Covering up dark circles under the eye can become a regular morning battle for many moms. Although you may think the circles are caused by not getting enough sleep, the Mayo Clinic reports that allergies, aging and heredity are more often the cause. Makeup is one easy option for covering those dark circles. According to private beauty consultant Sara McKiernan, the best makeup means using a combination of products and depends on your skin tone.
Under-Eye Cream
Regular use of creams specifically made for reducing dark circles have shown in scientific studies to reduce dark circles under the eye, reports the Mayo Clinic. Choose a cream that contains vitamins K, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as retinol for the best effect. McKiernan recommends that an under-eye cream be part of the makeup routine as well as the first step. Without the cream as the first step “the concealer may settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making you look older,” she says.
Under-Eye Concealer
Under-eye concealers are thicker and better at covering the dark circles. The best under-eye concealer depends on your skin tone. You do not want a shade that is too dark, gray or white, which will highlight the circles. The best shade to choose is one that matches or is slightly lighter than your skin tone and has a peach color to it so that the area becomes lighter. McKiernan also recommends choosing products that brighten the area under the eye as this reflects the light, giving the area a more open appearance. The effect is that you look more awake and healthier.
Powder
A powder alone probably will not be enough to reduce the look of the dark circles. However, it does become essential as the last part of a makeup routine that will best cover the dark circles. Again, the best products are ones that go with your skin tone. Powers that are lightweight, almost translucent when applied to the skin, will finish off the look, further covering the dark circles and keeping the concealer in place longer.
Products to Avoid
The skin just under the eye is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face. The best products to use on this area help care for that delicate skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends for under-eye use that people stay away from cosmetics that have scents or contain salicylic or glycolic acid. These ingredients may irritate the area under the eye making the circles worse or even cause swelling and other skin reactions.
