When it comes to flawless makeup, most of us focus on foundation shades, concealer formulas, or blending techniques. But here’s a secret that professional makeup artists swear by: your concealer only looks as good as the skin underneath it.

If your under-eyes are puffy, dehydrated, or shadowed with dark circles, even the best concealer can look creased, cakey, or dull. That’s where a pre-makeup under-eye routine comes in ,and why under-eye masks have become a non-negotiable step for anyone who wants a brighter, smoother, more refreshed concealer finish.

Today, we’re diving into how using Grace & Stella’s under-eye masks and De-Puffing Eye Elixir can completely transform the way your makeup sits ,and stays ,on your skin.

Why Your Concealer Doesn’t Always Look Smooth

Even if you’re using a hydrating formula, concealer often falls flat because:

• The under-eye skin is naturally thin and delicate.
  
  
• Puffiness creates uneven texture for makeup to cling onto.
  
  
• Dehydration leads to creasing, cracking, and settling into fine lines.
  
  
• Dark circles can still peek through, requiring more product, which increases cakiness.
  

The solution? Prep the skin before makeup, not just cover it.

The Power of Under-Eye Masking Before Makeup

Under-eye masks are essentially concentrated mini-treatments that deliver intense hydration and de-puffing benefits in minutes. And Grace & Stella’s masks are especially great because they’re:

• Vegan & cruelty-free
  
  
• Gentle on sensitive under-eye skin
  
  
• Serum-drenched for deep hydration
  
  
• Cooling, soothing, and instantly brightening
  

A 15–20 minute masking session before makeup can:

• Smooth fine lines temporarily
  
  
• Reduce puffiness
  
  
• Brighten dark circles
  
  
• Make your concealer glide on
  
  
• Help your concealer last longer
  
  
• Give your under-eye a plump, fresh, awake look
  

Step-by-Step: The Perfect Pre-Makeup Under-Eye Routine

Here’s how to prep the skin for a flawless concealer moment using:

✔ Grace & Stella Feel Good Under-Eye Masks

 ✔ Grace & Stella Pink Under-Eye Masks

 ✔ Grace & Stella De-Puffing Eye Elixir

STEP 1: Apply Under-Eye Masks (15–20 Minutes)

Place your Grace & Stella eye masks under the eyes and let them sit while you do the rest of your skincare or start your hair.

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Why it works:

• The masks flood your skin with hydration.
  
  
• Cooling gel reduces swelling + puffiness.
  
  
• Skin becomes plump and smooth ,minimizing the need for heavy concealer later.
  

For extra de-puffing power, store the masks in the fridge.

STEP 2: Pat in the Serum

Once you remove the patches, don’t wipe away the leftover serum.

Instead, gently tap it into the skin using light, upward motions.

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This helps your under-eyes:

• Stay hydrated
  
  
• Look brighter
  
  
• Maintain a smooth base for makeup
  
  
• Receive extra nourishment before applying concealer
  

STEP 3: Add the De-Puffing Eye Elixir

Finish your prep with the Grace & Stella De-Puffing Eye Elixir.

Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and works like a smoothing primer for the delicate under-eye area.

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Benefits:

• Long-lasting hydration under makeup
  
  
• Helps concealer blend without tugging
  
  
• Reduces morning puffiness
  
  
• Creates a soft, even surface
  

Give it 2–3 minutes to settle before makeup.

The Makeup Test: With vs. Without Prepping

To really see the difference, I did a side-by-side comparison.

WITHOUT Under-Eye Prep:

• Concealer looked patchy
  
  
• Needed extra layers to cover dark circles
  
  
• Creased within an hour
  
  
• Under-eyes looked dull and tired
  

WITH Under-Eye Masks + Eye Elixir:

• Concealer glided like butter
  
  
• No tugging or patchiness
  
  
• Only needed one layer
  
  
• Finish looked smooth, bright, and hydrated
  
  
• Stayed crease-free throughout the day
  

The difference was instantly visible ,brighter, smoother skin and a much more natural finish.

Why This Works for All Skin Types

Whether your under-eyes are dry, oily, mature, or sensitive, this ritual helps because it treats the underlying issues rather than just covering them.

Ideal for:

• Makeup lovers
  
  
• Early morning routines
  
  
• Party nights
  
  
• Brides / special events
  
  
• Frequent travelers
  
  
• Anyone with tired, stressed eyes
  

If your concealer has ever looked cakey, creased within hours, or just didn’t sit right ,the issue likely isn’t the product. It’s the prep.

Using Grace & Stella’s under-eye masks and De-Puffing Eye Elixir before applying makeup can instantly transform the brightness, smoothness, and longevity of your under-eye concealer.

It’s a small step with big results ,and once you try it, you’ll never want to apply concealer on un-prepped under-eyes again.