Forget heaps of concealer, this smoky eye embraces melanin | The Express Tribune

The beauty world has been obsessed with brightening up the under-eye area, but only a few lucky ones know that a hyper-pigmented eye area is nothing to hide. And it's about time all brown girls jumped on this long awaited bandwagon.

While beauty brands scramble to perfect shadow bases for all skin tones, melanin-rich complexions have been quietly running the show. Who knew that that rich, deep pigment you've been concealing is the next weapon in your beauty arsenal?

Colour theory revolution

Forget what you thought you knew about colour-correcting. The real magic begins with colour theory—specifically, the power of oranges. Bright orange correctors blend magically into deep brown skin tones, as peachy-orange tones smooth medium hues, and whisper-soft peach perfects lighter complexions.

Just press it in, wait a moment, and let the transformative powers of the pigment set in. Forget heavy-handed corrections; this is about embracing your natural richness and using colour to enhance it, not hide it.

But here's the Game changer: Layering.

Layer like a pro

We're over the days of caking on concealer in thick layers like we're trying to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Under-Eye. Today, the true artistry lies in creating the perfect, nuanced depth. Think less tutorial, more editorial. Start with a concealer that matches your skin tone—this is your base.

Next, grab a concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin and trace it into a delicate C-shape that flows from the outer corner of your eye to the top of your cheekbone. Let it melt into your complexion like a second skin, because, let's face it, that's the vibe we're after.

The magic comes in what we're calling the sandwich method—corrector, fairy-dust powder, concealer, and then powder once more. And don't forget your yellow-tinted translucent powder! Press it (never sweep) with a damp sponge into those key corners where makeup tends to fail you, ensuring your look lasts from sunrise to after-dark cocktails.

The result? A flawless, undetectable finish that makes those dark circles an art form.

Define the drama

If you've ever dreamed of achieving that coveted glass-skin glow and have deemed the look at odds with your skin tone and feature, here's how: Start with a luminous primer—your canvas for the magic to come. Layer strategically with soft creams and powders, but don't go overboard. Less is more, especially when it comes to the eyes.

A few well-placed touches of liquid highlighter at the outer corners of your eyes will illuminate without being too obvious. Seal the deal with a whisper-fine mist of setting spray.

But here's the insider tip: powder only where absolutely necessary. Focus on the T-zone, the under-eye area, and anywhere that needs some added dimension.

And for that punch of drama that'll have people asking how you're glowing so effortlessly? Line your waterline with a deep brown pencil. It's the perfect trick to make lashes appear impossibly thick and the eyes pop with a depth that's bold, sultry, and intentional. You'll feel like you've just stepped out of a beauty campaign—and truthfully, you have.

The finishing touches

Eyes are the windows to the soul, but when you want your soul to speak in volumes, you need a little extra. Add a soft shimmer—copper or gold—into your crease, creating dimension that dances in the light.

Follow with scattered individual lashes for that effortlessly lush look, and frame the entire ensemble with a plum or bronze liner beneath your lower lash line. It's a perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated, edgy and editorial.

And that's all you need to get eyes that can launch entire campaigns, with every shadow and shimmer strategically placed to make the most of your natural beauty. We're talking dimension, drama, and melanin in its haute couture moment. Studio lights, street lights, candlelight—your eyes are ready for their close-up.