When done right, using concealer for dark circles really is the next best thing to a good night’s sleep. But if you’ve ever picked the wrong shade or noticed dryness and cracking under your eyes come lunchtime, you know that’s often easier said than done.
Concealing dark circles isn’t usually as simple as hiding a blemish: you have to take into account extremely sensitive skin, discoloration, and the constant threat of creases. But once you find the perfect balance, your results can be transformative. Below, we asked professional makeup artists for their best tips when applying concealer to dark circles, from choosing a shade to setting the product up for all-day performance.
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How to choose a concealer for dark circles
The heavy-duty concealer that covers your most itchy breakouts may not be the best choice for the delicate skin under your eyes. “Under-eye concealer should have a texture and consistency that is less dry and thick than spot concealer,” says celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh. “You want to make sure your spot concealer stays in place, while the skin under your eyes is delicate and thinner, and you want a concealer that won’t settle into fine lines.”
When specifically covering dark circles, you’ll need to prioritize targeting discoloration. Sometimes a combination of two shades will give you the best results. “When choosing a concealer for dark circles, pay attention to the tone of the darkness itself,” says Sara Tanno, global artistic director of Haus Labs.
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“If your dark circles are more blue or purple, a peach tone works wonderfully to bring back that warmth and soften the shadow. If your darkness has more of a green or yellowish cast, a rosy tone gives the area a slight lift and adds a touch of freshness. “Once the tone is corrected, you can apply a shade that matches your real skin for a more seamless final look. For more luminosity, opt for a shade slightly lighter than your foundation under your eyes.
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How to cover dark circles with concealer, step by step
Step 1: Prepare the skin.
Every time you apply makeup, start with clean, moisturized skin for best results. Since the skin under your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, “start by giving the area a moment of care,” advises Tanno. “Press on a lightweight eye cream and let it sit until skin feels hydrated but not slippery.”
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Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary after testing Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream
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Original image by Charm business writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
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Step 2: Apply concealer.
It can be tempting to cover the entire under-eye area with concealer, but more product doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage. In fact, too many products can draw more attention to your dark circles. Start with three small dots of concealer, starting at the inner corner of your eyes and following the curve of your dark circles. “The goal is not to mask, but to restore the eye area to its natural glow with as little product as possible,” explains Tanno.
As for where not to place concealer? “Avoid using concealer beyond your smile line, as this will accentuate any fine lines you may have,” says makeup artist and founder Laura Geller.
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Step 3: Mix.
When it comes to the delicate skin under your eyes, the warmth of your finger can help warm makeup so it applies more easily and seamlessly. You can use your ring finger to tap and spread the product, but for a smoother finish you’ll need to use a tool. Tanno recommends a soft, tapered detailing brush like the Haus Labs Concealer Brush. “Its shape allows you to sweep and tap the concealer exactly where you want it, almost like you’re painting light on the skin,” she says. “Work in thin layers and only build where you need more coverage. »
