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While under eye bags have recently become somewhat trendy thanks to the popular app Tik Tok, most people don’t enjoy deep discoloration or shadows under their eyes. Dark circles can make you appear tired and run down, which is the opposite of the bright eyed, awake look most people seek when they get ready for the day. Fortunately, when applied with the right technique, concealer can make a major difference in smoothing out your complexion and minimizing dark shadows under your eyes. For your next Zoom happy hour, this is the celebrity makeup artist approved trick you need to try for hiding under eye bags so you can glow even through your grainy laptop camera.
Finding the right amount of coverage for your complexion is one of the biggest keys for hiding dark circles and illuminating your face. Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman explains that if you turn to concealer with too sheer of coverage, the shadows will continue to show through your product. However, if your concealer is too heavy, it will make you look cakey and overdone. “My trick is that I use foundation all over the face and on lids and under the eyes. This lighter formula will dodge and polish enough that you'll use less of the more opaque formula concealer,” explains Freedman.
It may feel only natural to grab for that full coverage concealer to slather under your eyes in hopes of hiding those dark circles, but this can actually settle into the lines around your eyes, making you look even more tired and aged. “Only use the fuller coverage concealer in the inner eye area...just where the dark areas need brightening,” advises Freedman. For this, he notes that Tarte Shape Tape is perfect for the job.
If you struggle with puffiness under your eyes as well as basic discoloration, Freedman suggests investing in two shades of concealer to create contrast and dimension, drawing attention away from the inflammation. “If there's an actual bag under the eye I use a touch of lighter concealer just under it. Just a small strip of slightly lighter, fuller formula concealer to brighten the under shadow,” he says. Don’t forget to go over your concealer with a low pigment powder to set your product so it doesn’t crease or draw further attention to your under eyes.
While embracing your natural features is a great way to feel more comfortable in your skin, sometimes we need that little extra boost to bring out our best selves. Making sure not to cake concealer under your eyes and using foundation to set the stage will help to add dimension and brightness to your complexion, allowing you to fully realize your youthful skin goals. There’s no need to settle for partially concealed shadows when you can adjust your technique and enhance your face with just a few products. Now you’re ready for the red carpet, even if the only people who will see you are on Zoom.
