Eye bags and dark circles can make you look tired and older than your years. While getting enough sleep and reducing stress can help, sometimes you need a quick cosmetic fix when you have to look your best. Color correcting concealers are designed to neutralize dark under-eye circles so you look bright-eyed and refreshed.
What causes under-eye bags and dark circles?
There are a few common causes for darkened circles under the eyes:
- Lack of sleep – When you don’t get enough sleep, blood vessels under the thin under-eye skin become dilated and appear darker.
- Allergies – Seasonal allergies can cause under-eye puffiness and dark shadows.
- Age – As we age, skin loses collagen and becomes thinner, making dark circles more noticeable.
- Genetics – Some people inherit under-eye hollows and thin skin that shows shadows.
- Sun exposure – UV rays can damage and discolor delicate eye skin over time.
How do color correcting concealers work?
Color correctors use pigments to counteract the tones causing dark circles:
- Purple tones neutralize yellow discoloration
- Green tones cancel out redness
- Peach and orange tones brighten dark blue/brown circles
- Yellow tones hide purple under-eye shadows
When applied before your regular concealer, these color correctors prevent the darkened areas from showing through. The ideal color depends on your individual eye area and circle tones.
Best color correctors for hiding eye bags
Here are top-rated color correcting concealers for disguising under-eye circles:
| Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | Super Stay Corrector – Neutralizer | $7.99 |
| LA Girl | Pro Concealer – Orange | $4.99 |
| Becca | Under Eye Brightening Corrector | $32.00 |
| NARS | Radiant Creamy Color Corrector – Peach | $30.00 |
Maybelline Super Stay Corrector
This budget-friendly color corrector uses a neutralizing green tone to counteract redness under the eyes. The formula is buildable, so you can layer to your desired coverage level. It claims to last up to 12 hours.
LA Girl Pro Concealer – Orange
This highly-pigmented orange concealer cancels out dark blues and browns and brightens the whole under-eye area. The creamy formula blends smoothly and seamlessly to disguise circles.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
With a lightweight fluid texture, this peach-toned corrector targets dark undereye circles. It contains ultra-fine light-reflecting pigments to instantly brighten and illuminate.
NARS Radiant Creamy Color Corrector
This color corrector boasts a silky, vitamin-rich formula containing raspberry stem cells and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and diffuse the look of lines. The peach shade counteracts blue/brown circles.
How to use color correcting concealers
Follow these steps to get the most effective coverage:
- Apply color corrector using a small brush or your ring finger, tapping it onto the darkened areas under eyes.
- Blend edges so there are no harsh lines.
- Let it set for 2-3 minutes so the pigments can neutralize discoloration.
- Apply your regular skin-toned concealer on top to smooth and even out complexion.
- Set with translucent powder to lock in the coverage all day.
Tip: Only use a tiny amount of color corrector where needed. Too much can make eyes appear discolored.
Other ways to prevent and reduce eye bags
While color correctors provide immediate dimming of dark circles, other lifestyle measures can minimize eye bags in the first place:
- Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
- Use cool tea bags, cucumbers, or chilled spoons to de-puff eyes.
- Limit salt intake to avoid fluid retention under the eyes.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use sunscreen daily to protect thin eye skin from further pigmentation damage.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent fluid buildup under eyes.
- Treat allergies to prevent puffiness and shadows.
- Reduce eye strain from screens with frequent breaks and proper glasses.
Conclusion
Color correcting concealers like peach, orange, and green effectively neutralize the tones causing dark under-eye circles. When paired with your regular concealer, they provide natural-looking, crease-resistant coverage that hides eye bags for a wide-awake appearance. Combine color correction with other preventive measures for the most rested, youthful eye area.
