So, you’ve unfortunately found yourself with a black eye and you’re looking for a way to cover it up with some makeup? No worries, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of effectively concealing a black eye using makeup techniques. Whether it’s for a special event or just to help boost your confidence, we’ll show you how to hide that black eye and have you feeling like your best self in no time. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Tools
Selecting the Right Concealer
When it comes to covering up a black eye, choosing the right concealer is crucial. Look for a highly pigmented concealer that matches your skin tone. The key is to find a shade that matches your natural skin tone, as using a lighter shade may draw more attention to the bruise. Opt for a creamy and blendable formula that will provide maximum coverage without looking cakey.
Picking the Right Foundation
Once you’ve selected the perfect concealer, it’s time to choose the right foundation. Look for a foundation that matches your skin tone and has a buildable coverage. Avoid formulas that are too heavy, as they can make the bruise more noticeable. A lightweight and long-lasting foundation will help even out your skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup.
Choosing the Correct Color Corrector
Color correctors can be a game-changer in covering up a black eye. Before applying concealer and foundation, it’s essential to determine the undertone of the bruise. If the bruise appears more blue or purple, opt for a peach or orange color corrector. For bruises that have a greenish tone, choose a red or pink color corrector. Applying the correct color corrector will help neutralize the bruise before moving on to concealer and foundation.
Gather Makeup Brushes and Sponges
To achieve a flawless application, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Gather a variety of makeup brushes and sponges to blend and apply your concealer, foundation, and other products. A blending sponge works great for seamlessly blending out concealer, while brushes with dense bristles are ideal for applying foundation. Having a range of brushes and sponges will ensure precise and effortless application.
Prepping the Skin
Cleanse the Face
Before starting any makeup application, it’s crucial to cleanse your face thoroughly. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue from your skin. Cleansing will help create a clean canvas, ensuring that your makeup adheres properly and lasts longer. Pat your face dry with a clean towel after cleansing.
Apply Moisturizer and Eye Cream
Hydrated skin is essential for a smooth and flawless makeup application. Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type all over your face, paying extra attention to the eye area. Using an eye cream specifically formulated to target dark circles and puffiness will help diminish the appearance of the black eye. Allow the moisturizer and eye cream to fully absorb into the skin before moving on to the next step.
Prime the Eyelids
Once your skincare products have fully absorbed, it’s time to prime your eyelids. Applying an eyeshadow primer will create a smooth base for your eyeshadow, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting color. Additionally, an eyeshadow primer will help prevent your makeup from creasing or smudging, especially if you have oily eyelids. Apply a small amount of eyeshadow primer using your fingertip or a brush and blend it evenly over your eyelids.
Set the Base with Setting Powder
To ensure your makeup lasts all day and stays in place, set your skin with a setting powder. Using a translucent setting powder, lightly dust it all over your face to set your foundation and concealer. This step will help minimize shine and keep your makeup looking fresh and matte throughout the day. Remember to focus on the bruised area, ensuring the powder is evenly applied.
Color Correcting
Determine the Undertone of the Bruise
Before applying color corrector, it’s essential to determine the undertone of the bruise. As mentioned earlier, bruises with blue or purple tones will require a peach or orange color corrector, while bruises with greenish tones will benefit from a red or pink color corrector. Take a close look at the bruise and identify its undertone to make an informed color correcting decision.
Choosing the Correct Color Corrector
Based on the undertone of the bruise, select the appropriate color corrector. Using a small brush or your fingertips, apply the color corrector directly to the bruise. Make sure to blend the color corrector softly around the edges to create a seamless transition between the corrector and the surrounding skin. The goal is to neutralize the bruise, so don’t worry if it looks a bit odd at this stage.
Applying Color Corrector to the Bruise
Gently press and pat the color corrector onto the bruise, ensuring even coverage. Avoid rubbing or dragging the product, as this may disrupt the color correction and make the bruise more visible. It’s best to start with a light layer of color corrector and build up the coverage gradually if needed. Take your time during this step to achieve a natural result.
Blend the Color Corrector
Once the color corrector is applied, blend it out using a clean brush or your fingertips. Softly blend the edges of the color corrector, focusing on the areas where it meets the surrounding skin. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the corrected area and the rest of your face. Take extra care around the edges to ensure a natural and undetectable finish.
Concealing the Bruise
Selecting the Right Concealer Shade
Now that you’ve color corrected the bruise, it’s time to move on to concealing it. Choose a concealer shade that matches your natural skin tone as closely as possible. Avoid shades that are too light or too dark, as they may draw attention to the bruise instead of concealing it. It’s better to err on the side of choosing a slightly lighter shade than your skin tone, as this can help brighten the area.
Apply Concealer on and around the Bruise
Using a small brush or your fingertips, apply the chosen concealer directly on the bruise. Gently pat the concealer onto the bruised area, ensuring even coverage. Start with a thin layer and gradually build up the coverage if needed. Blend the concealer softly around the edges to seamlessly blend it with the surrounding skin.
Pat and Blend the Concealer
To achieve a natural and flawless result, gently pat and blend the concealer using a clean brush or your fingertips. The patting motion will help the concealer blend seamlessly into the skin, ensuring that there are no noticeable edges or unevenness. Take your time during this step to ensure the concealer is well blended and looks natural.
Set the Concealer with Translucent Powder
To lock in the concealer and prevent it from creasing or fading, set it with a translucent powder. Using a fluffy brush, lightly dust a small amount of translucent powder over the concealed area. This will help the concealer stay in place and prolong its wear time. Make sure not to apply too much powder to avoid a cakey appearance.
Foundation Application
Choosing the Right Foundation Shade
For an even and seamless look, it’s crucial to choose the right foundation shade. Select a foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Test the foundation on your jawline or the back of your hand to find the perfect match. Avoid shades that are too light or too dark, as they may accentuate the bruise rather than covering it.
Apply Foundation to even out Skin Tone
Using a brush or a makeup sponge, apply the foundation to your entire face, including the bruised area. Start with a small amount of foundation, as you can always build up the coverage if needed. Gently buff the foundation into your skin using circular motions, ensuring an even application. Pay extra attention to the bruise, making sure it is fully covered with foundation.
Blend Foundation onto the Bruise
To ensure a seamless transition between the concealer and the foundation, blend the foundation onto the bruised area. Use gentle patting motions to avoid disturbing the concealer underneath. The goal is to create a smooth canvas where the bruise is no longer visible.
Set the Foundation with Setting Powder
To set your foundation and create a long-lasting finish, lightly dust setting powder all over your face, including the bruised area. The setting powder will help prevent your foundation from smudging or creasing throughout the day. Make sure to blend the powder well to avoid an uneven or cakey appearance.
Contouring and Highlighting
Enhance Facial Structure with Contour
Contouring is a technique that can help emphasize and define your facial features. Use a contour powder or cream that is two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply the contour product to the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, and on the sides of your nose. This will create the illusion of shadows, enhancing your facial structure and drawing attention away from the bruise.
Apply Contouring Powder or Cream
Using a contour brush or a makeup sponge, apply the contour powder or cream to the desired areas. Blend it well using back-and-forth or circular motions. The key is to make the contour appear natural and seamless with your skin.
Highlight Areas to Divert Attention from the Bruise
Highlighting is another technique that can help divert attention from the bruise. Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone and has a subtle shimmer. Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This will Create a luminous glow that will draw attention away from the bruise.
Blend Contour and Highlight
To create a harmonious look, blend the contour and highlight together. Soften any harsh lines by blending them with a clean brush or your fingertips. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the contour, highlight, and the rest of your makeup.
Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
Select Neutral Eyeshadow Shades
For the eyes, it’s best to opt for neutral eyeshadow shades that complement your skin tone. Choose shades that are slightly darker than your natural skin color for a more subtle look. Neutral shades such as soft browns, taupes, and beiges work well to enhance the eyes without drawing attention to the bruise.
Apply Eyeshadow to Enhance Eye Shape
Using an eyeshadow brush, apply the chosen neutral eyeshadow shades to your eyelids. Start with a light shade as a base and gradually build up the depth with darker shades. Use a blending brush to blend the eyeshadow colors together, creating a seamless transition. Focus on enhancing your eye shape and creating dimension to draw attention away from the bruise.
Use Eyeliner to Draw Attention to the Eyes
Eyeliner can be a great tool to draw attention to your eyes and away from the bruise. Opt for a smudge-proof eyeliner that glides on easily. Apply the eyeliner along your upper lash line, creating a thin or thick line depending on your preference. If you prefer a softer look, you can also apply a brown eyeshadow close to the lash line for a more subtle definition.
Make Sure the Eyeliner is Smudge-proof
To ensure your eyeliner stays in place throughout the day, make sure it is smudge-proof. Look for a waterproof or long-wearing formula that won’t smudge or transfer. This is especially important if you have a tendency to rub your eyes or if you anticipate sweating. A smudge-proof eyeliner will help maintain your eye makeup’s integrity, preventing any unwanted smudging near the bruise.
Mascara and False Lashes
Curl Eyelashes to Open Up the Eyes
Curling your eyelashes can instantly open up your eyes and make them appear more awake. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes before applying mascara. Place the curler at the base of your lashes and gently squeeze for a few seconds. Repeat this step in the middle and at the tips of your lashes for maximum curl.
Apply Mascara for Volume and Length
Mascara is a must-have when it comes to defining your lashes. Opt for a volumizing and lengthening mascara that will add drama to your lashes. Apply a coat of mascara starting from the roots and wiggle the wand as you move upward to separate the lashes. Repeat this step for additional coats to achieve your desired lash look. Make sure to focus on both the upper and lower lashes to create a balanced look.
Using False Lashes to Divert Attention from the Bruise
If you want to take your lash game to the next level, consider using false lashes. False lashes can instantly add volume, length, and drama to your eyes. Choose natural-looking false lashes that enhance your eye shape without overpowering your overall makeup. The added glamour and attention to your lashes will divert attention from the bruise.
Choose Natural-looking False Lashes
When selecting false lashes, go for styles that mimic the natural shape and length of your lashes. Look for lashes that have a thin and flexible band for easy application and comfort. Natural-looking false lashes will enhance your eyes without being overly dramatic, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.
Eyebrow Definition
Fill in Sparse Brows
Well-groomed brows can help frame your face and draw attention away from the bruise. If you have sparse brows, consider filling them in for a fuller and more defined appearance. Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural brow color.
Use Brow Powder or Pencil
When filling in your brows, you can choose between using a brow powder or a pencil. Brow powders are great for creating soft and natural-looking brows. Use an angled brow brush to apply the brow powder, following the natural shape of your eyebrows. A brow pencil, on the other hand, offers more precision and control. Use short, feathery strokes to mimic the appearance of individual brow hairs.
Define Brows to Frame the Face
To achieve a polished look, define your brows by outlining their shape. Use a brow pencil or a thin brush dipped in brow powder to lightly outline the upper and lower edges of your brows. Be careful not to create harsh lines—keep the outlines soft and natural.
Set Brows with Brow Gel
To ensure your brows stay in place throughout the day, use a clear or tinted brow gel to set them. Apply the brow gel in upward strokes, following the natural direction of your brow hairs. This step will help keep your brows neat and polished, framing your face and diverting attention from the bruise.
Finishing Touches
Apply Blush or Bronzer
Adding a touch of color to your cheeks can enhance your overall makeup look and draw attention away from the bruise. Choose a blush or bronzer shade that complements your skin tone. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks or lightly contour your cheekbones for added definition. Blend the product well to create a soft and natural flush of color.
Add a Pop of Color to the Lips
To complete your makeup look, add a pop of color to your lips. Choose a lipstick or lip gloss in a shade that suits your preference and skin tone. Whether you opt for a bold red or a subtle nude, a touch of color on the lips can help balance the focus and divert attention from the bruise. Make sure to apply the lipstick evenly and neatly for a flawless finish.
Set Makeup with Setting Spray
To ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day, set everything with a setting spray. Hold the bottle a few inches away from your face and lightly mist it all over. This will help lock in your makeup, prevent smudging or fading, and ensure it lasts for hours.
Check for Any Touch-ups Needed
Before you head out, take a final look in the mirror and check if any touch-ups are needed. Look for any areas that may need additional blending, concealing, or setting. By double-checking your makeup, you can ensure everything looks flawless and that the bruise remains well-covered throughout the day.
Now you have all the steps and techniques needed to confidently cover a black eye with makeup. Remember to choose the right tools, prep your skin properly, color correct, conceal, and apply your makeup strategically to divert attention from the bruise. With practice and patience, you’ll master the art of camouflage and be able to confidently face the world while your bruise remains hidden.
