Journal
Eye patches before make-up
Put your patches on over a light eye cream while you do the rest of your make-up, take them off after 10 to 15 minutes, pat in what is left and wait a minute before concealer. Well-hydrated skin under the eyes gives concealer a smoother surface to sit on.
Why patches before make-up
Concealer tends to look its best on skin that feels comfortable and hydrated, and less good on dry, tight skin, where it can cling to texture. Patches keep your eye cream on your skin for longer instead of letting it dry off, so the area feels softer by the time you reach for concealer.
Choose a light eye cream
Under make-up, texture matters more than usual. Water-light gels and lightweight eye creams are ideal. Very rich or oily creams can leave a slippery layer that makes concealer slide or crease. Use a small amount: a pea-sized dot is enough for both eyes. More detail in Using eye patches with your eye cream.
A morning routine
- Cleanse and apply your usual moisturiser and SPF to the rest of your face.
- Pat a thin layer of eye cream under each eye and wait a few seconds until it feels slightly tacky.
- Press the patches on, wider end towards the outer corner.
- Do your base, brows and hair while you wait, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Lift the patches from the outer edge and pat any remaining cream into your skin with your ring finger.
- Give it a minute, then apply concealer in thin layers, pressing rather than rubbing.
- Rinse the patches and put them back in their box.
If your concealer still creases
- Use a little less eye cream next time, or wait an extra minute before concealer.
- Gently blot the area with a tissue before concealer if it feels slippery.
- Build concealer in thin layers rather than one thick one.
- Set it with a very light touch of powder, only where it tends to crease.
Before an event or a photo
Patches fit easily into getting ready for an evening out, a meeting or a photo: put them on while you do your hair, and take them off just before eyes and concealer. The mirror box makes it easy to do the same in a hotel room or at a friend’s house.
Wondering how long is long enough? See How long to leave eye patches on.