How to Conceal Under-Eye Bags with Makeup: 7 Easy Tricks
Quick answer: Prep with an eye cream, colour-correct dark areas, use a lightweight foundation, brighten with concealer and set with a light dusting of powder. For puffiness, start with Puffy Eye Remover Microcream, then cover dark circles with Age Reverse Concealer.
Some mornings your eyes look more tired than you feel. The good news is that a few simple makeup tricks can make you look bright and awake in minutes. Here's what causes under-eye bags, and a step-by-step routine to disguise them.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
- Age: the skin and muscles around the eyes naturally weaken, so fat and fluid can collect underneath.
- Lack of sleep: tiredness can make the area look puffy and darker.
- Fluid retention: salty food, alcohol and allergies can all cause morning puffiness.
- Genetics: some people are simply more prone to bags and dark circles.
Good sleep, drinking enough water and wearing sunscreen all help. For the days you need a quick fix, makeup does the rest.
7 Makeup Tricks to Hide Under-Eye Bags
1. Start with an eye cream
Hydrated skin makes concealer sit better and crease less. Gently pat an eye cream under each eye and give it a minute to absorb.
Our pick: Puffy Eye Remover Microcream
Best for: morning puffiness and under-eye bags.
Puffy Eye Remover forms an invisible tightening layer that visibly smooths and lifts the under-eye area. It's made with Eyeliss™, sodium hyaluronate, elastin and collagen. Pat a thin layer under the eyes and let it dry before applying makeup.
- Apply before makeup
- Use a thin layer
- More than 5,000 customer reviews
2. Colour-correct dark circles
For bluish or purple shadows, dab a little peach or orange corrector on the darkest areas and blend with your fingertip. In a pinch, a tiny dab of peachy-red lipstick works too.
3. Use a lightweight foundation
Heavy foundation settles into fine lines. Choose a light, hydrating formula and apply a thin layer, blending well around the eyes.
4. Brighten with concealer
Pick a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Dot it on the inner corners and just under the bags, then gently pat (don't rub) to blend.
Our pick: Age Reverse Concealer
Best for: dark circles and tired-looking eyes.
A creamy, blendable concealer with 2% Haloxyl that helps brighten the look of dark circles and puffiness. The soft cushion-tip applicator makes it easy to dot exactly where you need it. Available in 8 shades.
- Full coverage that doesn't cake or crease
- Cushion-tip applicator
- 8 shades
5. Cover redness and spots
For blemishes or redness elsewhere on the face, a more opaque concealer such as Concealer Crème gives buildable coverage that stays put on hot days.
6. Set with a light dusting of powder
Too much powder can make the under-eye area look dry. Use a fluffy brush and a very small amount of finely milled powder to stop creasing.
Our pick: Loose Airbrush Setting Powder
Best for: setting concealer without a heavy or cakey look.
A light-as-air, finely milled powder that gives a translucent, luminous finish with no flashback in photos.
7. Add brightness elsewhere
A touch of blush on the cheeks and a bit of mascara draw attention upwards and make the whole face look fresher.
What Customers Say
"This is a must have item for me. I use it everyday. It definitely reduces the bags under my eyes!"
Stacy M., verified customer
"I'm 70yrs old and can achieve smooth under eye!!"
Maree M., verified customer
"Great for the under eye area or to cover up blemishes. Highly recommended."
Emma C., verified customer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to hide under-eye bags with makeup?
Start with an eye cream, colour-correct dark areas, then use a brightening concealer and a light dusting of powder. Keep layers thin so nothing settles into lines.
Should concealer be lighter than foundation?
For under the eyes, one shade lighter usually looks brightest. For spots and redness, match your skin tone exactly.
Why does my concealer crease?
Usually too much product or skipping a light powder. Use less, pat it in, and set with a small amount of finely milled powder.
How do I use Puffy Eye Remover with makeup?
Apply a thin layer under clean, dry eyes, let it dry completely, then apply your concealer and makeup as usual.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
You don't need a full face of makeup to look awake. Prep, brighten and set, and you'll be out the door in minutes.
