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Lighten Up: How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

By Joanna Pompilio

Whether it’s from staying up late, feeling over-worked, or from too many late enough hydrating benefits. A light eye cream, like Murad’s Renewing Eye Cream,
nights out, under eye circles are something that every busy gal has to deal with,” that does double duty and targets puffiness and dryness, will eliminate the need
according to Maggie Ford Danielson, Benefit Trend Makeup Artist. for layering multiple creams.

In most cases, dark circles under the eyes are really tiny blood vessels that can “Under eye products are not just something for night - they can be worn under
be seen through the skin. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest in the body so makeup during the day as well,” advises Perdis. Look for skincare products that
as the blood passes close to the surface it can produce a bluish tint. However, boast plenty of antioxidants and plumping agents like collagen. Caffeine in eye
many other factors can contribute to the appearance of dark circles such as poor creams can also help to reduce swelling.
circulation, deep-set bone structure, increased alcohol consumption or lack of
sleep. Dark circles can also be a fact of heredity. But not to worry, in a few simple Perdis also warns that loading on too much eye cream at night can make eyes
steps dark circles can be a distant memory. appear puffier the next day. He cautions to apply product on the bone and not too
close to the eye.
Prep Work
Apply Concealer the Right Way
The first step to tackling dark circles is prepping skin. “The first essential product
for prevention of dark circles is a gentle and effective cleanser that removes make- Now that skin has been prepped and moisturized, makeup can be applied. “Using
up without being harsh and drying to the delicate skin around the eyes,” maintains thick, heavy textured concealers will draw attention to under eye circles rather
Dr. Rolanda Johnson, Senior Scientist P&G Beauty. Remember that face wash than disguise them. Instead try using a sheer, light textured color corrector,” warns
should leave skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Try a gentle cleanser, like Oil Jemma Kidd, Makeup Artist and Creator of JK Jemma Kidd. “Neutralize bluish
of Olay’s Total Effects Nourishing Cleanser or Skin Ceuticals Gentle Cleanser, to undertones by using a pink, peach or yellow shade, focusing on the inner half of
moisturize and cleanse while still fighting the signs of aging. If skin begins to feel your eye where the shadows will be darker.” Find a product that does double duty,
tight or sore, this is an indication that the wash is too harsh and damaging. like Becca’s Compact Concealer, combines two highly pigmented formulations in
one compact. Use the medium coverage side and apply sheerly for broad cover-
Unpuff age, including the eyes. Use the extra-cover version for spots and blemishes
that require heavy-duty coverage, as this formulation is more opaque and has a
Next, eliminate puffy eyes, as they often go hand in hand with dark circles. heavier, drier consistency.
42 “Darkness and puffiness are no strangers to me and so to win this particular war, I “Don’t count on foundation to do the work of a concealer. Often people think
like to treat my morning puffiness with something cooling,” remarks Ford. “Chilled
cucumbers and even a cold cloth can do the trick. But when I have my de-puffing their foundation does it all but in fact, dark circles present a challenge even for
eye gel, I know I am in good hands. After de-puffing, it’s time to battle those dark foundation,” advises Lizz Starr, Executive Director Origins Product Develop-
circles.” Apply a depuffing eye gel, like Bliss Baggage Handler, by gently tapping ment. Choose a concealer that is not too white, like Benefit’s Erase Paste, as a
the under eye area with fingertips to improve circulation and eliminate any excess concealer that is too light will just draw attention to the area. Always use an eye
fluid. cream before a concealer to ensure the look is natural, and smooth – not dry and
crêpey. Apply foundation first then concealer. Pat in the concealer with your ring
Keep Skin Hydrated and Protected finger from the corner (hollow) of your eye outwards.

The most important step is to keep skin moisturized and well balanced. Skin Line Up
hydration is a key component to ridding eyes of dark circles, according to Dr. Lori
Brightman of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York. “Hydrating the skin Pay close attention when applying mascara. “If you have under eye darkness, lin-
with a good moisturizer plumps the skin cells which lessens the visibility of the ing only the lower lash line or applying mascara to the lower lashes can make you
blood vessels underneath skin.” look even more tired,” warns John Hernandez of Bobbi Brown Artistry. “Instead,
focus on your upper lash line and lashes, and sweep a pop of bright pink or peach
The “plumping” of the skin Dr. Brightman is referring to helps conceal the blood blush on your cheeks which will help draw attention away from any darkness and
vessels that induce those pesky dark circles. Use a moisture rich sunscreen like give an instant lift to the face.”
Boots No. 7 Advanced Hydration Day Cream, as sun causes pigmentation that
can actually make dark circles under the eyes appear even darker. Keep It Light

Apply makeup with the goal of taking the emphasis away from dark circles and
“Women often make the mistake of treating the area around their eye with their full making eyes look bright. “The key trick for me is to really prime the skin including
face moisturizer,” Dr. Johnson describes. “Having a targeted eye treatment prod- eye area, apply a great concealer, a great foundation or tinted moisturizer, lots of
uct that is formulated for the eyes and to minimize the appearance or prevent dark pink or rose blush,” advises Petra Strand, Makeup Artist and Creator of Pixi. Then
circles is very important as the product will have ingredients tailored to provide the “lift” the eye by using an eyelash curler daily, highlight brow bones and inner and
desired benefits and would have been tested and proved to provide the specific outer corners of eye. Lots of lifting mascara, like Urban Decay’s Big Fatty or Bobbi
benefits around the eye area.” Brown’s Extreme Party Mascara, and nobody will notice a bit of darkness under
your eyes! Keep your makeup light, natural and fresh, not too much of a smoky
Shop Smart eye or too much eye liner as this will just enhance the darkness and make the
whole area look dark.”
Before beginning a makeup routine to conceal dark circles, perform some due
diligence: There are so many under products out there, and each one claims to be
the ultimate remedy. Napoleon Perdis, Creator of NP Set, suggests clients read
the ingredients closely, experiment with samples and make sure products have