Dear Sharona,
I am in my late 20’s and have heavy lids and small bags under my eyes. As I am still young and get plenty of rest, doctors have told me that it is genetic. My trouble with concealing the bags is not with the coloring (like people with dark circles) as much as it is with how to make the bags look smaller or less puffy and my eyes bigger. What are your suggestions?
Adina, New York
Dear Adina,
Having bags underneath your eyes can be frustrating, and can make you appear tired or even older. Unfortunately, as you said, it is most likely due to genetics. Often, this can be corrected with surgery, but who wants to go the dangerous (and expensive) route? Thank goodness for makeup; it can enhance what we have, “make up” for what we don’t have, and best of all, give off the illusion that we are flawless.
Even the slightest amount of under eye puffiness may seem exaggerated, due to a shadow being created under the eye. (Remember: if you take pictures, be sure that the lighting is not directly overhead, as it may enhance the puffiness). Here is what you need to create “bag-less” eyes: concealer (if you have dark circles as well as puffiness), foundation, a highlighting pen, and translucent face powder.
Step 1: If there are any discolorations (dark circles) just below the lower eye lid, i.e. brown, blue, red, etc., now would be the time to conceal them; otherwise move on to the next step. Please remember to apply concealer only to the areas where there is discoloration.
Step 2: Apply foundation on to the face.
Step 3: Take the highlighting pen (note: this is not concealer – a highlighting pen has light-reflecting particles and brings out the recessed areas, such as the dark shadows created by the under eye bags) and apply it just underneath the puffiness, where the shadow is being created. Make sure you apply the product under the bag, and not on to the bag (that would cause the puffiness to be highlighted and would make the area appear even puffier).
Step 4: Pat your finger on the product to blend the product in.
Step 5: Lightly powder the eye to set the make-up in place.
Sephora makes a highlighting pen in a cream format and it costs about $12. If you want to go the cheaper route, E.L.F (Eye Lips Face) makes a concealer with a highlighter as a second step for only $3. E.L.F.’s highlighter is translucent, whereas Sephora’s brand actually comes in a variety of colors to match your skin tone.
Sharona Silva is a makeup artist, specializing in airbrush makeup, who works in the New York City area. Sharona recently launched her own skin care line for all types of skin. Please submit questions to [email protected]. Questions may be used in future columns; all inquiries will remain anonymous. Visit www.sharonasilva.com for more information.