How to Use Makeup to Conceal Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes are attributable to many causes. Allergies, nasal congestion, too much sleep, too little sleep and heredity are among some of the most frequently cited causes. Despite the cause, if you don't have time to treat those dark circles before work or a big date, you need to find a way to conceal them. There are a variety of makeup tricks that can help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Special concealer
• Foundation

Choose a Concealer

1. Visit a makeup counter at which you can try different types of concealers before settling on a purchase. Trying out different shades can keep you from making the circles too ghostly or more prominent.
2. Use a yellow tinted concealer to hide dark purple circles, an orange concealer to hide blueish circles and blue, mauve or tan concealers to hide brownish circles. There are even green and light blue products to conceal red under-the-eye circles.
3. Choose a lightweight, cream concealer product. The product needs to glide on smoothly and not require a lot of rubbing to apply. Dark circles can be a reaction to circulation problems, which can be exacerbated by rubbing the skin under the eye.
4. Step away from the makeup counter and check how the concealer looks under more natural lights. Makeup counters are lit in a way to make everyone look as good as possible. Your goal is to make sure that your dark circles aren't noticeable in normally lit circumstances.

Apply Concealer to Dark Circles

5. Apply the foundation you normally wear to even out your complexion. Blend it as you usually would, without paying any special attention to under the eye. Once your foundation is in place, you should be able to clearly see the dark circles that you need to conceal.
6. Use your specially purchased concealer on the dark circles, applying it in a thin, even coat. This can be accomplished either by using a makeup brush or by patting it on with your finger.
   
7. Pay close attention to the area where your eye meets the bridge of your nose. This area tends to have the darkest circles and may need more concealer. Other areas to look at closely are directly under your eye and the outside edge where your eye meets your cheekbone.
8. Powder the concealed areas with a translucent powder, using just enough so that the concealer no longer looks sticky or shiny.
9. Apply your normal concealer over the special concealer as you use it on the rest of your face.

Tips & Warnings

• It's recommended that you choose a concealer at least one, if not two, shades lighter than your normal foundation.
• Avoid using oily, liquid products. They are harder to blend and can accentuate the lines around your eyes, which will make you look older.