Lack of sleep, ageing skin, illness, medication and genetics can all contribute to dark under eye circles. Aside from trying to ensure that you get adequate sleep and a nutritious diet, the right choice and shade of concealer is your best weapon of defense against dark circles.

Using the highest quality of concealer that you can afford will create a flawless finish. According to Paula Begoun, best-selling author of 20 books on skincare and makeup and founder of Paula’s Choice.

“The best concealers counteract discolouration, lighten shadowed areas, disguise blemishes, and work in tandem with your foundation to achieve the appearance of an even skin tone. On the other hand, a poorly formulated concealer draws attention to problem areas, making them look worse, not better!”

Choosing A Brush

Sam and Nic Chapman, world-renowned makeup artists, Pixiwoo YouTube sensations and authors of ‘Face: Makeup, Skincare, Beauty’ suggest that it’s important to choose your concealer brush wisely for a flawless finish. Fluffy brushes will buff and blend foundation into the delicate eye area without tearing, and allow blending of the concealer into the foundation effortlessly.

Choosing Your Shade

Choosing a shade of concealer for the under eye are is slightly different to the skin on the rest of your face, in that you can choose a shade that is one to two shades lighter than you would use elsewhere. Mathias Alan, celebrity makeup artist to the stars suggests that going any lighter will draw attention to the area and make your skin tone uneven, off-colour or sickly. Mathias’ recommendations include Cailyn’s HD Coverage Concealer for a rich but lightweight cream concealer instantly delivers total coverage over dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots. Senna’s Totally Transforming Concealer gives complete coverage for under eye darkness as it helps firm and reduce puffiness with Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract. Its crease-proof, cake-proof and long-wear formula becomes invisible on the skin as it covers blemishes, discolorations, redness and leaves a smooth, silky finish.

Application Techniques

If you have dry skin, firstly apply a light layer of moisturiser and leave for five minutes to absorb. Use concealer sparingly by dabbing small streaks or dots underneath the eye area. You may use your the warmth of your finger, a brush or a sponge. Remember how sensitive this delicate eye area is, and use gentle strokes. Allow to set before applying your foundation.

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