Dark under-eye circles can be a frustrating way to start the day. They can make you look tired, older, and less attractive. However, understanding the causes of dark circles can help you find the right treatment and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing dark circles due to their genetic makeup.
2. Aging: As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, making the blood vessels more visible, which can cause dark circles to appear.
3. Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep can cause the skin under the eyes to appear pale and tired, which can make dark circles more noticeable.
4. Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can increase blood flow to the area under the eyes, making dark circles appear more pronounced.
5. Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, the skin can appear dull and dry, which can make dark circles more noticeable.
6. Sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause the skin to darken and age prematurely, which can make dark circles more pronounced.
7. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as eczema, anemia, and thyroid problems can also cause dark circles to appear.
8. Medications: some medications like blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and birth control pills can cause dark circles.
How to Apply Concealer to Hide Dark Circles:
1. Start with a Smooth Canvas
Before applying concealer, it is important to properly cleanse and hydrate your skin to ensure it goes on smoothly. This means exfoliating the under-eye area to remove any dead skin cells and using a moisturizer or serum that absorbs well without overloading the skin. This step is crucial as it will prevent your concealer from flaking or looking dry and uneven.
2. Apply Foundation First
If you plan on applying foundation as well, it’s best to apply it before your concealer, even under the eyes. This will allow you to use less concealer to cover up your dark circles and prevent the concealer from standing out too much.
3. Find the Right Shade
Choosing the right shade of concealer is essential for effectively hiding dark circles. It’s important to match your undertone to your concealer shade. Warmer skin tones should look for yellow or orange undertones, while cooler skin tones should look for pink shades. Additionally, using a light-reflecting formula that’s a shade lighter than your skin will help to brighten the under-eye area.
4. Apply From In, Out
Dark circles typically cover the inner third of the eye and the outer corner. To achieve the best coverage, start your application at the inner corner of the eyes and move outward. Use a small synthetic bristle brush to apply the concealer, then use the pads of your fingertips or a beauty sponge to dab it in carefully. Be sure to also hit the sides of the nose that hit the inner corner of the eye.
7 Best Concealers for Dark Circles:
1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
This concealer is known for its full coverage and long-lasting wear. It is a highly pigmented concealer that can cover even the darkest of dark circles. Its formula is infused with mango seed and shea butters, which provide a creamy and smooth texture for easy blending and all-day hydration.
2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
This concealer is formulated with goji berry and haloxyl to help reduce the appearance of dark circles. The goji berry is known for its antioxidant properties, which helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. Haloxyl is a peptide that helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles by improving blood circulation and strengthening the skin.
3. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
This concealer is lightweight, buildable, and provides a radiant finish. Its formula is infused with hydrating ingredients such as mango butter, coconut and alpine rose, which provide a smooth, creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the skin. The radiant finish gives a natural and healthy look.
4. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
This concealer is lightweight, buildable, and has a natural finish. The concealer is formulated with a blend of light-diffusing spheres and color correcting pigments that help to neutralize dark circles and discoloration. It also has a weightless, ultra-blendable formula that feels comfortable on the skin.
5. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
This concealer is formulated with anti-aging ingredients and provides full coverage. The concealer is infused with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and vitamins A, C, and E to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The full coverage formula can effectively hide dark circles, blemishes and other imperfections.
6. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer
This concealer is long-lasting, waterproof and provides full coverage. It has a high-pigment formula that covers dark circles, blemishes and other imperfections effectively. The concealer is waterproof and transfer-proof, which makes it perfect for all-day wear.
7. Bobbi Brown Corrector
This corrector is designed specifically for dark circles and helps to neutralize discoloration before applying concealer. The corrector is available in a variety of shades to match different skin tones, which makes it easy to find the perfect match. The corrector has a creamy, blendable formula that helps to neutralize dark circles and discoloration, creating a smooth, even base for concealer application.
Conclusion
dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration, sun exposure, medical conditions, and medications. By identifying the underlying cause, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate the appearance of dark circles. If the dark circles persist, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.