If dark circles and fine lines are the bane of your life, it’s good to know there is something you can do to instantly turn back the clock. Under-eye skin concerns can be a persistent challenge for the beauty obsessed, casting a shadow over even the most radiant complexions. While anti-ageing skincare routines and lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in slowing down the signs of ageing, makeup is often overlooked as a powerful tool to brighten and rejuvenate the eye area. Enter the under-eye brightening powder, an easy-to-use solution that is currently bang on trend.
A new breed of powder brighteners is overtaking traditional loose setting products. Why? Because they deliver a flawless finish that can be tailored to individual skin tones. As well as concealing everything from wrinkles to sagging skin, this is a makeup that can literally lift the face.
Modern brightening powders are typically formulated with light-reflecting particles and colour-correcting pigments to diffuse light and neutralise shadows. They are available in various shades to suit different skin tones. The key to effective use lies in choosing the right shade and application technique.
Easier to apply than cream concealers, they are relatively inexpensive and deliver results in seconds. If you are tired of using expenive tightening serums that rarely look good when used with makeup, it's the way to go. Beauty Bay included a brightening powder in its Make Face complexion palette, launched earlier this year, but set to go viral is PLouise’s brand new POWdER under-eye brightener.
So, how do you use a powder to hide under-eye concerns?
Choosing the right under-eye brightening powder shade
Get the powder shade correct and you are half-way there. Follow the simple guide below to ensure you choose a colour that will work for your skin tone.
Fair skin: Opt for a powder with a pink or peach undertone to counteract darkness. For a more dramatic effect, opt for a white or cream product. A white powder will often provide maximum smoothing and lifting.
Medium skin: Go for a yellow-toned powder to neutralise dark circles and brighten the under-eye area.
Deep skin: If you choose a golden or bronze shade, it will add warmth and radiance while minimising shadows.
Preparing the under-eye area for a powder
Before applying brightening powder, ensure your under-eye area is properly prepped.
Always moisturise your skin first. Apply a hydrating eye cream to plump the skin and create a smooth base.
Now use a concealer: Select a product that matches your skin tone to minimise dark circles and imperfections. Let it set for a few minutes.
Finally, apply a primer: A makeup primer will help the powder adhere better and prevent creasing - essential if you have fine lines.
Brightening powder application techniques
There is more than one way to apply an under-eye brightener. Personally, I prefer the first method listed below. It offers complete control over product load and placement, and ensures a powder is properly tapped into the skin.
Patting motion: Gently pat the powder into the under-eye area using a triangular puff that will reach into the corners of your eyes. Avoid rubbing or dragging - this can accentuate fine lines. Keep patting until you achieve the desired result. You can build the product by applying it more than once. Remember to press the powder into the skin long enough for the edges to be diffused.
Baking: For more coverage and a longer-lasting effect, apply a generous amount of powder under the eyes and let it set for a few minutes before brushing away the excess.
Highlighting: Apply a small amount of brightening powder to the inner corners of the eyes and the brow bone to create a wider-awake appearance.
Remember: less is more! Start with a small amount of powder and gradually build up as needed.
Blending is important. Ensure the powder blends effortlessly with your concealer and foundation for a natural finish.
When you are happy with your look, don’t forget to use a setting spray. It will lock in the makeup, prevent fading and keep you looking flawless for hours.
I apply my brightening powder before I use bronzer and blush, because I find other complexion products further diffuse the makeup under my eyes. However, some people save all setting products until last. By experimenting, you will be able to gauge where in your routine a brightening product works best.
Additional brightening powder considerations
Always consider your skin type when making a complexion product purchase. If you have oily skin, invest in a brightening powder with oil-controlling properties.
What’s your eye shape? Experiment with different placement techniques to enhance your eyes.
What about colour correction? For severe dark circles, consider using a colour corrector before applying brightening powder.
By following these guidelines and experimenting with different techniques, you can effectively use brightening powder to minimise the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, achieving a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.
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