How To Color Correct Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
When you have dark under-eye circles, concealer becomes your best friend. However, you may still notice blue hues peeking through your concealer. Thankfully, there is more you can do than just using your everyday concealer.
You can use color-correcting concealers in tandem with your regular makeup to cover up your under-eye circles completely. If you haven't used color-corrector before, it may seem daunting. There are concealer colors you would never have considered applying before, but they can change your makeup game.
You are about to discover the world of color-correcting and how to use it to cover your dark under-eye circles. We will also go over choosing a concealer to go over the color-corrector and how to apply it for a flawless finish.
What Is Color Correcting Concealer?
Color-correcting is a method that hides discoloration with complimentary colors. You use the colors on the opposite side of the color wheel than the hue you're trying to hide. There are various concealer shades to accomplish this, like lavender, green, yellow, and orange.
These colors can help conceal a number of different skin issues you may be experiencing, including dark under-eye circles. Look at the color of the imperfection you're trying to cover. Next, select a concealer on the opposite side of the color wheel to cancel out the imperfection. You still have to apply your normal concealer on top of the color corrector, but now the hue of the discoloration won't show through.
How To Use Color Corrector
You may still feel perplexed about the various colors and what they cancel out, but no worries. Let's go over a few common shades and what they correct.
For dark under-eye circles, select a color-correcting concealer in the peach range. Dark circles have a bluish hue, and orangey shades will cancel out blue. The exact color of concealer does vary based on your skin tone. If you have pale skin, select a peach color, but grab a bisque shade if you have a light to medium skin tone. Medium to dark skin tones can use an orange-colored concealer.
There's also a color-corrector for you if you're dealing with redness from discoloration or blemishes. You don't need to hide at home if you have a breakout that you can't seem to cover. You can neutralize the redness with a green color-correcting concealer. Green is on the opposite side of the color wheel as red, so it easily disguises any redness you may be experiencing.
For those just dealing with overall dullness, you can brighten up your skin with a color corrector. Reach for a lavender or purple concealer, depending on your skin tone. Apply it anywhere on your face that you feel a little dull and you want a radiant boost.
There is a color corrector for any skin issue you may be experiencing. They can give you an extra layer of coverage and make you feel confident in your coverage.
How To Select a Concealer
You can't just apply a color corrector and hit the road. You also need an everyday concealer that matches your skin tone to finish the look. Otherwise, you will be walking around with random colored patches on your face.
When selecting a normal concealer, you have to consider what formulation you want. There are cream, sticks, and liquid concealers on the market. A cream concealer can be good for covering blemishes. A stick concealer is a drier formulation, so it works well for people with oily skin.
However, these concealers can be too thick and dry to cover dark under-eye circles. The best formulation for your delicate eye area is a liquid concealer, especially if you have sensitive skin. It is hydrating and doesn't require as much blending as other concealers.
You may need two shades of concealers; one for covering imperfections on places like your cheeks and one for your T-zone and under-eye area. The concealer that goes in the middle of your face can be a shade or two lighter than your actual skin tone.
The lighter shade creates a brightening effect, which is ideal for covering dark circles. For covering blemishes and other skin issues, you will want a concealer that matches your foundation so the two blend seamlessly.
HIDE Premium Concealer can cover anything from dark circles to tattoos. It's a liquid formulation that is oil-free and will last all day.
No matter how many shades you decide to get, make sure they match your skin's undertone. Your undertone is the color within the color. It's the shade beneath the surface of your skin. If you choose the right color but the wrong undertone, your concealer won't look right.
How To Conceal Your Under-Eyes
Once you have your color-corrector and normal concealers, it's time to put them into action. Let's go over how to apply them to get a flawless-looking base.
Before you go in with any makeup, prepare your skin by washing your face and applying a moisturizer. This step will ensure no dirt and oil are on your skin that could clog your pores. It also gives you a smooth surface to apply your makeup on.
Now it's time for makeup!
Step 1: Apply the Color-Corrector
Apply the color-corrector to the areas you have discoloration. You can use a damp makeup sponge to dab the concealer on in a thin layer. You can also use your fingers to dab on the concealer. The warmth from your fingers will help it melt into your skin. Just make sure you wash your hands first!
Step 2: Apply Your Foundation
Next, apply your foundation in an even layer over your face. A liquid concealer, like HIDE Premium Foundation, is ideal for applying after concealer. A powder foundation formula won't work since it will stick to the color-corrector and create patches.
When blending out the foundation, make sure you carefully blend it over the areas with a color corrector. If you try to buff it on, it can end up moving the concealer off of the imperfection you're trying to hide. You can add a little color-corrector after you apply foundation if you accidentally remove some of it.
Step 3: Apply Your Concealer
After your foundation is on, go over the areas you put color correctors with normal concealer. You can also apply the lighter shade to your t-zone area to create a radiant look. Just like with foundation, use the dabbing technique to blend out the concealer.
Step 4: Set Your Concealer
Finally, apply a thin layer of translucent powder over your concealer to keep it in place. If your skin is on the dry side, you can use a setting spray instead, and ta-da, your base makeup is done with no dark under-eye circles showing!
Why You Have Dark Under-Eye Circles
You may be wondering how you even got dark under-eye circles in the first place. However, there's no one reason why you have this discoloration. Many factors could be contributing to your under-eye circles.
Fatigue
The first thing you may think could be causing your dark under-circles is fatigue. Even just staying up a few hours later can lead to those familiar bluish hues popping up. Sleep deprivation causes your skin to look paler, making your under-eye discoloration stand out even more.
You can also develop bags under your eyes from a lack of sleep. Fluid builds up under your eyes and can create a shadow, which looks like dark circles.
Age
Another typical reason for dark circles is natural aging. Your skin gets thinner as you get older, and you also lose fat and collagen. These two things make your skin look supple, and without them, you can see through your skin. The blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, and your under-eye area can appear darker.
Genetics
Your dark under-eye circles could be genetic. If you've always noticed darker skin in this area, it could just be a hereditary characteristic. You can thank your parents for that one!
How To Treat Dark Circles
Makeup is not the only way you can combat dark under-eye circles. There are many treatment options available. You can do some things at home or go to a professional to get a little extra help.
At home, you can apply cold tea bags to your eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles. You just have to soak tea bags in hot water for five minutes, allow them to cool off in your fridge, and then apply them over your closed eyes for 15 to 20 minutes. The caffeine and antioxidants in the tea can encourage blood circulation and shrink your blood vessels.
If you struggle with under-eye bags, try elevating your head when you sleep. It will prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes, causing bags to form.
Professional treatments can also be very effective. Consult with your dermatologist about tissue fillers, laser treatment, and chemical peels that could help.
In Summary
You can hide your under-eye circles with a color corrector and a high-quality concealer. You can also take steps to prevent them from occurring. However, even if you can't get rid of them, HIDE products will never let you down and will give you that perfect-looking skin you've always wanted.
Sources:
Color Wheel - Color Calculator | Sessions
Dark circles under the eyes: Causes and treatments | Medical News Today
Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: Causes and Treatments | Healthline