By Andrea Berman

I have been studying skincare and beauty for decades. Few areas on the face cause more consternation than the under-eyes. We are all born with under-eye skin that naturally has less volume, elasticity, and hydration than the rest of our face. As we begin to lose collagen and elastin as early as the mid-twenties, this naturally fragile skin becomes even more so. 

I have spent a lot of time testing techniques and products to reduce under-eye crepiness and the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This four-step under-eye technique is very effective, and is the product of all that work. 

The Approach

The three success factors underlying this method are:

1. Hydration.

2. Layering hydrating products. 

3. Color correction. 

Hydration pumps up the volume of under-eye skin by providing needed moisture. Layering hydrating products along with using a damp beauty sponge gives more longevity to the temporarily hydrated state. Finally, color correction effectively reduces under eye skin discoloration and shadows from any thinning and uneven skin.  

On a final note, I highly recommend using a damp beauty sponge for all of the steps. The sponge increases the hydration of both the products and the skin. It also ensures that the layering is smooth and even-handed.

This video link below demonstrates the four-step under-eye concealer method. 

My Four-Step Method

Step 1: Apply Under-Eye Moisturizer.

To begin, moisturize generously under the eye with either an under-eye cream or a good face moisturizer. The moisturizer should have a lot of “slip”, glide easily, and moisturize the skin.

Step 2: Create a Smooth Canvas.

Continue hydrating by applying a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline over the moisturizer. This type of viscous product fills in lines and wrinkles creating a smoother canvas for the next product. 

With the damp beauty sponge, pat the under eye area sealing in moisture and eliminating excess Aquaphor/Vaseline product. 

Step 3: Correct Your Color. 

A moisturizing color corrector is critical for success. 

Apply color corrector under the eyes. A color corrector is a colored liquid or cream that neutralizes unwanted skin color. While there are multiple colors available, the two most popular correctors are orange and green. Use orange to minimize blue and dark shadows, and green to eliminate redness. Evenly blend the corrector under the eyes with the damp beauty sponge.

Step 4: Finish with a Toned Concealer or Foundation.

This step is optional and is appropriate if more concealing is desired.  

Place the concealer or foundation only on the inner corner and the outer third under the eye. With the damp beauty sponge, evenly blend and sheer the product all over the under-eye. 

This partial approach minimizes the risk of too much product under the eye and gives a more natural skin-forward result.

Use my technique and you will be proud of your under-eyes!

Andrea is a beauty expert with a blog, The Beauty Maestra, dedicated to those of us in our fifties and beyond who are interested in transformative insight about our specific skin and beauty needs.