Dark circles under eyes ..how to conceal?

[RedAngel19]

I have developed dark bits under my eyes. It looks awful. Like make up that hasn't come off. It's so bad, it's now visible on video conference calls in work meetings. I really hate it.

I've been experiencing a high level of stress this year and my sleep has been really impacted and my diet hasn't been the best. I stress eat. I know this has contributed to this and I'm making an effort to hydrate more, eat less sugar and sleep more (last one is hard as I suffer from insomnia when stressed).

In the meantime, can anyone recommend a really good under eye concealer? Thing is, I don't wear make up so is there a product that brightens effectively that isn't make up? What I mean is, not a concealer I need to blend with foundation as I don't wear any.

Thanks in advance!

There was a brilliant brightener by Becca. Unfortunately Becca is out of business but I think the product was taken over, I’ll find you a link so you can see what it is.

I put face cream right up to my eye, you might want to use eye cream if you’re sensitive there, let that sink then I put the brightener on and then a bit of concealer and then a little bit of brightening powder on top.

I know that sounds a lot, I’m sure just the brightener would be enough but you might want to experiment.

link - www.elle.com/uk/beauty/make-up/a38673141/becca-under-eye-brightening-corrector/ - you can get it from Smashbox for those that don’t want to click.

Also as an aside have you had iron checks and things like that?

Ps there are also probably cheaper dupes for that brightener, hopefully others post ideas!

You need colour corrector rather than concealer. Depending on your skin tone, a yellow or apricot coloured one might be best. Don't use a "highlighter" type pen like YSL or you'll look like a panda in negative with the dark bits suddenly becoming illuminated and even more noticeable.

Tarte Shape Tape is the best I’ve tried, I have very dark circles as well. As long as you get a colour that matches your skin tone (there are loads of shades) then it’ll blend in fine 🙂

I, too, am unhelpfully going recommend one that doesn't seem to be that available any more - Clinique airbrush.

I went to one of the counters when I was going through a really bad time and looked horrendous, and that is what the lady recommended. It made a huge difference to my whole face.

I'd suggest going to a counter because it turned out I'd been using much too pale a concealer my whole life and using one that was horrifyingly orangey was what made the difference. I'd never have picked it up myself in a million years.

The LA Girl orange colour corrector is very good, and at about a fiver it's good value as you only need a tiny amount. It's fairly matte (but not drying) so it doesn't slip into any fine lines under your eyes. I found the Becca brightener worked but didn't last very long as it's on the greasy side.

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden Sorry to derail slightly but your username is one of my favourite books!

Yeah that’s a good point, it can be a bit slippy.

Bobbi Brown colour corrector with concealer on top.

I've just ordered the Ayu instant under eye concealer. I suffer terribly with under eye circles it's more of a mark than bags. I also have the tarte shape concealer which is good.

I have horrid grey circles under my eyes and my game changer product is a pink highlighter corrector, this is £6.99 from Boots:

www.sleekmakeup.com/uk/face/colour-corrector/lifeproof-colour-corrector

Oh wow! So many to consider here and some good advice. I will pop over to the shops later to see if I can check some of them out and look at the shades.

@Sheilascarface I haven't checked my iron levels but perhaps I should. I've gone through long patches of sleep deprivation and poor diet before (especially when the kids were small) and I've never had dark circles under my eyes ever.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish colour corrector is great, it lasts for ages as you only use a tiny bit. Using this followed by a small amount of concealer blended with a sponge has been so good to hide my dark circles!

Mine too! I completely sympathise with Elizabeth just enjoying being left alone to potter about.

I've had this all my life and have managed with a bit of concealer and a little foundation. Will explore colour corrector.

@RedAngel19 I take 10mg amitryptiline for sleep. I take it between 8.30 and 9 and sleep quite well compared to oreviously.

went out yesterday to “solve” this problem. Got the new Clinique concealer which has a sponge hidden in the lid. Get a shade lighter and less brown than your skin. I am olive skinned and I got the one called Fair (they have it in 30shades) and let it dry slightly before using the sponge. It really works.

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions. I'm looking into each of them to work out which one might be best for me. Here's to no longer having panda eyes!

Tarte doesn't work for my middle aged dry skin.
How old are you OP?
If over 40, I wouldn't recommend Tarte.
If you don't like makeup the easiest option is fake tan drops for the face so at least the contrast with pale skin isn't so bad.

I looked at the clinique one yesterday. I couldn't see £15 difference between that and the no. 7 one.

@Gwenhwyfar in my mid 40s!! Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look it up.

@Gwenhwyfar just realised you don't recommend Tarte for over 40s skin!

I've found the Hourglass concealer is good. I only have the travel size but it's lasted me for the last year.

Kevyn Aucoin SSE - it’s so pigmented you only need a pinhead worth for the undereyes, it feels very light on and lasts

On sale now, a tub lasts me a year
www.sephora.co.uk/p/Kevyn-Aucoin-Sensual-Skin-Enhancer-10g

I use NARS creamy concealer, it’s good and comes in a lot of shades which is really crucial, you want something the warmer end of your skin tone.

MAC Pro Longwear concealer is excellent for dark circles, I don’t like it for other uses (spots etc) as it’s harder to blend but boy does it stay put once on.

Cheaper options - I really rate the Revolution concealers from Superdrug for their price, again loads of shades.

Don’t be tempted to go too light on the colour (it won’t compensate for the dark circles it will just highlight the whole area)

I have terrible dark circles and low iron, didn’t realise the two might be connected! Will investigate

Are you by any chance a diet soft drink drinker? The sweeteners make me look like I've been punched in the face! Diet Coke is the worst.