How to conceal dark circles under eyes: quick tricks for bright eyes

Waking up with dark circles under your eyes can make you look more tired than you actually feel. Sometimes it's late nights, sometimes it's genetics, and other times it's simply how delicate the skin around the eyes is. While you can't always make eye circles disappear, you can cover dark circles with a few easy tricks.

Step 1: Prep your under-eye area

Makeup looks smoother when your skin is hydrated. The under-eye area is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it tends to show dryness quickly. If you have dry skin, apply a lightweight eye cream that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This helps your concealer glide on without creasing.

For oily skin, use a gel-based formula instead. It gives moisture without adding extra shine. Drowsy's silk sleep masks can also support your eye area by blocking light and giving your eyes complete darkness at night. While they don't treat under-eye circles, better quality rest can help your skin look fresher in the morning.

Step 2: Use the color theory

When it comes to discoloration, a regular concealer isn't always enough. That's where color correctors come in. The idea comes from basic color theory: opposite shades on the color wheel cancel each other out.

• For blue or purple tones under the eyes, a peach or orange color corrector works best to even the look.

• Red or pink discoloration around the cheeks or inner corners: A yellow shade works best to color correct.

Pat the corrector gently into the under-eye area using a small brush or your fingertip. Remember, less is more. You want just enough pigment to cancel the dark tone before moving to concealer.

Step 3: Choose the best concealer for your skin tone

Finding the best concealer isn't about the most expensive option, but picking the right shade and texture for your needs.

• For covering dark under-eye circles, go one or two shades lighter than your foundation. This helps brighten the area without looking obvious.

• If you want extra coverage, pick a creamy formula that won't settle into fine lines.

• For natural looks, stick with a lightweight, buildable texture that blends easily.

Apply small dots of concealer under the eyes and blend outward, especially toward the inner corners where shadows tend to be deepest. A damp sponge or soft brush can make blending smoother and prevent harsh edges.

Step 4: Layer with foundation if needed

If you already wear foundation, apply it first, then go in with concealer only where needed. This prevents you from applying too much product. Foundation evens out the overall skin tone, while concealer targets stubborn under-eye circles.

Remember, don't rub as you blend. Pressing keeps coverage in place and avoids moving the product around. If you notice any creasing, lightly tap the area with your fingertip to smooth it back out.

Step 5: Set for long-lasting coverage

The key to making concealer last is setting it lightly with powder. Choose a finely milled powder, tap off the excess, and apply a thin layer under the eyes. This locks everything in without creating a heavy look.

If you prefer a softer finish, try using a brightening powder with light-reflecting particles. It doesn't cover dark circles, but it helps bounce light away, which makes the eye area look more awake.

Step 6: Try brightening extras

Sometimes, it's the finishing touches that make the biggest difference.

• A touch of shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes can instantly brighten.

• Curling lashes and adding mascara helps lift attention upward, creating a subtle lifting effect.

• A dab of vitamin C serum in your morning routine can help keep the skin looking radiant over time (always use sunscreen during the day when applying active ingredients).

And of course, nothing beats the effect of a proper night's sleep. Tools like Drowsy's silk sleep mask can help make your bedtime routine more comfortable, which in turn supports fresher-looking skin when you wake up.

Step 7: Keep your tools clean

Your brushes, sponges, and applicators need regular cleaning. Built-up pigment, oils, and makeup residue can make blending harder and even irritate your skin. Wash your tools weekly with gentle soap and let them air dry. Fresh tools make it easier to create smooth, even coverage every time you conceal dark circles.

Lifestyle habits that support brighter eyes

While makeup is the fastest way to conceal dark circles, daily habits can also make a difference in how your skin looks over time.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can make the skin appear duller, which makes dark under-eye circles more noticeable.

• Protect your skin from the sun with SPF. UV exposure can darken existing discoloration, so daily protection is key.

• Remove makeup before bed to let your skin breathe and prevent buildup around the delicate under-eye area.

• Pay attention to your sleep environment. A regular bedtime, low lighting, and cool temperatures all encourage deeper rest.

One simple tool that helps with this is a Drowsy silk sleep mask. It blocks out unwanted light, stays comfortable through the night, and helps create a clear signal in your routine that it's time to wind down. While a mask won't erase under-eye circles, wearing one can help you enjoy deeper, more uninterrupted rest. And when your sleep feels better, your eyes tend to look brighter the next day.