Bright and Alert: Makeup Tricks to Disguise Those Pesky Under Eye Bags
Quick answer: To disguise under-eye bags with makeup, prep the area, colour-correct any dark shadows, use a light layer of foundation, brighten with a creamy concealer patted on just below the bag, then set with the lightest dusting of powder. For puffiness, start with an instant eye cream such as Thin Lizzy Puffy Eye Remover Microcream, which dries to a thin, invisible layer that helps the under-eye area look smoother.
Some mornings your eyes look far more tired than you feel. A short night, a salty dinner or simply the passing years can all show up as puffiness and shadows under the eyes. The good news is that a few simple makeup tricks can make you look bright and awake in minutes. Here's what's behind under-eye bags, and a step-by-step routine to disguise them.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
- Age: the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less firm over time, so fat and fluid can gather underneath and look more noticeable.
- Lack of sleep: tiredness can make the area look puffier and darker.
- Fluid retention: salty food, alcohol and allergies can all lead to morning puffiness.
- Genetics: some people are simply more prone to bags and dark circles.
Good sleep, drinking enough water and going easy on salt in the evening all help the eye area look fresher. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses outdoors too, so you're not squinting. For the days you need a quick fix, makeup does the rest.
Why Makeup Can Make Bags Look Worse
Under-eye bags are partly about shape, not just colour. The puffy area catches the light, and the crease beneath it casts a shadow. If you put a light concealer over the whole area, you highlight the puffiness and make it look bigger. If you pile on heavy product, it settles into lines and draws the eye straight to them. The trick is to brighten the shadow underneath the bag, keep layers thin and leave the puffy part itself mostly alone.
7 Makeup Tricks to Hide Under-Eye Bags
1. Start with a smooth, hydrated base
Hydrated skin helps concealer sit better and crease less. If puffiness is your main concern, an instant eye cream applied first can help the area look smoother before any makeup goes on.
Puffy Eye Remover Microcream
Best for: morning puffiness and under-eye bags, before makeup.
An instant eye cream that dries to a thin, invisible layer, helping under-eye bags and puffiness look smoother and less noticeable for hours. A tiny amount is all you need. Let it dry completely, then apply your concealer gently on top.
- Works on the surface as it dries
- A tiny amount per eye
- Wear alone or under makeup
2. Colour-correct dark shadows
For bluish or purple shadows, dab a little peach or apricot-toned corrector on the darkest areas and blend with your fingertip. On deeper skin tones, a warmer orange tone works better. Keep it to the shadow only.
3. Use a lightweight foundation
Heavy foundation settles into fine lines. Choose a light, hydrating formula, apply a thin layer and use only what's left on your sponge around the eyes.
4. Brighten with concealer in the right place
Choose a concealer about half a shade lighter than your foundation. Dot it at the inner corner and in the shadow just below the bag, not on top of the puffy area, then gently pat (don't rub) until the edges disappear.
Age Reverse Concealer
Best for: dark circles and tired-looking eyes.
A creamy, blendable, full-coverage concealer that helps dark circles and puffiness look less noticeable. It's designed to last all day without caking or creasing, and the soft cushion-tip applicator lets you dot product exactly where you need it without disturbing your foundation.
- Soft cushion-tip applicator
- Creamy, blendable formula
- Designed not to cake or crease
- 8 shades
5. Cover redness and spots separately
For redness or spots elsewhere on the face, use a more opaque concealer such as Concealer Crème, which gives buildable coverage that stays put. Keeping heavier coverage away from the eyes helps the under-eye area stay soft and natural.
6. Set with a light dusting of powder
Too much powder can make the under-eye area look dry and crepey. Use a small, fluffy brush and a very small amount of finely milled powder, pressed only where concealer tends to crease.
Loose Airbrush Setting Powder
Best for: setting under-eye concealer without a heavy or cakey look.
A light-as-air, finely milled powder that gives a translucent, luminous finish. It dusts on weightlessly, so it sets concealer without adding colour or heaviness, and there's no flashback in photos.
- Finely milled and weightless
- Translucent, luminous finish
- No flashback in photos
7. Draw attention upwards
A touch of blush high on the cheeks, groomed brows and a coat of mascara draw the eye upwards and make the whole face look fresher. Skip heavy liner on the lower lash line, which can make shadows look darker.
Your 5-Minute Morning Routine
- Apply a tiny amount of instant eye cream and let it dry completely.
- Dab corrector onto any blue or purple shadows.
- Apply a thin layer of foundation, going very light around the eyes.
- Dot concealer at the inner corner and just under the bag, then pat to blend.
- Press a little powder only where you crease.
- Finish with blush and mascara.
For more ideas, see our complete guide to minimising eye bags at home, our tips for puffy eyes after crying and our guide to concealer for dark under eyes.
What Customers Say
"Easy to use and the instructions are helpful. I didn't feel any heaviness."
Dolores G., verified customer (Puffy Eye Remover Microcream)
"It's a lovely silky feel to it goes on smoothly"
Sandra J., verified customer (Age Reverse Concealer)
"handy little product. does cover up imperfections as claimed"
Amanda L., verified customer (Age Reverse Concealer)
Read all Puffy Eye Remover Microcream reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to hide under-eye bags with makeup?
Start with a hydrated base, colour-correct dark areas, then brighten the shadow below the bag with a creamy concealer and set with a little powder. Keep every layer thin so nothing settles into lines.
Should concealer be lighter than foundation under the eyes?
Slightly, about half a shade. For spots and redness elsewhere on the face, match your skin tone exactly.
Why does my concealer crease under my eyes?
Usually too much product, a formula that's too dry, or no setting at all. 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 tiny amount under clean, dry eyes, keep your face relaxed while it dries completely, then gently pat on concealer and foundation.
How do I find my concealer shade?
Use our Colour Match chart. If the shade isn't quite right, our Colour Swap Guarantee has you covered.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy eye products in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. 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. Smooth, correct, brighten in the right place and set lightly, and you'll be out the door looking fresh in minutes.
