9.18.2014

How to Cover Dark Circles


I'm a light sleeper and I have the dark circles to prove it, y'all. Sometimes I throw on some glasses and call it a day, and sometimes I want to hide them. This is my method for covering those pesky dark circles.
































1. Apply Foundation--I suggest applying foundation first so that's less area you have to cover up later. I used Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation.

2. Brighten--If you need more coverage than just foundation, then try brightening the area underneath eyes. FYI--I skipped that step here. I like to use a liquid or creamy brightener, like the Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles from Maybelline. I apply it in an upside-down triangle from underneath my eyes to a little less than halfway down my cheeks. Blend it in using clean fingers, a face brush, or dampened makeup sponge. Also Try: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Pen ($), MAC Primed for Perfection ($), YSL Touche Eclat ($)






























3--Correct--For many, brightening will suffice, but not me! It's time to get serious and do some color correction. This is a crucial step is covering those circles. You'll want a corrector in a salmon, peach, or orange shade, depending on your skin tone. These look like concealers, but will be in the colors mentioned previously. When I was younger, I used to try to make my own using a coral lipstick and concealer. Luckily, there are several options that deliver with results:



I have not found a drugstore version of these that I have found suitable, so a corrector is a splurge item. To use, simply apply on just the dark circle and blend to counteract the darkness. You are not doing any sort of highlighting here, like in step 2. Don't forget the inner corners. For fair skin, try the salmon-colored corrector from Pixi Beauty ($$), available at Target. Also Try: Bobbi Brown (huge range of shades $$), Eva Pearl ($S), Bare Minerals ($$), Benefit Erase Paste (best for light, medium, and dark $$). For very deep skin, try the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk.









4--Conceal--Next, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone or only a shade lighter. This will be applied on and a little around the dark circle area. It should be blended well to hide the corrector and should blend in with your skin tone. I like using a small brush (Pictured are affordable ones from Real Techniques) to apply and my ring finger to blend it in. I like Bare Minerals ($$), MAC ($$), Revlon ($), Ben Nye ($$)






























5--Set--If you have oily or combo skin, you'll definitely want to set all of that work, using a loose powder, like one from Laura Mercier ($$). Dust a small amount amount under eyes to set. I like placing a layer of tissue or napkin under my eyes and dusting the powder on top of that. Sounds crazy but it works. Also Try: ELF HD ($), Maybelline Mineral Powder ($), Ben Nye ($$), NARS ($$)
































Tips:
  • Don't forget the inner corners of eyes near the top of the nose--those can be dark too!
  • While my pinkie is pictured above, try using your ring finger to blend in. I am pictured here with my pinkie, but the ring finger is most gentle. I also suggest a dampened beauty sponge.
  • I don't recommend yellow to brighten unless you have a very dark complexion.
  • If you're going to be around flash photography, skip any HD powders. These photograph well as long as there is no flash involved!

Here's the before and after. My circles are much worse than pictured! My skin was not Photoshopped in any way (I think that's pretty obvious, but just stating it). I specifically used--
  • Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer
  • Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation
  • Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach
    • Note: This can crease, so be sure to blot with a tissue after applying. 
    • Also, there is a BB Concealer Kit that has a concealer and corrector.
  • MAC Concealers (I mixed a couple to get my skin tone)
  • ELF HD Powder
  • Pla Beauty Fall Collection

44 comments:

  1. This was what I was looking for.. i hv horrible dark circles.. A very helpful post indeed :)
    http://natashabhatt.blogspot.in

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  2. You've covered any darkness really well! I'm so jealous, my under-eye circles usually look chalky/powdery when I apply concealers. I'll have to try out some of the products mentioned here as they have definitely worked for you!
    Madame Raptor x

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  3. Oh look at the difference! That's amazing. The thing with me is that when I use under eye concealer it does cover up dark circles but at the same time it also emphasizes lines... so it's almost like I have to choose between one or the other :-(

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  4. Ughhhh, dark circles. Am I right?

    Great tips, Elle! Hope you're having a lovely week!

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  5. Wow! What a difference! I've just been using concealer for my dark circles. It helped, but I had no idea I could add a few steps and have them pretty much be gone! Thanks for the tips!

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  6. I've got to try your method - I seriously have the worst dark circles.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  7. I never get enough sleep so this is a perfect tutorial for me! Thanks!

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  8. Thanks so much for this! That is my main problem area!!

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  9. I could have used this when getting ready this morning LOL! I have some serious dark circles today... at least it's almost the weekend!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

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  10. I am a poor sleeper and definitely have the circles to prove it. Thanks for this post. I needed it!

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  11. I definitely struggle with circles - this is a post I'm bookmarking for sure!

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  12. ohhh yes! i get some bad dark circles when i dont sleep enough. i gotta try this tutorial. xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  13. Omg this is amazing! You can't even tell! Great tips!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

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  14. I definitely need to add the corrector step! I have the worst dark circles on the planet- thanks genetics! After my foundation, concealer, and YSL touche eclat, most days I still look like I haven't gotten enough sleep.

    xo Julie
    julieupstairs.wordpress.com

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  15. Awesome tips. So going to be trying this out. I also pinned it. That way I can come back to it later.

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  16. awesome, awesome tutorial. this is something i always skip but desperately should do!!!

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  17. Great tutorial as always! I have the Erase Paste and I love it. It's the only thing that works for me when I'm trying to hide those pesky under eye circles.

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  18. my dark circles are shocking, so i totally need this!

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  19. Looks great! Though I looked at your skin on the very first photo and thought how wonderful it was, just as is. x

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  20. thanks for sharing, I need to work on this!

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  21. Great post. I usually use the Nyx Dark Circle Concealer in light which has a salmon tint to it then I go over it with Nyx HD Concealer in Medium Beige and lastly with powder. I need to get that Maybelline Age Rewind concealer though!

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  22. Great tutorial:) I need that tiny brush because I always poke myself in the eye with my huge fingers:D

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  23. I have bad dark circles too! Thanks for the tips!

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  24. Great tutorial!!! It's really helpful as I have really dark circles!

    xoxo
    Style and Paper
    Bloglovin

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  25. There are definitely days when I really need this! Thanks Elle!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  26. I love Erase Paste, but I think I want to try Pixie now. Thanks!

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  27. Great tutorial girlfriend!! I'll have to try some of these products!

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  28. This is a wonderful tutorial! I usually just do foundation and a brightener, but the results are not nearly as good as yours :)

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  29. Thanks for the tips! Now I need to go shopping.

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  30. Thanks for this great tutorial! Dark circles are a real issue for me. I truly had no idea how to combat them until now. Definitely going to try this! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  31. You are a girl after my own heart. I love Erase Paste

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  32. LOVE THIS. I have had dark circles for years and foundation never seems to cover them. I'm trying that Age Rewind stuff for sure! :)

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  33. You're right! It's gone , I could see the difference! Maybeline which I didn't know has that great product!

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  34. Great tips! Fortunately, I do not have dark under eye circles. Mine are under-eye bags, totally hereditary, which are horrid. I "try" to camouflage as much as possible. Once I figure out a magic plan, I may film a tutorial.

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  35. very useful post :) Your before and after pic says it all... Thanks for the tips dear :)

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  36. I never even knew corrector was a thing! Amazing!

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  37. My HG corrector and concealer is giorgio armani master corrector and high precision concealer. i've tried alllll brands to cover my dark circles and these 2 things are the only things that work for my skin tone! (ps to give you an idea of how long i've been searching for a perfect corrector/concealer -- NINE YEARS)

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  38. I usually skip some of these steps, whoops! Thanks for the step by step - I will definitely try it before work and I have erase paste, they are great!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  39. Great tips. Going to have to give a try

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  40. My dark circles are the worst! I should look into getting some of these products.

    http://www.somethingmonumental.com/

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