Under-eye bags can affect anyone, at any time—even on days when we feel well-rested and fresh. Lack of sleep is often blamed for under-eye bags and dark circles, but the puffiness and discoloration can be triggered by various factors, including seasonal allergies, genetics, and even lifestyle choices. Luckily, learning how to conceal under-eye bags and dark circles isn’t difficult at all—you just need a few targeted skincare and makeup products. Ahead, we’re sharing a simple five-step tutorial for covering dark circles and spotlighting a few of our favorite products for the job. Along the way, you’ll also learn a little bit about what causes under-eye bags and puffiness, and what you can do to help minimize their appearance. Key Takeaways Takeaway #1: Dark circles and under-eye bags can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and your lifestyle. Takeaway #2: Concealers and color-correcting makeup can help neutralize the appearance of dark circles and brighten the eye area. Takeaway #3: Applying your makeup properly and setting it well ensures long-lasting coverage. Takeaway #4: Making tweaks to your skincare routine and lifestyle can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles. How To Conceal Under-Eye Bags And Dark Circles Concealing eye bags doesn’t take much time or energy. In just a few quick steps, you’ll be able to fake a full night’s sleep and confidently go about your day. Step #1: Prep your skin Addressing your dark circles begins with your skincare routine. Before blending a brightening concealer under your eyes, it’s important to properly moisturize the delicate area to ensure your makeup applies smoothly and stays put all day. If you struggle with puffiness, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum. This lightweight eye serum is made with caffeine and hyaluronic acid and immediately helps hydrate and de-puff the under-eye area. It also comes with a stainless steel ball applicator, which you can use to give your eye contour a refreshing, relaxing massage. For those who experience serious under-eye dryness, try the iconic Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream. The avocado-green formula smooths, brightens, and de-puffs tired-looking eyes. Plus, it provides all-day hydration to help keep dryness at bay. Apply the eye cream or serum of your choice onto the hollows of your eyes and gently tap the formula in with your ring finger to help it absorb. Allow it to dry down for a few minutes before moving to the next step. Step #2: Color correcting Concealer certainly helps minimize the appearance of dark circles, but color correcting can make them practically disappear. Color-correction is based on color theory and the idea that contrasting colors—such as orange and blue or purple and yellow—cancel one another out. So if you have dark purple or bluish under-eye circles, using a warm-toned color corrector can help minimize the intensity of the discoloration. Start by selecting the correct color corrector for your skin tone. Generally speaking, those with fair skin tend to do best with yellow or peach color correctors, while darker orange or rust shades work best for those with deep skin tones. The NYX Professional Cosmetics Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer comes in shades that work with each skin tone, and the convenient stick format allows you to swipe the creamy formula directly onto areas with discoloration. We recommend applying a small amount to your under-eye area and blending it out with a fluffy concealer brush. You may still be able to see the dark circles after blending, but the contrast should be lessened. Step #3: Apply concealer Naturally, you don’t want your under-eyes to look orange, which is why you’ll always want to apply concealer after color-correcting. Select a hue that matches your skin tone or one that is slightly lighter for a brightening effect. If you favor a dewy, radiant finish, we suggest using the IT Cosmetics Radiant Do It All Concealer. The four-in-one formula plumps, conceals, hydrates for up to 24 hours, and brightens—all while wearing for up to 16 hours without settling into fine lines. If you prefer a natural finish, try the Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer—it’s among our top drugstore picks for concealing imperfections. If you don’t know how to cover dark circles with concealer, we recommend starting with a less-is-more approach to avoid making your under-eye area look cakey. Pick up a small amount of concealer with a dense brush and lightly buff it onto the skin at the hollow of your eye. From there, you can use the same technique to build up the coverage as needed. Step #4: Blend thoroughly Blending may be the most important step when it comes to covering dark circles. Whether you’re using a concealer brush or another tool (like a makeup sponge), it’s best to gently buff the concealer onto your skin. Avoid rubbing or dragging the product: Not only will this muddy the color corrector underneath, but it can also cause creasing and pilling. Step #5: Set with powder (optional) Setting your under-eyes with a finely milled, translucent setting powder can help ensure that your makeup stays in place. While optional, this step is highly recommended for those with oily skin, as the powder can help absorb excess oil and prevent your makeup from creasing throughout the day. Opt for a weightless powder, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, over a heavy powder. The latter can cause cakiness and exaggerate fine lines. Using a puff or powder brush, lightly dust a thin layer of loose setting powder under your eyes. Let it sit for a minute or two, then brush off the excess. Your complexion will appear effortlessly blurred, almost like a real-life filter. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What causes under-eye bags and dark circles? Under-eye bags and dark circles can be caused by a variety of factors, including the natural aging process, dehydration, allergies, and, of course, a lack of sleep. Your genetics play a significant role, too—if your parents have prominent dark circles or bags, you’re more likely to develop them, too. How can I manage existing under-eye bags and dark circles? The right skincare routine and lifestyle habits can help minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffy under-eye bags. If dark circles are your primary concern, consider using an eye cream with vitamin C—this naturally occurring antioxidant is often used to help brighten the skin. Eye creams with caffeine, meanwhile, are great for puffiness. You’ll also want to avoid any factors that can exacerbate puffiness and dark circles (such as bedtime procrastination). It’s boring advice, but getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels. If you’ve made adjustments to your routine and haven’t noticed an improvement in your eye-area concerns, consider scheduling a visit with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss other options, including fillers, chemical peels, or laser therapy. How can I prevent under-eye bags and dark circles? Knowing how to conceal under-eye bags and circles is helpful if you’re already dealing with these concerns. If not, consider yourself lucky–and follow the advice below to help keep your eye area looking its best. Wear sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage. Proper sun protection is among the best ways to prevent premature skin aging, including wrinkles, discoloration, and a loss of skin elasticity. Follow the advice of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day to help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. We love the Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide because it feels incredibly lightweight and won’t leave behind a chalky white cast. Remember to reapply your SPF at least every two hours (more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming) to keep your skin well-protected. Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers and eye creams. Hydrated skin will look plumper and more radiant than dry, dehydrated skin. Use an eye cream (designed for your skin type and concerns) every day to help keep the area looking and feeling its best. Reduce your stress and get adequate sleep. While this is easier said than done minimizing stress, adopting healthy habits, and getting seven to eight hours of sleep are all recommended by the Cleveland Clinic as proven ways to help prevent under-eye bags and dark circles. Next Up: How and Where To Apply Concealer—Plus 10 Editor-Approved Options To Try
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