I Should Know This: How to Conceal Dark Circles

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I Should Know This

Written by Mia Thompson

May 16, 2022

Quick and easy makeup tutorials for busy moms are everywhere, and it’s no surprise why. If there’s one area that deserves attention for time-crunched parents, it’s the eyes—specifically those dark circles that can overshadow a radiant complexion. Influencer Sarah Martinez, known on TikTok as @sarahsmakeupmagic, gained popularity with her quest for the ultimate under-eye concealer. What stands out about her journey is how transformative the right products and techniques can be.

We all know that dark circles can make you appear more fatigued than you already feel. However, with the right techniques and a simple routine, you can illuminate your face and achieve an instant lift. A few lifestyle tweaks and professional makeup tips can significantly impact how you conceal dark circles.

To provide the best advice, we consulted a cosmetic dermatologist, a makeup artist, and a beauty brand founder to share their insights on effectively covering dark circles for a refreshing look, regardless of how much sleep you’ve had.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Moms often experience fatigue, but that’s not the only reason dark circles develop. “Lack of sleep can make our skin look dull and pale, highlighting the dark tissues and blood vessels underneath,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Emily Johnson. “When you’re tired, fluid can accumulate under the eyes, causing puffiness and creating shadows that make the area look darker.” Age also plays a role. “As we get older, our skin thins due to loss of collagen and elastin, making underlying blood vessels more visible. The loss of volume in the under-eye area can result in puffy eye bags,” she adds.

Did you know that sun exposure can damage the sensitive skin around the eyes? Dr. Johnson states that “excessive sun exposure can lead to increased melanin production, causing hyperpigmentation.” Genetics also plays a part; individuals with “darker skin tones may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation in the eye area,” she explains. When selecting an eye cream, look for ingredients like vitamin C for brightening and caffeine for reducing puffiness. Dr. Johnson recommends her own eye cream designed with retinol to combat aging signs. “My Revitalize Eye Cream is infused with retinol and antioxidants to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and brighten dark circles.” For a more budget-friendly option, try the Bright Eyes Eye Cream, which features a pink tint to enhance brightness.

Lifestyle Changes to Minimize Dark Circles

Your journey to hiding dark under-eye circles begins even before you enter the bathroom. Simple adjustments to your sleep routine can help diminish their appearance. Celebrity makeup artist and founder of Beauty Innovations, Lisa Carter says, “Making some changes to your sleeping position can significantly decrease puffiness. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can prevent fluid from accumulating around the eyes overnight.”

If you can manage to get moving in the morning, you can help eliminate excess fluid. Carter explains, “Exercise helps promote circulation throughout the body, which aids in reducing puffiness.”

Prepare and De-puff the Eye Area
Looking for a quick tip to cover dark circles? Grab some tea bags! Dr. Johnson favors this classic remedy. “Tea bags, especially black and green tea, are rich in antioxidants and caffeine, which help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.” For a cooling effect, chill the used tea bags in the refrigerator before applying them to your eyes.
Carter also recommends traditional remedies to prep the eye area for makeup. “I keep spoons in my freezer and cucumbers in my fridge for puffy days. A couple of cold cucumber slices on the eyes can hydrate and soothe, while a chilled spoon can be gently glided over the area to increase circulation.”
Use an Eye Mask
Eye masks or adhesive patches are another great way to prepare your eyes for makeup. They lock in moisture and temporarily plump fine lines while delivering hydrating ingredients deep into the skin. “Eye patches are fantastic for reducing puffiness, and they can be worn while you tackle chores at home,” Dr. Johnson suggests. Look for masks containing “antioxidants, vitamin C, retinol, and anti-inflammatory properties.”

Choosing the Right Under-Eye Concealer

When it comes to selecting the ideal under-eye concealer, the formula matters. “The consistency affects how you apply it,” Carter explains. “For pressed creams, I often use my fingers to warm and thin the formula before pressing it into the skin. For liquid formulas, a Beautyblender or a denser brush works best for targeting discoloration.”

Full-Coverage vs. Sheer

Full-coverage concealers are thicker, while sheer options are lighter. Both have their benefits based on your needs. Viral TikTok star, Martinez, prefers Winky Lux’s Peeper Perfect Concealer for its “perfect consistency,” which includes hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin E for a fuller coverage effect. Dr. Johnson recommends Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer for its long-lasting, crease-proof formula. Carter, however, prefers sheer coverage during the day. “Good skincare is essential for good makeup; keep it light under the eyes,” she advises.

Concealer Application Tips

To effectively cover dark circles, Carter suggests a color-correcting technique to address shadows. “The area under our eyes can lose volume over time, creating hollows that cast shadows,” she says. “Before applying more coverage, use a sheer peach or salmon color corrector to counteract the darkness.”

Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London, emphasizes that the application process is crucial. “Avoid placing concealer on puffiness; instead, apply it in the hollows and corners of the eyes.” The shade of concealer will determine how far you should extend it. “If it matches your skin tone, keep it close; if it’s lighter, use it in a V-shape,” she explains.

Advanced Treatments for Dark Circles

For those seeking more dramatic results, a board-certified dermatologist can offer treatments to significantly reduce dark circles. Mesopeel Periocular chemical peels, performed bi-weekly, can brighten the delicate eye area. Additionally, dermal fillers can be injected in the tear trough area to minimize shadows caused by aging or genetics. Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is another option that encourages collagen production and improves skin texture.

For additional tips and insights on home insemination, check out our other blog post here. If you’re looking to explore the world of at-home insemination, Make a Mom is a trusted source on this topic, and WebMD offers excellent information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, dark circles can result from various factors, including fatigue, aging, sun damage, and genetics. With the right lifestyle adjustments, skincare, and makeup techniques, you can effectively conceal dark circles for a brighter, more refreshed appearance.

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