How to Correct Dark Under-Eye Circles This Holiday Season
- Erin
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Blog by Juliza Ortiz
The holidays are full of late nights, early mornings, celebrations, and… let’s be honest… a little exhaustion. And nothing shows it faster than dark under-eye circles. As a makeup artist and a tired mom, correcting the under-eye area is one of my favorite transformations — it instantly makes you look fresh, awake, and camera-ready for all your holiday moments.
Here’s how I brighten and lift the under-eye area so my clients glow through every party, picture, and family event. If you enjoy these tips, be sure to register for our Holiday Makeup Class to learn the whole look!
1. Prep the Skin — Because Makeup Can’t Replace Hydration
Before concealer even touches the skin, you want moisture. Dry under-eyes = creasing, patchiness, and dullness.
My go-to prep steps:
A hydrating eye cream with peptides
A lightweight smoothing primer (just a tiny amount!)
A cool jade roller or chilled spoon to de-puff
This creates a smooth canvas that makes your concealer blend like butter.
2. Correct First, Conceal Second
This is the part most people skip — and the biggest reason their under-eyes still look dark.
If your circles look:
Purple or blue: use a peach/salmon corrector
Brown or deep: use orange or warm peach
Olive/greenish: use a pink-toned corrector
Apply a tiny amount with your fingertip and tap it in.You’ll instantly see the darkness soften before concealer.
3. Choose the Right Concealer (Shade Matters!)
This is where the magic sets in.
My rule:
Concealer should be 1–1.5 shades lighter than your foundation
But not white, grey, or too bright — that makes you look tired
I also choose formulas that are:
Hydrating
Medium–full coverage
Self-setting or semi-matte
Hydrating full coverage is your holiday best friend.
4. Placement Is Everything (Stop Dragging It!)
The viral triangle is cute… but not great for everyone.
Here’s my pro placement:
A dot at the inner corner
A thin swipe under the circle (not too close to the lash line)
A lift by the outer eye
Blend with a damp sponge or soft brush.This keeps things bright without looking heavy.
5. Set Without Drying Out
Powder can make or break an under-eye look.
For a smooth holiday finish:
Use a loose, finely milled powder
Pick up the tiniest amount on a powder puff
Press gently under the eye, don’t swipe
You lock in the brightness without adding texture.
6. Add a Glow (But Not Too Close to the Eye!)
A soft highlight on the top of the cheekbone reflects light upward, making the under-eye look even brighter — especially in photos.
Just keep shimmer away from fine lines and the direct under-eye area.
Correcting dark circles is more than makeup — it’s technique, skin prep, and choosing the right tones for your complexion. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of bright, refreshed eyes… even if you stayed up wrapping gifts or binge-watching Christmas movies.
If you want a flawless holiday glam or need help choosing the perfect under-eye combo, you can always book with me Fridays and Saturdays at The Makeup Studio.
Comments