Mastering the Art of Correcting Dark Undereye Circles

Bid farewell to stubborn dark undereye circles with these professional tips. Even with a full night’s rest, factors like genetics, allergies, and sun exposure can cause these pesky shadows to linger. Here, makeup artists share their secrets to effortlessly concealing undereye circles through color correction.

Color correction uses complementary colors to neutralize skin imperfections. Instead of just applying concealer, using a color corrector in a complementary hue can effectively cancel out darkness. “Complementary colors, like green to red, cancel each other out,” explains celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. For dark blue circles, opt for orange or peach correctors—shades on the opposite side of blue on the color wheel. Greenberg advises that light skin tones should use peach shades, while darker tones should choose orange.

Preparation is key: start with a hydrating eye cream. Dry skin can appear dull regardless of how much concealer is used. Apply an orange or peach-based concealer to dark circles and blend with a fluffy brush. Follow with concealer matching your skin tone for a natural look. Makeup artist Quinn Murphy recommends avoiding powders for dry skin, but suggests a light translucent dusting for oily skin.

Murphy also suggests eye creams stored in the fridge to diminish puffiness, or those with a metal applicator, like Glossier’s Full Orbit Eye Cream. Brighten eyes with nude or white eyeliner on the lower waterline, and use concealer techniques to lift the face.

Exclude excessive layers of makeup to avoid clumping. Apply products lightly for the best results, akin to pointillism, as Greenberg suggests. If darkness persists, consider using additional methods for improvement.