3 steps to conceal under eye circles

Dark under eye circles are those unwelcome shadows we sometimes get under our eyes. The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, which allows blood vessels to show through and make you appear tired even when you're not. A variety of factors that could be making them appear more noticeable include:

• Genetics
• Aging
• Sun exposure
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Alcohol or smoking
• Stress

Using the right concealer makeup can go a long way towards helping correct and brighten the area under your eyes. But first, you’ll need to prep your canvas. All you have to do is count — 1, 2, and 3...

To achieve a flawless finish, prepping the skin before applying concealer is crucial. Skincare steps like moisturizing and priming help to hydrate for smooth makeup application.

• Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleansing balm like Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. This helps remove any leftover makeup, excess oil, and pollution accumulated on your skin during the day or even while you sleep, without stripping skin.
• Apply serum: For instantly wide-awake eyes, try All About Eyes Brightening Serum Concentrate. Its retinoid-infused formula helps accelerate skin cell renewal and smooth the eye area. Or try All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, a roll-on cooling eye serum that visibly de-puffs and brightens your eye area over time. This fast-drying serum delivers soothing hydration and can be layered over or under makeup. Gently roll it twice under each eye, from the inner corner to the outer corner, and use your finger to smooth in any excess until fully absorbed.

• Add SPF: Being good to your skin and using sun protection goes hand in hand! Don't forget your sunscreen, ideally with an SPF of at least 30.
• Apply eye cream: Lastly, use your fingertips to lightly tap on a moisturizing eye cream along your orbital bone, from the outer to inner corners. Choose an eye cream that targets darkness and puffiness simultaneously, like All About Eyes Eye Cream with Vitamin C. This lightweight eye cream with vitamin C deeply hydrates, and over time, brightens the appearance of dark undereye circles and reduces the look of puffiness.

After you’ve completed your daily skin care routine, it’s time to choose your concealer! For a brightening effect, choose one or two shades lighter than your shade-matched foundation, in your same undertone. Before you apply, consider the following:

• Neutralize: It’s important to color-correct your dark circles first before applying makeup, as the blue and purple undertones can still show through. To neutralize these tones, use a color corrector like one of our best dark circle concealers, Even Better All-Over Primer and Color Corrector.
• Conceal: Next, dab on a drop or two of under eye concealer like Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser, just under the inner corner of your eye (which is typically the darkest area). Use the flocked-tip doe foot wand for a precise application and layer it on slowly as you go for additional coverage.
• Blend: Depending on your personal preference, use a brush, beauty blender sponge or the pads of your fingers to press and blend the concealer into your skin in a rolling motion. Use whichever tool best allows you to avoid rubbing in your concealer.
• Set: To ensure a smooth finish lightly dust a translucent powder like Blended Face Powder over the concealer. This will set and perfect your overall look.

Well-planned eye makeup will draw people’s gaze upward, pulling focus away from dark under eye circles. Consider using these products to further enhance and define your eyes:

• Achieve strong, bold brows with Just Browsing Brush-On Styling Mousse. Tint, tame, and fill in even the sparsest brows with natural-looking color that resists sweat and humidity and lasts all day.
• Add an eyeliner along the upper lash line like Quickliner for Eyes Intense. Whether you prefer a pigmented pop of color or a smokier intense look, this smudge-resistant liner offers intense impact for up to 24 hours.
• Lusher, plusher lashes are only a few swipes away with High Impact Mascara in your beauty toolkit. Rich, intense color adds a striking effect to your eyes.

Embrace a brighter, well-rested look by understanding the causes behind irksome under eye circles and mastering the art of concealing. Whether lack of sleep, genetics, or lifestyle factors are the cause, covering dark under eye circles involves a strategic approach. To elevate your under eye game, explore our selection of concealers and consult our experts at Clinique who can guide you through a tailored skincare and makeup regimen and help welcome a brighter, rejuvenated you.