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How to Conceal like a Pro: Say Goodbye to Dark Under Eyes!

  • Writer: Iliana Alvarez
    Iliana Alvarez
  • Apr 13, 2018
  • 5 min read

I've been a victim to dark under eyes my entire life. I use to be asked the very hated questions of are you okay? you look tired" EVERYTIME I didn't wear makeup.

I was once told it looked like I had a black eye!

But a lifetime of trial and error and three years of being a Makeup Artist and I'm now the Master of Covering Dark Circles.


(I'm currently working on creating a video on the subject but in the mean time here is)

My list of tips on How to Get Rid of Dark Circles


The How to Cover / Conceal them bad boys up?!

1. Prep:

Prepping it's extremely important.

In the mornings of big days, important events, or those days when I'm extra puffy I like to massage my under-eye area with an ice-cube to minimize puffiness.

I then continue to prep by moisturizing. Your eyes should be moisturized 10 to 15 minutes before your makeup application. Use a lightweight moisturizer. Preferably something that works well under makeup.

My current I can not live without eye moisturizer that works well under and on top of Makeup is the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream. A little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Best thing is that a little goes a long way so it will last you a good while.

Note: If you are wearing a liquid foundation I recommend you prep the rest of your skin with moisturizer during this time as well. This will give time and allow the products to be soaked by your skin, it is recommended that you moisturize 15 to 30 minutes before your makeup application.

To get a long wear from your foundation, I recommend you prime your skin. My very favorite primer would definitely be the Mac Prep + Prime Natural Radiance - in Radiant Yellow because this works well with many different skin types (including and especially with normal to oily T-zone combination skin types)

2. Now Makeup:

Once your skin is prepped and ready look at your under-eye circles, and determine what color these are. Make note of this and proceed to apply a thin layer of foundation over your entire face.

This thin layer will be the base that we will build on.

3. Color Correct:

This can be the trickiest part, patience is a virtue.

What was the color of your under-eye circles? Did you see a blueish grey, a purple, a dark brownish-purple?

Find the closest color you see under your eyes on the color wheel below


Now look straight across from it on the color wheel. What color do you see? This is your color correction color!

For example: If you have a blue-violet hue to your under eyes, you are color corrector is a yellow-orange corrector.

I have a blue tint to my under eyes so I use the L.A. girl PRO concealer in orange

Focus this product on the darkest areas of your under eyes. Be lightheaded and remember a little goes a long way.

Note: the intensity of the darkness under your eyes increases the intensity of your color corrector. For example, if you have a light blue hue under your eyes, then you would use light peachy orange as your corrector. The darker the shade of your under eye the darker the shade of your corrector.

4. And Now Conceal!


Concealers like everything Makeup related: come in different shades, different coverage levels, and different finishes. And it is no different with concealers.

Coverage: You would choose a medium to full coverage concealer when applying a full face of makeup, and you would choose a light to medium coverage concealer when you are not applying a full face of makeup and or are just spot correcting some areas such as under eyes and blemishes for a more natural look.

The Finish: Now the finish of your concealer preferably should match the finish you are going for overall. If you are going for a matte finish, then choose a concealer with a matte finish, and if you are going for a more lightweight glowy look choose a concealer with a more sheer satin-like finish.

I know that at first the finishes and coverage of a concealer and foundation may be a little confusing and or hard to understand at first, but remember if you have any questions I’m here to help, so please feel free to ask away.

NOTE: Having a tool that will help you blend will make your life a hundred times easier. Two of my must have tools for blending are a beauty blender and a duo fiber brush:

MAJOR TIP: For a concealer that is easier to blend remember to not apply it directly to your under eyes. Apply it to the back of your hand first to allow your body heat to warm up the product and help with the application.

Concealer should be applied in the shape of an upside down triangle underneath the eyes


5. To brighten, and to be a little extra

I like to apply MAC Prep and Prime Light Boost on the outer corner of my eyes to add a little matte highlight. I love these MAC highlighters; they are great because they give a high color payoff while being so lightweight that they will not crease. I go through these like water. They are a little on the pricey side, but I haven’t found any cheaper alternatives. Feel free to send me any dupes for this product if you know of any 🙂

6. And Last, SET:


1. The last step is to set. Use a small amount of loose powder on a fluffy or fan brush and dust a light amount of product under your eyes while looking up to lock everything into place.

Summary:


1. Prep

  • Minimize puffiness with an ice cube if necessary, and moisturize with lightweight moisturizer.

  • Use this time to moisturize and prime the rest of your face

My current favorite eye cream is the Fast Eye Response Cream

2. Makeup

  • Apply a thin layer of liquid foundation to your entire face, this will be the base we will build on.

3. Color Correct



I currently use the

I've also seen this guy at some fashion stores and boutiques.



Favorite Concealers:

https://amzn.to/2q3DHNH

Mineralize MAC Concealer. I use NW20. This is a more sheer to medium concealer with a satin-like finish. Great for a glowy natural look.

5. Brighten:

I like to apply MAC Prep and Prime Light Boost on the outer corner of my eyes to add a little matte highlight.

6. Set

Use a small amount of loose powder on a fluffy or fan brush and dust a light amount of product under your eyes while looking up to lock everything into place. I like to use the Laura Mercier translucent setting powder

Do you have any tips or favorites? Let me know with a comment down below! 😘

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