How to Disguise a Black Eye

Also known as a "shiner," a black eye won't help you shine at special events.

Black eyes are embarrassing, but usually not a sign of serious injury. The bruising around the eye area is often the result of an injury near the eye, but not necessarily an injury to the eye itself. However they happen, they are a cosmetic -- well, "black eye." A few things can be done to tone a black eye down until it fades away.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress
• Mirror
• Yellow or green concealer
• Flesh-toned concealer

Instructions

1. Apply a cold compress near but not directly on the eye. A bag of frozen peas or mixed vegetables serves better than ice for injuries to small areas. Reducing the swelling and discoloration will give you less to disguise.

2. Use yellow concealer if your black eye is more purple than red, and green concealer if your black eye is more red than purple. Pat a thin coat of concealer gently onto the black eye. Do not go further than the base of your lashes. Do not rub or wipe the eye area.

3. Apply the flesh-toned concealer to the eye area, patting gently to apply and blend. Apply thin layers, and step back to review your work before applying another.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply the concealer before any other makeup.

• If you get black eyes often, or they are accompanied by vision loss, dizziness, or other signs of a head injury, contact your doctor.

References

• Encyclopedia of Family Health By David B. Jacoby, R. M. Youngson
• Medicinenet: Black Eye