(Beauty Report Card)

The Step-By-Step Routine That Keeps My Dark Circles Hidden All Day

Goodbye tired eyes.

April 29, 2023

Courtesy of Jessica Fields

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When it comes to skin care, I’ve been pretty blessed to have received the good genes from my mom’s side. However, with the good also comes the bad — so while my face looks firm and nicely plump, the skin beneath my eyes is tells the story of the hereditary darkness that runs in my family. A common condition for melanated skin, pigmentary dark circles is a form of hyperpigmentation that’s often due to genetics. In other words, they are completely unavoidable. For me, that meant figuring out how to cover my dark circles via a routine that’s quick and easy.

Admittedly, mine are not the worst (no doubt thanks to a moisture-rich skin care routine), but hiding them is still an annoyance when getting ready in the morning. I like to keep my daily makeup look quite light with little-to-no foundation. While this is nice for showing off my freckles, it does make covering the darkness under my eyes a challenge. On the contrary, coverage on a full-beat makeup day is extremely easy to achieve, though there is the hassle of maintaining a smooth look with minimal product creasing.

Thankfully, a learning curve of application techniques and a revolving door of products has eased the struggle of concealing my dark circles over the years. Below, I’ve listed the methods and items that constantly give me results. Whether your dark circles are hereditary or simply due to a restless night, I’ve found these tips to be game-changing, and I think you will, too.

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1. Prepping The Under-Eye Area

This step is crucial to ensure that my eyes look hydrated and my concealer stays put. The delicate skin under the eyes is prone to dryness and makeup only intensifies that, so prepping the area with a hydrating serum helps a lot. Following the serum, I moisten a small beauty sponge, meant to apply concealer, with a primer-like setting spray and dab it on the area. This keeps the concealer in place and ensures it won't budge throughout the day.

PÜR

Tone Up Niacinamide Firming Eye Serum

$31

Just before I get to work on concealing, I use this serum to give my under-eyes a much-needed boost of hydration.

Milk Makeup

Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray

$38

Just like the primer, this setting spray adds grip to keep makeup in place all-day. For concealer, I spritz my sponge (see below) and gently pat the under-eye area before applying.

E.L.F

Camo Concealer Sponge

I use this egg-shaped sponge to prep my under-eye area before adding the concealer, though it does work nicely for applying it as well. Thanks to its unique shape, it perfectly fits the inner corners of my eye so that I can easily cover the entire area with setting spray.

2. Concealing Dark Circles

To counteract the darkness, I look for peachy-toned concealers that will cancel out the blueish tint of the dark circles. For light or no makeup days, I reach for formulas that are buildable but also have skin-loving ingredients. On medium-to-full coverage days, I opt for a thicker formula that conceals in just one swipe.

Kosas

Revealer Concealer

$30

The creamy consistency of this concealer makes it super easy to blend and build up for more coverage. Its brightening ingredients like caffeine perk up the skin for a fresh and dewy look.

Ami Colé

Skin-Enhancing Concealer

$24

This is my "running errands before heading to the gym" concealer because it blends seamlessly with my skin sans makeup. To get a natural look, I like to pat it on with my fingers before misting my face with a dew spray.

NARS

Radiant Creamy Concealer

$32

There's a reason this has been a longstanding favorite for MUAs: It delivers good coverage that is smooth without looking cakey — I even keep a mini one on hand for traveling.

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Vanish Airbrush Concealer

$36

One swipe of Hourglass’ concealer is really all that's needed for maximum coverage. The formula is thick but nice and creamy so it's easy to blend out with a brush or sponge.

IT Cosmetics

Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

$29

Kind of the best of both worlds, this little tube provides great coverage and potent anti-aging ingredients. Formulated with peptides, antioxidants, and collagen, the skin looks soft and smooth after use.

3. Setting The Concealer

Given how often I put on and take off my blue light glasses during the day, I like to set my concealer with a powder after applying it. Most mornings I’m reaching for a pressed powder because they get the job done with zero mess, but when I have the time I opt for a loose setting powder to get the smoothest finish.

Pat McGrath Labs

Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Setting Powder

$34

Some powders take away the radiance of cream products, but not this one. With just a light dusting, it blurs fine lines, deters creasing, and leaves under-eyes looking bright.

Laura Mercier

Translucent Loose Setting Powder

$43

This finely milled powder gives an airbrushed finish that I absolutely adore. Even the translucent shade melts into the skin with no white cast, which makes it great for events and special occasions.

bareMinerals

Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20

$26

This powder is perfect for days spent in the sun, thanks to the inclusion of SPF 20. The banana color brightens under-eyes while keeping the delicate area protected against damaging UV rays.