The Eye Brighteners Everyone’s Talking About

Let’s be honest: few phrases hit harder than “You look tired” – especially when you’ve already done the work of your everyday makeup routine. The usual suspect? Dark circles. But the truth is, under-eye shadows are entirely normal and don’t always reflect how much sleep you’ve clocked the night before. Genetics, lifestyle and even lighting can play a role in how rested you look. If you’ve been searching for a brighter, more refreshed gaze, this is your moment. Today’s eye brighteners are smarter, and more skin-loving and effective than ever. Here’s how to bring back your eye sparkle and look more energized in the process.  

                                                                                 Why Your Eyes Need More Than Sleep

Tiredness aside–dark circles affect most people. Whether your dark circles resemble your mom’s (thanks to genetics) or always appear after a rough allergy season (and excessive eye rubbing), this is completely normal. According to celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray, there is always discoloration under the eyes and in other areas of the face. “In my almost decade of makeup artistry, I have never seen someone without some darkness under their eyes, it's just natural,” she says. Thankfully color correcting can help even out the area around your eyes and add in the brightness it deserves.  

How Color Correcting Can Help

Color correcting is the gold standard for banishing dark circles on contact but it’s important to know which shade to reach for. Did you know that dark circles can vary depending on your skin tone? They can appear in myriad hues like purple, blue, green, red, brown and black. Knowing your tone will help you choose the right shade of color corrector. Usually, the undereyes are more purple, so in order to correct that, Gray advises to use peach or orange-based correctors. “If you are more fair, choose a pink option.” This viral eye brightener has four color-correcting shades to choose from and will take your eyes dull to bright in seconds. 

Product tips for Covering Dark Circles 

As with all effective beauty regimens, it’s important to prep for success. Gray recommends starting with a greart eye serum that works well under makeup. This bestselling skincare infused eye serum packs 2% caffeine and skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid and perks up your eyes instantly. “The formula is gel-like and thin, and ideal for the delicate under eye area,” she says.  

After letting the product soak into the skin, it’s time to apply your color corrector. Gray’s current favorite is this under eye brightener liquid. “The formulation is thin and lightweight, but still covers all discoloration,” she says. Its sponge-tip applicator is also super gentle on the eyes and the formula has a gorgous luminous finish that instantly brightens the eye area.  

After your color corrector is blended out, it’s time for concealer. Choose a color that’s one or two shades lighter than your natural complexion. Gray recommends a concealer formula that’s thin and hydrating as the skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face. “You only need a little product once you have properly color corrected the under eyes,” she says.  

To make the products stay in place all day and night, set your newly brightened eye area with a color correcting loose powder specifically for the eyes. This setting powder is finely-milled and will help further correct any discoloration while extending the wear of your whole brightening routine.