How to Brighten Under-Eyes Without Looking Cakey

Use a peach or orange-toned corrector first, then apply concealer one shade lighter than your skin in a triangular shape and blend upward.

1. Color correct first. Apply a peach or orange-toned color corrector directly on the darkest part of your under-eye circles. The warm undertones neutralize purple and blue darkness better than going straight to concealer. Pat gently with your ring finger to avoid tugging the delicate skin.
2. Apply concealer strategically. Choose a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Draw an upside-down triangle under your eye with the base along your lash line and the point toward your cheek. This shape lifts and brightens the entire eye area rather than just covering darkness.
3. Blend upward and outward. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the concealer by pressing and rolling upward toward your temples. Never drag or rub. This technique preserves coverage while creating a seamless gradient that naturally lifts the eye area.
4. Set selectively. Lightly dust translucent powder only where you tend to crease, usually the inner corner and directly under the lash line. Too much powder creates that dreaded cakey look and emphasizes fine lines you're trying to minimize.