Do you feel like no amount of concealer or makeup tricks can completely cover your dark undereye circles? Before layering on more makeup, try using a peach color corrector first to neutralize the discoloration.
A peach color corrector is designed to cancel out blue and purple undertones under the eyes, allowing your concealer to then provide flawless, even coverage. Keep reading to learn why peach color correctors work, tips on applying it properly, and recommendations for the best peach undereye correctors.
What Causes Dark Undereye Circles?
There are a few key culprits behind dark undereye circles:
- Lack of sleep or fatigue – This causes blood vessels under the eyes to dilate and become more visible. Not getting your 7-9 hours causes the skin to appear duller with pooled blood.
- Allergies or eczema – Seasonal allergies or skin conditions can cause puffiness and discoloration under eyes. Rubbing at itchy eyes also makes matters worse.
- Genetics and natural pigmentation – Some people naturally have thinner skin under eyes that showcase shadowing and veins more prominently.
- Aging skin and collagen breakdown – As we age, skin becomes thinner and loses the fat and collagen “padding” that used to hide circles.
Benefits of Color Correcting Undereye Darkness
Using a peach color corrector before concealer has several advantages:
- Neutralizes dark bluish/purple tones under eyes
- Allows concealer to provide more effective, even coverage without extra layers
- Brightens and highlights the delicate undereye area, reversing sunken-in appearance
- Results in a more youthful, vibrant and well-rested look
- Saves time trying to mask circles versus treating discoloration directly
Essentially, a color corrector tackles the root of the problem before you conceal. No need to pile on thick makeup to hide circles when you can neutralize them first!
Here’s How Peach Can Neutralize Darkness
On the color wheel, peach is located opposite shades of blue and purple. This means it naturally cancels out and neutralizes those undertones that lead to dark under eye circles appearing bruised.
The peach pigment in a color corrector reflects light away from the face while providing a layer of brightening coverage. Think of it like laying down the ideal blank canvas so your concealer can seamlessly finish the job.
Peach pigment cancels out darker undertones under eyes.
Without a color corrector, even opaque concealers will look off-tone and muted by the blue and purple hues lurking underneath. Peach neutralizes those hues, bringing balance back to the undereye area.
Tips for Applying Peach Color Corrector
Using a peach undereye corrector takes some finesse. Follow these application tips:
- Only use a small amount first and blend thoroughly into skin
- Gently pat and press the product in with fingers, a makeup sponge, or brush
- Allow the corrector to set fully for 60 seconds before applying concealer on top
- Build up light layers of peach pigment until darkness is neutralized
- Test different peach shades against your skin to find an ideal match
Start off lightly with the peach hue until you find the right intensity to cancel circles without going overboard. You only need the slightest wash of color.
Too much peach corrector will make eyes appear irritated and orange. But when used sparingly with proper technique, it makes a night and day difference!
How to Choose the Best Color Corrector Shade
Choosing the right peach shade is key to nailing color correction.
Pick a corrector that seems slightly darker than your natural skin. It should initially appear faintly orange on bare skin.
When blended out sheered and evenly, that hue is ideal to neutralize purple and blue tones without adding extra color.
Test shades along your jawline in natural daylight to find the best peach shade for you. Avoid anything too light or dark.
Recommended Peach Color Correctors
These popular color correctors earn top marks when it comes to combatting dark undereye circles:
Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris True MatchTM Super-Blendable Crayon Corrector – Ulta, $8.99
- Long-lasting, creamy formula
- Affordably priced
- Easy twist-up application
- 7 shades to choose from
Best Mid-Range: Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector – Sephora, $32
- Lightweight, blends easily
- Radiant luminous finish
- Fragrance free
- Available in 4 shades
Best High End: Bobbi Brown Corrector – Extra Light Peach Bisque – BobbiBrownCosmetics.com, $27
- Ultra-creamy professional formula
- Instantly brightens
- Applies smoothly under concealer
- 10 shade range
We recommend trying an affordable drugstore option first while practicing technique. L’Oreal Paris’ peach corrector offers stunning results for under $10.
Using Correct Brush Techniques
Don’t sweep color corrector roughly across the undereye area! Instead, use gentle patting and rolling motions with the applicator to warm and evenly distribute the product.
This prevents tugging on the delicate skin. Take your time blending out edges.
For fingers or sponges: Gently tap and press inward, smoothing toward the lashlines. Use your ring finger for the lightest pressure.
For brushes: Try a dense concealer brush, stippling brush or pointed pencil brush. Roll into skin with a swinging motion.
Set by pressing (not wiping) powder over top using a pressed puff. Locking in the corrector creates a smooth base.
Concealing Correctly After Color Correction
Once you’ve applied the peach color corrector evenly across the undereye area, wait at least 60 seconds for it to set fully before adding concealer.
This prevents the corrector from getting wiped or blended away too sheer. Opaque coverage is key for dark circle correction.
Use a color-matching concealer formulated for the sensitive undereye area after the corrector has fully set.
Dot concealer from inner to outer corner, using the warmth of your fingers to melt and blend the edges into the peach base.
Finish by pressing (not wiping) setting powder over top to increase longevity without disturbing layers underneath.
Voila! Neutralize darkness first, then follow with brightening concealer for flawless coverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It can take some trial and error to master color correction under eyes. Watch out for these mistakes:
- Applying too much peach corrector right away
- Not allowing the corrector enough time to set before concealer
- Blending away the peach tone before it can fully neutralize
- Using a concealer shade that’s too light or dark for your complexion
Start with a conservative application in thin layers. Slowly build up color correction to suit your level of darkness.
Color Correcting Tips and Tricks
- Use a color corrector even on days you don’t wear makeup for gradual brightening over time. The peach hue remains undetectable when blended properly.
- If peach isn’t canceling out your undereye circles sufficiently, try a more pigmented salmon or orange corrector. Adjust the color intensity based on how prominent your darkness is.
- Apply corrector in a triangle shape across the entire undereye area, extending up toward temples and down alongside the nose. This ensures even coverage.
- Top sheer corrector with a layer of skin-tone concealer or foundation before setting powder. This “sandwich” technique prevents washing out brightening effects.
- Dab Vaseline or eye cream on undereye circles before applying corrector for enhanced slip and blendability. Just let moisture fully absorb first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are color correcting FAQs:
Should I apply eye cream before color correcting?
Yes! Applying eye cream first hydrates and plumps skin, improving product application. Allow moisture to fully absorb prior to color correcting for best results.
What’s the difference between color correcting and color concealing?
Color correctors directly neutralize specific tones like darkness or redness. Color concealers provide opaque coverage tailored to your exact skin shade. Use correctors first, then concealer.
How do I know which peach shade is right for me?
Test a few peach corrector shades along your jawline under natural lighting. Look for one that makes your skin look evenly brightened without appearing too orange or light.
Can I wear color corrector all over my face?
Peach and orange correctors are best for undereye circles since they balance out blue/purple tones. But yes, you can apply them sparingly over any area as an color-neutralizing base for concealer.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Hopefully you now understand why using a peach color corrector is the magic first step to flawlessly covering up dark undereye circles!
Neutralizing purple/blue discoloration allows concealer to provide seamless brightening coverage.
Try applying a peach underye corrector using the techniques above to fake a wide awake, youthful peepers. Say bye-bye to tired eyes for good with this game-changing makeup step.
Let us know if you have any other questions on mastering color correction or creating a flawless undereye look!