Panda eyes are beauty hiders! They make you look tired, stressed and older. These bluish-black discolorations are primarily caused by leaky capillaries that create tiny pools of blood beneath the surface of the skin. Allergies, hormone fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies worsen the appearance of dark shadows under the eye.
Whilst home remedies, such as placing cold cucumber slices or tea bags on each eye, help to reduce puffiness and soothe eyes, which can make dark circles more prominent, the best way to get rid of stubborn raccoon eyes is to conceal them with makeup.
According to makeup expert Bobbi Brown, the best way to brighten up extremely dark under-eye circles is to start with a pink or peach toned corrector, then layer a yellow-toned concealer. Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector is a light weight formula that comes in a variety of peachy shades to instantly liven up tired eyes, pat under eyes with the ring finger and allow to dry and apply concealer over.
A cream makeup concealer is usually the best bet to reduce dark circles. Layer the concealer (over the corrector) on the dark areas around the eyes, making sure to blend seamlessly, with either a concealer brush or your regular foundation brush. This keeps the texture light while providing enough coverage for problem areas. The using the foundation brush also minimises the contrast between the concealer and your skin tone by combining the remnants of foundation on the brush with the concealer for a more natural look.
Applying concealer around the eyes, particularly on the hollow sides of the nose (spot next to the eye socket) helps to open up eyes and make them look brighter. Pay special attention to the inner corners of the eyes, ensuring these are well blended. Remember to set with a touch of powder to ensure it all stays put!
Choosing the right brand of concealer is also important. Shop around to find the one that works best for your skin type and skin tone, keeping in mind that your concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation. I recommend:
- MAC Select Cover-Up – This highly pigmented formula has a feather-light texture and needs just a dab for full coverage.
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch – Smooth and creamy, this easy-to-apply highlighter pen with a built-in brush, works for all skin types.
Once you’ve found a fabulous makeup concealer – and learn to apply it properly – the result will be younger, wider, and brighter looking eyes.
Article By: Serisha Singh