How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes After 40 (For Real!)
Waking up with dark circles under my eyes? Not exactly the glamorous start I’m going for. And the older I get, the more it seems to happen—like a little raccoon is staring back at me in the mirror. Sound familiar?
I wanted real answers, so I called up celebrity makeup artist Sana Young to get the scoop. What’s actually causing these pesky under-eye shadows—and more importantly, what really works to get rid of them after 40? From skincare tweaks to concealer tricks, here’s what I learned.
Q: Sana, first and foremost, why am I getting these terrible dark circles under my eyes?
A: It could be due to a variety of different factors. There are several reasons women get them. It could be hereditary; you could have thin skin under your eyes, a lack of sleep, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, and an iron deficiency.
Q: What can I do to prevent getting dark circles?
A: Take vitamins, get adequate sleep, exercise, and drink lots of water. Avoid salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.
Here is a video on how to conceal dark eyes with the Garnier anti-dark circle roller, featuring Fabulous After 40 Makeup Artist Sana Young.
Q: I’d love to invest in a good eye concealer for dark circles, but I’m worried I’ll choose the wrong color. How do I determine which color will work best for me?
A: It’s a healthy balance between picking a shade that’s not too light but not too dark. A great rule of thumb is to choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
Q: What is the best concealer for dark eye circles?
A: If you are fair, I think the best dark circle eye concealer is Garnier’s “Anti-Dark-Circle Roller,” “Light” color.
Other concealers for under-eye circles that work great for medium-skin-toned individuals are Garnier’s “Anti-Dark-Circle Roller” and “Medium.”
If you’re darker than Beyoncé, “Select Cover Concealer” by MAC is a top-rated eye concealer in my books.
Estée Lauder also has a perfect undereye concealer for mature skin.
Q: I’ve seen some concealers do the opposite of what they are supposed to do by highlighting fine lines, making women look more aged and tired. Why is that?
A: This effect is probably the result of one of two things:
1. Powder under the eyes
Powdered makeup fills in the lines under your eyes, making you look older and less well-rested. Avoid using powder under the eyes to ensure you look your brightest.
2. Thick liquid concealer
A liquid concealer that is too thick will also expose and highlight your fine lines. This type of under-eye concealer is not suitable for mature skin.
Can you provide us with some additional under-eye makeup tips for women over 40? For example….
Q: Do I still need to moisturize under the eyes if I use concealer? If so, do you have any favorite moisturizers?
A: Yes! Be sure to moisturize and allow the moisturizer to absorb for a few minutes before applying makeup
I have a few favorite moisturizers for the eyes: “Hydra Life Sorbet” eye cream by Christian Dior and “Do Not Age Triple Peptide” eye cream by Dr. Brandt.
Q: What is the best way to apply concealer to achieve maximum coverage?
A: The best way to apply an eye concealer is to use your finger to start at the inner corner of your eye and spread the concealer outwards. I don’t recommend applying foundation over concealer. Again, this will tend to highlight the lines under your eyes. If using a full face with eyeshadow, apply concealer when the eyeshadow is done. This will help avoid pulling or straining on the delicate skin under your eyes.
Q: Any last tips?
A: Yes. If you can keep eye cream in the fridge, it helps reduce any swelling. Also, remember that not wearing concealer is a mistake. It makes you look older than you are. So try some, and I promise you will see a real difference.
Thanks, Sana. These are great tips! Sana Young is a celebrity makeup artist and the owner of @meccage
I gotta bookmark this web site it seems very helpful very helpful.
Great post for those with dark under-eye circles. Mine isn’t dark … just terribly puffy if I have had too much salt or slept on my stomach. Any great products to recommend?
Elaine
Fantastic tips, proper diet, and sleeping habits are also most important.