Blue, purple or brown, dark circles often appear after too short a night, a period of stress or simply because of genetics. The eye contour, where the skin is less than 0.6 mm thick, then reveals blood vessels and excess melanin. And there, the famous little phrase falls quickly: A remark that makes you want to find a quick solution.
The first reflex remains concealer, which has become essential in many beauty kits. However, a French makeup artist with a huge following on TikTok tested a viral tip that completely bypasses this product. In a video published on July 21, 2026, she shows how a simple foundation product, usually used elsewhere, can brighten the eyes in a few seconds. Its secret lies in a surprising gesture under the eye.
Dark circles: understand the area before applying makeup
Not all dark circles are the same. Vascular dark circles, blue or purplish, come from sluggish microcirculation under very thin skin. Dark circles tend to turn brown due to an excess of melanin in the epidermis around the eyes, particularly common on dark skin or in cases of familial predisposition. There are also hollow dark circles, linked to the loss of fat under the eye, which give this “skeletonized” effect.
Fatigue, stress, age, hormonal periods such as periods, pregnancy or menopause, and even certain digestive disorders can accentuate these shadows. Hence the importance of a simple routine: careful makeup removal, more regular sleep, less rich diet on drunken evenings, moisturizing eye contour treatment kept in the fridge to take advantage of the cold which stimulates microcirculation, and a short massage using circular pressure then smoothing to decongest.
Highlighter under the eyes: the anti-dark circles tip validated by Frenchtouchofmakeup
On TikTok, professional makeup artist Frenchtouchofmakeup, followed by more than 953,000 people, tested a tip that has gone viral: applying a highlighter under the eyes instead of concealer. Her verdict after testing is enthusiastic: she explains, quoted by Femme Actuelle. She describes the mechanism very simply: , she explains.
To avoid marking the area, she advises choosing a cream or liquid highlighter, more comfortable than powders which are often drying. The idea is to apply a fine touch under the dark circle, blend with your finger by tapping, then, if necessary, set with a veil of very light powder. Result: a luminous no-make-up effect, without concealer. , she adds.
Integrate the highlighter tip into a real concealer routine
For the technique to work, skin preparation is as important as makeup. An eye contour serum with 5% caffeine and 3% hyaluronic acid, like the one offered by Aroma-Zone, helps to decongest puffiness, act on pigmented and vascular dark circles and smooth the skin before make-up. Suitable for sensitive eyes, this type of formula, enriched with niacinamide or plant extracts such as helichrysum or wild ginger, already hydrates, soothes and illuminates the area.
Then, the highlighter becomes the little extra to brighten up the eyes, especially when the dark circles are not too deep. For very dark or very deep dark circles, you can combine the approaches: daily care, massage, possibly anti-fatigue patches kept in the fridge, then corrector or concealer a half-tone lighter than the skin tone, applied in small touches and fixed with powder. The highlighter remains the quick tip for days when you want to lighten your makeup.
How to apply highlighter under the eyes without marking wrinkles?
First moisturize the contour well, let it penetrate, then place a very small amount of cream or liquid highlighter under the hollow of the dark circle, avoiding fine lines. Tap with your ring finger to blend the material downward and outward, without rubbing.
What type of highlighter should you choose for dark circles?
Choose a fluid or cream texture, without large glitter, with a luminous but discreet finish. Champagne, golden beige or light peach shades work well, as long as they stay close to your skin tone to avoid the gray or whitish effect.
Is this tip enough for very marked dark circles?
On very pigmented or very hollow dark circles, the highlighter alone will only brighten the area. It is better to combine it with a targeted treatment, or even a color corrector and a concealer, to act on both the cause and the color.
Can we use highlighter every day around the eye area?
Yes, if the formula is light and the contour is well hydrated. Remove makeup carefully in the evening and avoid overly dry textures which could mark or dry out this already fragile area.
