The Must-Try Makeup Hack For Dark Circles

Concealing dark circles is not always as easy as it should be—especially when you throw tired, puffy-looking eyes into the mix. However, there are ways to diminish the appearance of dark, puffy under-eye circles in a snap, like the hack we share below! Here’s what happened when one beauty editor put a must-try makeup hack to the test and used liquid highlighter, concealer, and a little bit of eye cream to conceal the appearance of her pesky dark circles and puffy, tired-looking eyes.

These days, with beauty vloggers sharing video after video of makeup tips and tricks, makeup hacks are a dime a dozen. So, when you stumble across one that stands out from the crowd, is skin care-inspired, and most importantly, works—you simply MUST share it with everyone and anyone who will listen. That’s exactly what I did (and am doing now) when I tried a liquid highlighter, concealer, and eye cream dark circle makeup hack that I saw on social media recently (seriously, ask anyone in the 10+ group chats that I created and dedicated solely to sharing makeup hacks that work). The best part about this nifty beauty trick? Not only did the look of my dark circles visibly reduce, my puffy, tired-looking eyes—which are inherently chronic, might I add—appeared illuminated upon application, too! Before getting into how to use this hack in your daily makeup routine, here is my favorite—read: must-have—highlighter, concealer, and eye cream to use from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands to get the job done. 

LIQUID HIGHLIGHTER: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP AWAY WE GLOW LIQUID HIGHLIGHTER IN “DAYTIME HALO”

I must admit: I am a highlighter hoarder. With so many shimmering shades and formulas to choose from, I simply cannot help myself. So, when NYX Professional Makeup sent our Skincare.com editors complimentary samples of their Away We Glow Highlighter collection, I was like a kid in an illuminating candy shop. Of all nine shades, “Daytime Halo” is my favorite to use in this makeup hack—and on its own to highlight my cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and so on. The shimmery highlighter gives off just enough highlight to get the job done, without making it too obvious that I have slathered my under-eyes with makeup highlighter in a last attempt to conceal my stubborn dark circles.

NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter in “Daytime Halo,” $7 MSRP

LIQUID CONCEALER: URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN WEIGHTLESS COMPLETE COVERAGE CONCEALER 

Inspired by skin care, the Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer from Urban Decay is one of my all-time favorites. Its formula—enriched with peptides, Japanese green tea, and sodium hyaluronate—can help to hydrate the eye contour and leave the delicate skin around the eyes looking well-nourished. After Urban Decay sent our Skincare.com beauty editors complimentary samples of the lightweight under-eye concealer to try, I found that it effortlessly covered up my visible skin imperfections and left my skin looking more even in tone. When combined with liquid highlighter and eye cream, it can make for the ultimate weapon against pesky dark circles.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, $28 MSRP

EYE CREAM: LANCÔME ABSOLUE PRECIOUS CELLS EYE VISIBLY REPAIRING AND REJUVENATING EYE CREAM

The Absolue Precious Eye Visibly Repairing and Rejuvenating Eye Cream is one of my go-to eye creams for my nighttime skin care routine, and now, this dark circle makeup hack. Lancôme recently sent our Skincare.com beauty editors complimentary samples of all of their eye creams and what I love about this particular one is that it can leave the skin around the eyes looking—and feeling—hydrated and refreshed.

Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Eye Visibly Repairing and Rejuvenating Eye Cream, $119 MSRP

A MUST-TRY MAKEUP HACK FOR CONCEALING DARK CIRCLES

Now that we’ve discussed the liquid highlighter, liquid concealer, and eye cream that I like to use for this makeup hack, here’s how to use the must-try makeup hack to hide the look of dark circles and puffy, tired-looking eyes with highlighter, concealer, and eye cream.

Step 1: Dose Out Your Products 

First things first, you’ll need to dose out your products. Apply a small dollop of liquid highlighter, liquid concealer, and eye cream to the back of your hand. Don’t apply too much product at once, especially since if you end up needing more later, you can always add it. No one wants their precious cosmetics going to waste, right?

Step 2: Mix It Up

Next, mix the liquid highlighter, liquid concealer, and eye cream together using either your fingertip or a concealer makeup brush. Once all three products are blended together into one smooth formula, you’re ready for application!

Step 3: Application

When applying products, keep in mind that less is always more! The last thing we want is for this hack to do more harm than good, so it’s best to keep things as natural-looking as possible. To apply, use your ring or pinky finger to apply the illuminating elixir around and under you eye contour. Smooth into the skin until even.

Editor’s Tip: For best results, apply the highlighter, concealer, and eye cream mixture after your foundation, or on its own for the ultimate no-makeup makeup look. 

Step 4: Carry On with Your Routine

Once your under eye circles are concealed and appear brightened, follow up with the rest of your makeup look—mascara, brow pencil, highlighter, etc.

Step 5: Set it All in Place

After you’re done with the rest of your makeup regimen, use a setting spray or powder to set the look in place and help it last longer!