How to Cover Dark Circles With Makeup

Just about everyone has had to deal with dark circles under their eyes. Whether they're caused by a long night out on the town, a shift in hormones or a lengthy period out of the sun, dark circles have a way of appearing at the most inopportune times. Lots of people offer "miracle cures" to help cover them, but the fact is that you can conceal them quite well with ordinary makeup. The key lies in proper application and a close look at the effect the dark circles are having on your complexion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Powder

1. Examine the color of the dark circles carefully. They can appear blueish, purple, brown or a combination of these colors. Diagnosing their color will help you select a proper concealer and allow you to cover their appearance more readily.

2. Apply foundation makeup to the dark circles using a foam wedge or applicator. You may want to go a tad heavier with the foundation than you normally would, but certainly not any more than a tad. Foundation, which evens out your skin tone, helps the dark circles start to match the rest of your complexion and shows you the spots most in need of concealer.

3. Select a concealer that will specifically counter the color of the dark circles. If the circles look purple, choose a concealer that is yellow in tone, but if they're blue, look for an orange-toned concealer. If they're brown, find a blue or mauve-colored concealer, and if they're red, select a concealer with olive tones. You want a color that will offset the color of the circles and restore balance to your complexion.

4. Apply the concealer with the other side of your applicator to cover the dark circles, paying special attention to those portions that stand out the most. The ideal way to apply the concealer is by dotting it under your eyes, and then gently patting it to blend it in. The concealer may appear to be a little garish in the container, but when applied to the circles, it will look very normal and go a long way to concealing their appearance.

5. Powder the circles in order to set the concealer, using a fine translucent powder that matches your skin color. This will keep the work you've done in place without having to resort to any touch-ups throughout the day.

6. Apply your regular concealer to the dark circles to finalize their blend with the rest of your face.

Tips & Warnings

• Dark circles under the eyes can sometimes be caused by allergies or hereditary conditions that have nothing to do with specific circumstances. If you find yourself having to cover them frequently with makeup, consult your dermatologist to see if she can suggest medication that may make these circles lighter.

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