How to Cover Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Whether your sleep pattern includes too much scrolling, or you’ve inherited some shadows from your parents, sometimes we all need a bit of extra help to look a little more fresh-faced.

So if you want to know how to hide dark circles and bags, try this simple routine using foundation, concealer, and powder.

Step 1: Foundation

To nix the luggage that’s landed under your eyes, you need to choose a foundation that’ll cancel out the shade. You could try a stick foundation or a full coverage powder formula. Whatever you choose, a lot of it comes down to technique.

One of the most common questions we get: do you put concealer on before or after foundation? Though there’s no hard and fast rule, the best way to put on foundation and concealer is often foundation-first.

Why exactly does concealer go on before foundation? When you apply a pigmented foundation first that cancels out your tired shadows, you might be able to cut back on the concealer. As you may have learned on your own, concealer can look cakey under eyes.

So, if you can stick to foundation alone, you could be on to a winner. A full coverage mineral foundation can prevent a thick, cakey look.

Not sure which foundation shade is right for you? Watch the video below to get some tips and tricks on finding the best foundation shade for your skin tone.

When it comes to foundation around eyes, it’s more about the formula you use and how you apply it. From a liquid mineral foundation to a cream to powder formula, using a light hand and some useful tools will help you conquer the shade. Want to know how to apply foundation under eyes? Think ‘less is more’.

One of the most common foundation mistakes is believing the more you use, the more you’ll conceal. Just a small amount of the right foundation will even out and blur the look of your dark circles.

If you have bluish-black circles, pick a yellow-toned foundation that’s one shade light than your current skin tone. If your circles are more of a browny colour, you might want a reddish, peach, or orange hue to help balance the look.

You can always add more foundation if you need to, but it can be tricky to remove if things get out of hand. No one’s got time for a mid-morning redo! Using a damp beauty blender helps you control how much you apply and gives you a camera-worthy finish.

Step 2: Concealer

You’ve probably had a fair few concealers in your makeup bag over the years. But making a concealer for under eye bags work poses a different challenge. In fact, how you choose and apply your concealer can completely change your look.

To disguise dark circles without creating reverse panda eyes, you need to choose the right colour to conceal dark circles.

It’s a common misconception to choose a concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. While that might work to highlight the skin and conceal blemishes, when it comes to dark circles, you need to counteract the shady undertones.

Peach tones counteract brown ones, and yellowish shades nix the look of tired purple skin. How do you put on concealer makeup after this step? Well, after colour-correcting, you can apply and conceal with a shade that’s nearer your natural skin tone.

You might quickly dab a blemish to camouflage it or run a line down your nose to highlight, but concealer to cover dark spots often requires a little more thought. So, where to apply concealer? Surprisingly, it's not directly on top of your dark circles. If you dollop a cover-up directly on those shadows, you could end up emphasising the area—yikes!

Watch the video below to find out how to choose and apply concealer with the help of a pro makeup artist.

So how do you apply under eye concealer? Rather than smearing your concealer back and forth on top of your dark circles, if you want to know how to use under eye concealer well, you should get to know the triangle technique. Sweep a small amount of the formula under your lashes, outlining an upside-down triangle, and get blending. It’s a great way to cover the skin evenly.

Trying to figure out how to blend under eye concealer and how to use concealer stick for dark circles? You could gently tap with your ring finger, apply concealer with sponge, or pick out a brush you can gently soothe the area with.

Step 3: Powder

Gone are the days of powder creasing and clogging your under eye area. These days, to completely cover dark circles, a smoothing powder keeps your under eye look in place simply.

So, you’ve created a good base with your foundation and drawn your concealer triangles. Now, to help combat the darker skin completely, you’ll next want to apply a powder.

Do you have to set concealer with powder? A light dusting of powder does help keep your foundation and concealer looking fresh all day. Powder can also act as a light barrier against any pollutants and environmental aggressors.

But what kind of powder do you use? Loose or pressed? And what the heck is the difference anyway? Find out in the video below.

Want to know how to set under eye concealer? Whether you spend time baking with a translucent formula or use a pressed powder to seal the area, you’ll help prevent the cakey creases when you finish eyes with a powder.

Can’t decide how to set concealer with powder? Using a hydrating formula that won’t dry your skin out is a good start. If you have oily skin, a sweep or dab of powder will help you contain the shine AND cover dark circles. A brightening formula will lift your look and complement your concealer. If you have very dry skin, you might want to skip the powder completely.

Regardless of whether you use concealer before or after foundation, setting your look with a powder will help it stay in place. Find a powder that suits your skin type and let the extra layer of coverage keep those circles concealed for longer.

Find more of the best concealers, foundations, and powders in these helpful guides...

• From $19.95 to $44, These Are Our Favourite Bargain to Bougie Under-Eye Concealers

• The Best Cruelty Free Makeup for Mature Skin

• The Best Powders for Dry Skin

• How to Conceal Acne Scars With Makeup

• The Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin

• Best Full Coverage Foundation For Sensitive Acne Prone Skin

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