Ever stared at your perfectly acceptable under-eye circles in the mirror, only to be met with panda eyes in photos? It happens to the best of us! Dark circles – the bane of many beauty routines! Dark circles can happen because of stress or simply genetics. They can make us look tired, dull, and even older than we are. And if standing in front of heavy start lights it can be more intense. Makeup artists to the stars are here to spill the tea on achieving a flawless, camera-ready finish for your under-eyes. Are you struggling with stubborn dark circles? With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a radiant, well-rested appearance.

1. Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness:

The first step to combating dark circles is addressing any underlying puffiness. Puffiness can worsen the appearance of darkness. Start with a chilled tool. Pop two teaspoons in the fridge for 15 minutes. Gently press them against your under-eye area for a few minutes. Alternatively, soak a washcloth in cold water and apply it similarly.

Green tea is your friend in dealing with puffy eyes. Steep two green tea bags and let them cool. When comfortable to touch, place them on your under-eyes for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine content helps constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. The coolness helps constrict the blood vessels, and the pressure can activate the body’s natural response to drain the pooled fluid in the area. Invest in good brightening and hydrating eye patches for instantly de-puffing the eyes before makeup. Dot and Key watermelon cooling eye patches are my current favorite.

2. Use an Effective Eye Cream:

A good eye cream is a long-term investment in beautiful under-eyes. Look for one with ingredients that target your specific concerns. Opt for an eye cream with caffeine, cucumber extract, or horse chestnut extract. These ingredients help reduce fluid buildup and promote lymphatic drainage. Look for ingredients like vitamin K, retinol, and kojic acid. These work to brighten the under-eye area and improve blood circulation. Hyaluronic acid is your best friend if you want a plump and hydrating under-eye area which makes it appear smoother and less shadowed. As a professional makeup artist, I always have an eye cream in my vanity as it helps in nourishing the under eye before any makeup. These are a few of my recommendations for effective results:

• Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Under Eye Cream
• L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Dark Circle Eye Serum
• Dot & Key Pomegranate Retinol + Caffeine Under Eye Cream
• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• The Derma Co. 5% Caffeine Under Eye Serum
• Conscious Chemist Retinol Peptide Under Eye Cream 

3. Colour Correction to the Rescue:

Don’t make the mistake of putting your foundation on your dark circles as it will show up ashy. Color correction is a magical step that cancels out unwanted darkness. Most dark circles fall into two categories – blue or brown. Blue circles have a cool undertone, while brown circles appear more red or purple. For blue circles, use a peach or orange corrector. These colors counteract the blue tones and brighten the area. For brown circles, use a bisque or pink corrector. These tones neutralize the redness/purple tones and even out the skin tone. Use a small concealer brush or your fingertips to apply a small amount of color corrector in a triangle shape under your eyes, with the pointed end towards your nose. Blend it out gently with a damp makeup sponge.

4. Apply the Foundation:

Start with a thin layer of foundation and build slowly. The foundation creates a smooth, even canvas for your concealer. Don’t pile on the foundation in the under-eye area. This can settle into fine lines and make dark circles more noticeable. Use a light touch and a damp makeup sponge to apply a thin layer of foundation that matches your skin tone.

5. Blend the Concealer:

For the undereyes, select a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your foundation. This will brighten the area without looking cakey. Use a small concealer brush or a damp makeup sponge to apply the concealer in a triangular shape under your eye, similar to the color corrector. Focus on the inner corner and the outer corner where darkness tends to concentrate. The key to a natural finish is proper blending. Use a damp makeup sponge to pat and press the concealer into your skin gently. Don’t drag or swipe, as this can create streaks. Concentrate on the coverage. Dragging or swiping might remove the product. you can invest in my favourite concealers such as Too Faced Born This Way concealer or Swiss Beauty Liquid concealer.

6. Powder it Well:

Setting your under-eyes is essential to prevent creasing and ensure your concealer stays put all day. Use a translucent loose-setting powder to set your under-eyes. Apply a light dusting with a fluffy powder brush. Focus on the areas where you applied concealer and foundation. For extra staying power, a technique called baking can be used. Apply a generous amount of loose powder under your eyes, leaving it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, dust off the excess powder with a clean brush.

For an extra brightening effect, consider adding a touch of highlighter to your under-eye area. However, remember, a light touch is key!

• Opt for a creamy or liquid highlighter with a slight sheen, not a heavy glitter.
• Apply a tiny dot of highlighter to the high point of your cheekbone, directly below your outer under-eye area. You can also add a touch to the inner corner of your eye for a wide-awake look.
• Use a damp makeup sponge to gently blend the highlighter into your skin, ensuring a seamless transition.

Additional Pro Secrets:

• Concealer for Different Concerns: While color correction is a great first step, for stubborn dark circles, consider a full-coverage concealer. However, use it sparingly and blend meticulously.
• Fight Fatigue with Sleep: This might seem obvious, but getting enough sleep is the ultimate preventative measure for dark circles. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen the appearance of dark circles. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
• Embrace Your Natural Beauty: Dark circles are a common concern, but they don’t define you! Learn to embrace your natural beauty and celebrate your unique features.

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