20 Tips for Brightening the Under-Eye Area with Concealer

Dark circles can be a beauty enthusiast's bane, giving a tired appearance. Under-eye brightening concealers come to the rescue for masking darkness. Understanding the right tricks and techniques is essential for success. Discover 20 tips for brightening the under-eye area, applying concealer like a pro, and tackling dark circles.

Why Dark Circles Occur

Dark circles are common and can be caused by various factors including ageing, genetics, lifestyle choices like lack of sleep and poor diet, and environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. These factors cause the thin skin under our eyes to lose elasticity and become darker, thus highlighting the blood vessels underneath. (1)

To curb dark circles and brighten under the eyes, follow the below tips.

1. Select the Right Type of Concealer

Like all makeup products, concealers come in various forms - liquid, cream, stick and even compact. Choose a type that fits your coverage needs, skin type and personal preferences. Liquid concealers are ideal for delivering buildable, lightweight coverage, while stick concealers provide more substantial coverage but may feel heavier on the skin. Cream concealers offer high pigmentation to tackle even the stubbornly darkest of circles.

2. Colour Correctors: Strategy to Combat Colour Discrepancies

Before using your under-eye brightening concealer, consider applying a colour corrector, which will neutralise the undertones present in the dark circles. A peach or orange-toned colour corrector can effectively counteract blue or purple-tinged circles, whilst green colour correctors neutralise red blemishes.

3. Choose the Perfect Shade

Selecting a concealer shade that is one or two tones lighter than your natural skin tone can give your under-eye area a radiant, well-lit appearance. Be cautious of going too light, as this can create an undesirable 'flashback' effect. We recommend using Revlon Colorstay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer - A multifaceted concealer that corrects, perfects, highlights, hydrates, and provides antioxidant protection.

4. Use a Hydrating Eye Cream

To ensure your skin is prepped and ready for concealer makeup application, always apply a hydrating eye cream first. This helps to keep the delicate skin under the eyes moisturised, facilitating effortless makeup application, and serving as a barrier between your skin and the product.

5. Concealer Application Technique: Tap, Don't Rub

Tapping or patting your under-eye concealer, instead of rubbing it, ensures that the product sets and blends into your skin seamlessly. It is also crucial to start with a small amount of product, then slowly increase layers as needed. Less is always more when it comes to concealer application.

6. Use the Right Tools

Investing in quality beauty tools such as a concealer brush or a damp beauty sponge can make applying your under-eye concealer for dark circles more effective and precise. These tools allow you to blend and apply your concealer seamlessly.

7. Master the Dot and Triangle Techniques

When applying concealer to the under-eye region, either 'dot' the product along the lower lash line or draw an inverted triangle below the eye. This helps to distribute the concealer evenly and covers the entire under-eye area, brightening and lifting the face.

8. Set Your Concealer

Ensuring that your concealer stays in place means setting it with a loose, flesh-toned powder or a translucent setting powder of your choice. Gently dab a small amount of powder onto the under-eye area, focusing on any creases, to prevent your concealer from smudging or settling into fine lines.

9. Customise Your Coverage

If you require more coverage, leverage multiple concealer shades. Start with a shade that matches your natural skin tone, or a colour-correcting shade, to counteract the darkness. Then apply a lighter shade to brighten the area further.

10. Don't Neglect Your Inner Corner

Darkness under the eyes often extends to the inner corner of the eye. Apply a small amount of concealer to the inner eye area to prevent shadows and create an overall bright and polished appearance.

11. Experiment with Reflective Concealers

Consider using reflective concealers that contain light-reflecting particles. These illuminating concealers can bounce light off the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles, giving your eyes a naturally bright, radiant glow.

12. Apply a Skin-Energizing Eye Mask

Adding an eye mask or eye patches formulated with invigorating ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins can help perk up those dark circles and under-eye puffiness – the perfect addition to your skincare regime before applying a concealer. (2)

13. Embrace the Power of Baking

Baking is a technique that involves using a generous amount of setting powder to set your under-eye concealer and allowing it to 'bake' for a few minutes before sweeping away excess powder. This process leaves behind a smooth, crease-free, and flawless under-eye area.

14. Hydrate: Your Under-Eye Area's Best Friend

Remind yourself to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate under-eye darkness and puffiness. The result – is healthy, fresher-looking skin that is primed for concealer application.

15. Learn Proper Removal Techniques

Knowing how to remove your concealer without causing irritation or damage to the delicate skin under your eyes can be just as essential as applying it correctly. Use a gentle makeup remover and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Instead, gently swipe or press the remover onto the area and allow the makeup to lift off.

16. Sleep Well

Achieving a good night's sleep is invaluable when it comes to reducing dark circles. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to minimise under-eye darkness and bags, giving your concealer a better chance of achieving that flawless, well-rested appearance.

17. The Wonders of Tea Bags

Steeping two green or black tea bags in warm water and allowing them to cool before placing them over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes can work wonders to refresh and brighten the under-eye area. The caffeine and antioxidants in the tea bags can help to increase circulation and decrease inflammation, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

18. Foundation Application: Before or After Concealer?

For ideal concealer application, it's vital to understand the optimal order. Apply a light layer of makeup foundation before your concealer to create a cohesive base and balance the overall look, avoiding the need for excess concealer.

19. Try a Mix of Concealers

Individuals with extremely dark under-eye circles might benefit from combining different types of concealers. This can involve using a cream or stick for targeted coverage, followed by a lightweight liquid to blend and set the product.

20. Nutrient Intake Matters

Focusing on a nutrient-rich diet can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, including the under-eye area, making your concealer application more effective and seamless.

FAQs

Q. How do you lighten the under-eye area with concealer?

A: Applying a light layer of colour-correcting concealer first, followed by an under-eye brightening concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone can help to lighten the under-eye area and create a fresher, youthful appearance.

Q. Does concealer make under eyes brighter?

A: Yes, when used correctly, concealer can make the under-eye area appear brighter and more radiant, reducing the appearance of dark circles and giving the skin a healthy, well-rested look.

Q. Should you put eye cream on before concealer?

A: Applying a hydrating eye cream before your concealer can prime the skin, ensuring a smoother makeup application, and providing a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup.

Q. What can I apply before concealer?

A: A thorough skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturising, followed by a hydrating eye cream creates the ideal base for concealer application.

Q. Can I directly apply concealer without foundation?

A: Yes, for those who prefer a natural look or have minimal skin imperfections, applying concealer without foundation can achieve effective coverage and brightness without the need for a full face of makeup.

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