It's a problem many women struggle with: dark circles, under-eye shadows and puffiness — all of which can make our eyes look tired, even if we've had plenty of sleep. Awaken your eyes with these five simple brightening tips.
1. Conceal, conceal, conceal. The art of concealing dark circles is nothing new, but the trick is finding the concealer that works for you. Look for a formula that's a shade or two lighter than your foundation for instant brightening.
Also, consider a multipurpose concealer that does more than simply mask dark skin. Many concealers are formulated with special ingredients to reverse aging, correct hyperpigmentation and shield skin from the environmental damage that typically causes dark circles to appear in the first place.
- Conceal with: B. Kamins Booster Blue Corrective Concealer. This multitasking, moisturizing concealer includes vitamin B to strengthen the delicate skin around the eye, green tea extract to minimize wrinkles and iron oxide to reduce redness. This formula also soothes irritation and prevents itching — which is important since rubbing your eyes can damage tiny capillaries and exacerbate dark circles.
Also, consider a concealer with SPF — such as Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer SPF 30 Caramel — to prevent future sun damage that can trigger hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, around the eyes.
2. Highlight with pink. It may seem like a strange idea to apply a pink highlighter under your eyes, but if done correctly, it really works to conceal darkness. Using a pink pencil or shadow, lightly trace a “v” shape that follows the inner corner of your eye from top to bottom. The tone will instantly lighten up dark skin to make eyes brighter. When selecting a highlighter, Deborah Grayson of iVillage Beauty and Style recommends selecting one with a matte texture to prevent a shiny reflection.
- Highlight with: Philosophy The Color of Grace Art of Blushing, a beautiful blush that can be used to highlight around the eyes. It even features three pretty shades so you can personalize the perfect color of pink for your skin tone.
3. Illuminate from underneath. Whether you want to perk up a tired complexion or conceal dark spots, illuminators are a best-kept secret when it comes to brightening the face. Why do they work? In addition to having a pink hue that helps diffuse darkened areas, illuminators are also tinted with sparkling gold flecks that add a subtle shimmer to catch light and brighten skin.
4. Enhance eye color. Another way to make eyes appear more awake is to apply shadows that make your eye color pop. If you have blue eyes, reach for a pink, purple or brown shadow. For green eyes, purple or light lavender shadow is best. For brown-eyed beauties, a deep emerald shadow will bring out the brilliance of your eyes.
5. Try household remedies. In addition to dark circles, puffiness can accompany tired, lifeless eyes. One easy way to awaken your appearance is to use things you already have at home. Cold cucumber slices, cooled herbal teabags and even compresses made with shredded potato can bring down swelling within a few minutes.
- Remedy with: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask. If you don’t have the at-home ingredients available, this restorative eye mask is an easy alternative. Blended with oxygen, vitamin C and cucumber extract, this mask helps your eyes become brighter and smoother in 15 minutes flat.
Bottom line for brighter eyes
Don’t stress about tired-looking eyes. While dark, dull eyes become more common as we age, you can create a routine that brightens your eyes. The above easy tricks of the trade can help you conceal darkness and perk up your complexion.
See also:
3 Tips to Soothe Stressed-Out Skin
Develop an Eye for Eye Cream
Combating Puffiness and Dark Under-Eye Circles