The Perfect Wake-Up Call: Our Under Eye Brightener Just Got Better
Under-eye brightener is an unsung beauty hero in our POV. You would be hard-pressed to find a product that packs a dramatic before-and-after effect like an eye brightener does. A really good under-eye brightener (like one that has viral status) acts like an IRL face filter by smoothing, brightening and concealing eyes in one fell swoop. You don’t have to just reach for the good stuff when you hit snooze one too many times. Consider this an official request for under-eye brightener to become an everyday staple in your beauty routine.
How Under-Eye Brightener Works
Hot take: Under-eye brightener is not your average eye concealer. Its main goal is to brighten whereas concealer is designed to, well, conceal. Under-eye brightener is for you if you want to brighten and lift your eyes for an instant wide-awake effect. They’re great for those who have dark circles because of their color-correcting benefits. Under-eye brighteners tend to have sheer, lightweight formulas that blend easily and melt into the skin. They can also be layered under or over concealer.
Ingredients to Look for in an Under Eye Brightener
The best under-eye brightening product is one with a creamy formula that glides over the delicate skin around your eyes. Look for ingredients that hydrate and moisturize like hyaluronic acid (the gold standard in hydration) and shea butter, which will nourish skin. Pay attention to what’s left off the ingredient list too. Avoiding ingredients like fragrance, alcohol and phthalates is a good idea for the delicate eye area especially as they can be irritating on the skin.
Find Your Perfect Under-Eye Brightener Shade
Under-eye brightener is designed to cancel out the bluish hue of the eye area. For those with fair skin, look to a peachy-pink-based shade. If your skin is medium-toned, a warm nude color will work best. For those with deeper skin complexions, golden toffee or dark mocha are your best bets. If you’re unsure about your shade, swatch a couple of shades on your skin to determine your best fit and be sure to apply it in natural light for the best results.
Apply Under Eye Brightener The Right Way
Always prep your skin with moisturizer before applying any makeup overtop to encourage your makeup to melt into your skin. If you wake up with tired, puffy eyes, reach for this cooling under eye serum with caffeine. It will de-puff, hydrate and soothe your under-eye area and ensure it's makeup ready.
Once your skin is prepped, apply your under-eye brightener to your skin using a small brush, beauty sponge or your fingers in a stippling or patting motion. Try to avoid dragging the product back and forth on your skin. Next, take a small powder puff and this under-eye setting powder and pat it into the skin for a baked effect. This will help set your look and banish any shine.
Avoid These Common Under-Eye Brightener Mistakes
If you’re new to under-eye brighteners, here are some troubleshooting tips to wear it like a pro. One of the most common culprits to unsuccessful under-eye brighteners is wearing the wrong shade. Follow the above steps for finding the right one for you and err on the side of light and bright. Another common under-eye brightener misstep is simply applying too much product. Remember that less is more and apply it sparingly to start and don’t forget to blend well. You can always add a bit more as needed.
