Prep your Skin
Everything in life, like everything else, begins with a solid foundation. We are not talking about actual cosmetic foundation, which may look overdone and make under-eye circles appear cakey.
Instead, consider a moisturizer: “No matter how much concealer you pile on top of dry skin, it will look tired and dull.”Apply a drop of eye cream on the tip of your ring finger (one with the softest touch) and lightly dab it along the under-eye area, beginning at the inner corner and working outward.
If your dark circles are caused by sun damage, an alpha hydroxy acid eye lotion will help lighten the undesirable pigment. If your dark circles are severe, consult a physician about a prescription lotion containing a lightening ingredient like hydroquinone.
If you have puffiness, you should spend some extra time applying under-eye gels (an excellent roller also works). Refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes before placing them under your eyes for quick cooling and de-puffing.
Prime Your Face
Primer can be used before or after applying the foundation. It will blend out your skin tone and keep your makeup in place more extended. Apply the primer to your entire face with your fingertips, an applicator, or a beauty brush, just like you would foundation. You may get a primer tailored to your skin tone here:
- For dry skin, try using a hydrating primer.
- Those with dull skin may prefer an illuminating primer.
- For oily skin, consider using a mattifying primer.
- Color-correcting primers are also available for skin concerns such as redness. You can, for example, get a green-tinted primer to counteract redness.
Color Correct
Due to blood pooling in the area, under-eye bags are frequently accompanied by hyperpigmentation, which can appear purple or blue. If you do not have dark circles, skip this step and go to the next step.
Concealer can be more effective when the eyes are primed with a color corrector. Unlike conventional concealer, applying a color-correcting color neutralizes whatever flaw you wish to conceal.
Complimentary colors (opposite on the color wheel) cancel each other out. That implies you should choose bright hues like peach, yellow, and orange to conceal dark bags beneath your eyes. The secret is to use it only in darkness to avoid seeing the orange color.
Swipe the formula in a “V” shape over your dark circles (with the tips of the “V” at the inner and outer corners of your eyes), then blend the “V” shape into your under-eye region using a concealer brush.
Apply Concealer
Next, use concealer to hide the color corrector and brighten your under-eye region for an even and natural finish.
Apply the concealer straight to your under-eye area and mix with a brush or moist makeup sponge. Apply it in a dot pattern under the eyes and stretch it toward the temple for a lifting effect, just like your color corrector.
Use Foundation
After you have applied your concealer, it is time to apply an even base. Always choose a foundation appropriate for your skin type and solve your skin care needs. While this application may be in a different order than usual, it is best to apply corrector, concealer, and foundation in that order to avoid any purple or orange tones peeking through your makeup.
Powder to Set
Apply powder directly beneath your eyes with a makeup brush and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before dusting away the excess. This will absorb extra oils and give you a crease-free, smooth finish under your eyes.
Source: Ale Jay
