (and frankly unnecessary) comment that can dampen your whole day – “you look tired today”. Gee, thanks.
MORE: How To: Perfect The Art Of Wearing Eyeliner
We have some tried-and-tested tips and tricks to conceal those dark under-eye circles that you just can’t seem to erase, whether it be through genetics, lifestyle habits or those late-night Sex and the City marathons.
1. Eye Cream
What is my top tip to reversing dark circles? Moisturise. Moisturise. Moisturise. Having soft and hydrated under eyes is key for filling in small fine lines that can exaggerate darkness, and ultimately creates a smooth base for makeup application. Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream ($39, available from Mecca) is perfect for this as the pink-toned cream infused with light-reflecting particles can brighten up the look of dullness. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($41, available from Mecca) is also an intensely hydrating eye cream that can plump up your skin.
2. Corrector
When I first realised that I had genetically dark under eye circles, I tried everything to conceal them. And nothing seemed to really help… except colour correction. Colour correction is a technique used to neutralise and downplay certain tones in your skin based on the colour wheel theory. Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel will cancel each other out. So, if your under eye circles leans to a bluish tone, try a pink or peach-based corrector or concealer. If they’re more purple, a yellow-based corrector or concealer will help brighten your eyes. Bobbi Brown Corrector ($40, available from Mecca) and NYX’s Dark Circle Concealer ($11.95, available from Target) are fantastic options! You can even make your own corrector with a mix of 2/3rd creamy concealer with 1/3rd orange or peach lipstick.
3. Concealer
Now, I’m going to be a maverick and go against the typical notion that you should use a concealer in a shade lighter than your own skin in order to hide dark circles. In my experience, this only accentuates the dark tones as it highlights the area. Try using a creamy medium-full coverage concealer under they eyes and gently use the warmth of your fingers to pat over the corrector applied before. I adore NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($35, available from Mecca) for perfect, hydrating coverage and MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer ($32, available from MAC Cosmetics) for a full, flawless look.
4. Set
Finally, use any finely milled translucent powder with a small tapered brush to set all your hard work into place!
5. Optional: Brighten inner corner of eyes
Dabbing a small amount of a white or creamy eyeshadow in the inner corners of the eyelids will brighten the eyes and make them seem more wide awake.
Tips:
Try avoiding eyeliner and mascara on the bottom lashline if you’re conscious of your dark circles, as they can be prone to smudging and can make you look tired. Additionally, applying bright colours on the cheeks or lips can draw attention away from your under eyes and plays up your other features.
Images via getgorgeousgirl.com, theblondeshell.com, beautysols.com
