Exactly How to Camouflage Under-Eye Bags With Makeup

You could have a fully snatched makeup look with perfect contouring and sharp eyeliner, but if your under-eye bags are prominent, they’ll pull attention from the rest of your look. Under-eye bags are notoriously hard to cover, but we’ve got some tips and tricks from professional makeup artists that will help get them under control. Of course, makeup can help cover up the swelling and darkness beneath your eyes, but if it’s a chronic issue, you should try a few steps to help clear away the bags.

Celebrity makeup artist Sooyon Elina Kim says, “the best thing to do is drink lots of water and get enough sleep,” which we know is easier said than done. “Makeup can only do so much, so we want to prep the under eyes with a cool compressor to depuff” and fold serums targeting under-eye bags into your daily routine. If you still have noticeable under-eye bags after trying these tricks, here’s how to cover them up.

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Hydrate your under-eye skin

Just like you would never apply foundation to dry skin, you should never apply any products to your under-eye without a good deal of moisture. Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell suggests investing in hydrating oils, like Elaluz Beauty Oil ($39) or Supergoop Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Oil to work in under the eyes “to make sure they’re really hydrated before you apply makeup.”

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Use color corrector before concealer

Many people simply rub some concealer beneath their eyes and hope it does the trick, but experts say a color corrector is the key to flawless under-eyes. Using a color corrector before concealer can “give an illusion of brighter under eyes and help cancel out the darkness if any,” explains Kim.

Celebrity makeup artist Ehlie Luna adds that a color corrector should also be used to “address that fold that tends to live around the puffiness causing a dark discoloration.”

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Pick the right shade of color corrector

When it comes to color correcting, it’s all about picking the right shade for your skin. “Orange for deep skin, peach for medium and salmon-colored for lighter skin is a great general rule of thumb,” says Luna. “If the discoloration leans more purple, try opting for yellow tones to correct.”

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Avoid using bright concealer

While a brightening concealer may seem like a good idea to counteract the dullness of your under-eye, experts warn against it. “I would avoid using a concealer that is too brightening as it can highlight the puffiness/bags,” says Luna. “Instead, opt for matching the skin tone first using as little product as needed, then go one to two shades lighter if you like a little extra lift.”

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Use a concealer with a hydrating formula

Once you’ve applied a moisturizer, an oil and a color corrector, you can then layer on your concealer. Sewell suggests using a product with a hydrating formula that provides medium coverage. Tried-and-true options: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30) and Dior Forever Skin Correct ($36).

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Tap out your under-eye

To ensure a seamless look, don’t skip this step. Luna says you need to “tap out the under-eye in case any creasing occurred.”

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Set your under-eye makeup

After all your hard work, you’ll want to set your beautiful creation so that it doesn’t shift. Luna suggests using a blurring powder to achieve “longevity and a smooth finish.” ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder ($30) comes in two shades to set the under-eyes with zero caking in sight.

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