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If you’ve ever tried to disguise tired eyes, you’ve likely reached for a concealer and hoped for the best. But if the result still looks a little flat – or your shadows seem to peek through no matter how much you blend – there’s a good chance you’re missing a crucial step. Enter the under-eye brightener: the subtle yet transformative product that adds light, freshness and dimension where concealer alone can fall short.
To break down what makes brighteners different, we asked Athina Ioannidou, Sephora Pro Team Make-up Artist, to explain everything you need to know.
Concealer vs. eye brightener: what’s the difference?
Although they often sit next to each other on the shelves, they do very different jobs.
‘An under-eye concealer usually offers hydration and has blurring properties while giving medium to full coverage with different finishes,’ says Ioannidou. Think of concealer as your camouflage: it masks darkness and discolouration by matching the undertone and intensity of your natural skin.
An eye brightener plays a different role. ‘Eye brighteners add radiance and luminosity, colour-correct the discolouration under the eyes and use optical brighteners to reflect light – reducing the appearance of shadows – but they don’t offer coverage.’
In other words, concealer hides, brightener lifts. Used together they create a more seamless, multidimensional finish than either step alone.
What does an eye brightener actually do?
If concealer alone leaves your under-eye looking flat or slightly grey, a brightener can change everything.
‘An eye brightener gives radiance and illuminates under-eye shadows while slightly colour-correcting thanks to its lightweight, light-reflecting formula and natural radiant finish,’ Ioannidou explains.
It doesn’t mask darkness, but it makes the area look fresher and more rested – especially when shadows are caused by hollowness rather than pigment.
The best under-eye brighteners to try
How to choose the right shade
This is where many people go wrong. Unlike concealers, brighteners are chosen based on your shadows, not your skin tone.
‘Under-eye shadows that are blue or purple need a peachy brightener, while brown-toned shadows benefit from something more orange,’ says Ioannidou.
Your concealer undertone also matters. ‘If your concealer is yellow-based, you can layer either a pink or peach brightener on top,’ she notes – both will neutralise dullness and add lift.
The rule of thumb? One shade brighter than your complexion but always mindful of undertone.
How to apply an eye brightener correctly
Technique is everything. Rushing the process is where most caking and creasing happen.
‘After applying your concealer, wait a minute for it to set,’ Ioannidou advises. ‘Then apply the brightener on top, focusing on the inner corner where shadows are deepest, using a brush to blend it seamlessly.’
For an instant lifting effect, Ioannidou suggests placing a touch on the outer corners of the eyes and along the tops of the cheekbones. Finish with a light sweep of loose powder or a mist of setting spray.
The result: light, lift and luminosity that still looks like your skin – just far more refreshed.
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Published on: 2025-11-19 14:40:00
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
