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How Do I Choose the Best Makeup for under Eye Bags?

Dee Jones
Dee Jones

Bags under the eyes can make an individual look older, tired, and worn down. Makeup for under eye bags makes the bags look less noticeable, either by concealing them or drawing attention away from them. When choosing makeup for under eye bags, finding the right concealer should be the first consideration because concealer can make the bags less noticeable and hide dark circles under the eyes. Using a primer before applying makeup helps prevent caking and creasing, both of which can make the bags stand out more. Proper use of other eye makeup like eyeliner and mascara can help draw attention up and away from bags under the eyes.

When it comes to choosing makeup for under eye bags, concealer is the first thing most people think of. An individual should choose a concealer that is at least one shade lighter than her foundation in order to see the benefits, but a concealer that’s more than two shades lighter than the foundation could end up being too bright and noticeable. Concealers with a yellow undertone are most effective at hiding dark circles under the eyes. Using an eye cream or eye moisturizer will help prevent the concealer from caking or creasing.

Primer, which can help reduce the appearance of bags.
Primer, which can help reduce the appearance of bags.

There are many types of concealer, each with advantages and disadvantages. Stick concealer is easy to apply, but many find it too heavy. Cream concealer provides plenty of coverage, but is more prone to caking than other concealers. Liquid concealer is relatively light, and a good choice for those who only need light coverage, but it is more prone to creasing. Powder or mineral concealer is light and easy to apply, but might not last as long as other concealers.

Mascara may help draw attention up and away from the under-eye area.
Mascara may help draw attention up and away from the under-eye area.

While concealer is often considered the primary makeup for under eye bags, other types of makeup can also help make bags under the eyes less noticeable. Applying a primer before other cosmetics not only helps prevent caking and creasing, it will also help the concealer last longer, so fewer touch up will be necessary throughout the day. A heavy line of eye liner applied to the upper eyelid will draw attention away from the under eye bags, as will using at least two coats of mascara on the upper eye lashes. White shimmer can be applied to the inner upper corner of the eye, as well as right under the eyebrow, will also help draw attention away from bags under the eyes.

Discussion Comments

manykitties2

One of the best makeup I have found to conceal under eye bags is a concealer that comes partnered with a matching shimmer dust. The shimmer dust does a great job of adding a subtle reflection to your dark circles and bags to trick the eye into thinking that the area is more even than it actually is.

As far as getting rid of under eye bags all together goes, I would get tested for allergies. I was shocked to find out that I was allergic to our cat and it was giving me puffy eyes. Once I started taking allergy meds my under eye bags shrunk considerably.

Mae82

@Sara007 - I would wager a guess that you are trying the concealer on the back of your hand, which is what most people have been taught to do when checking out foundation. It really doesn't work though because your hands are always a different shade than your face.

What you need to do is try the concealer on your jawline and see if it blends into your skin tone. If it leaves a light or dark spot don't get it. Generally your concealer will be one or two shades lighter than your foundation.

Cream is by far the best concealer for the eye area as it is more delicate. Another thing you can do is a last resort is go into a department store and get a free makeover. Buy the concealer they use on you and then keep matching that.

Sara007

I haven't been sleeping as well as I used to and have started to notice bags under my eyes and dark circles. How do you choose a concealer that really matches your skin color?

Right now I have about a half-dozen concealers and all of them look off on my skin. They are either too light or too dark and I have no idea what I am doing wrong. They always look OK in the store. I make a point of trying them out the samples provided in store because I hate wasting money. Unfortunately I look a bit like a reverse raccoon if use the concealer I have right now.

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    • Primer, which can help reduce the appearance of bags.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Primer, which can help reduce the appearance of bags.
    • Mascara may help draw attention up and away from the under-eye area.
      By: Ariwasabi
      Mascara may help draw attention up and away from the under-eye area.
    • A concealer can make the bags less noticeable and hide dark circles under the eyes.
      By: WONG SZE FEI
      A concealer can make the bags less noticeable and hide dark circles under the eyes.