Top Five Tips for Using an Under-Eye Concealer
Written for Walgreens.com
Let’s hope you gained your under-eye circles from doing something fun, like staying up all night reading your favorite book or star-gazing until the early hours of the morning. Regardless of how much fun you had, though, you’re still left with some unsightly marks under those pretty peepers of yours. Do you have to go to bed and avoid the world until they disappear? That might be nice, but it’s not necessary. Luckily for you, under-eye concealer is a Jedi master at removing the blue things you have going on. Read on for our top five tips on how to use this ultimate beauty tool.
1. Choose your timing wisely
You can’t choose to not have under-eye circles, but you can choose when to cover them. The right time to use under-eye concealer is after you’ve applied your foundation but before you’ve dusted your face with powder.
2. Love the color yellow
The right shade of under-eye concealer for you will likely be at least a shade lighter than your normal skin color. You want to choose a concealer that has a yellow base, which will cancel out the blues and purples under your eyes.
3. Go easy
One of the biggest mistakes women make is to layer on under-eye concealer, and to do so in the wrong spot. Always start small. Apply a tiny amount of concealer to your fingertips, then rub the concealer lightly between your fingers. Because under-eye concealer is often times a lot thicker than regular foundation, this will thin out the texture some and make it easier to apply. It will also go on more naturally once it’s warm and thin. Dab the concealer under your eyes, but only where the actual dark circles appear. This will typically be in a semi-circle from the interior of your eye and down towards your cheek. If necessary, build up the concealer with a second and third round of application. Just make sure you don’t go on auto-pilot and apply the same amount every day. Your under-eye circles will change on a daily basis, and so should the amount of under-eye concealer you apply.
4. Blot like a master
Once you’ve finished applying your under-eye concealer, go back and blot away any excess product with a Q-tip. This can also help smooth out areas of makeup that have settled into fine lines and wrinkles. If needed, apply more product in those areas. Some beauty experts also recommend pressing your fingertips lightly against the under-eye concealer to help remove excess product. Regardless of the method you use, don’t forget to blot.
5. Make it matte
You’re almost finished. Now that you’re done concealing those circles with under-eye concealer, set the area with a loose powder. This will help the concealer stay in place during the day and minimize any settling into fine lines. Powder will also help create a matte finish to hide the shadows that come along with under-eye circles.