Tired of those stubborn dark circles making you look perpetually tired? You’re not alone! For many with beautiful brown skin, dark circles can be a particularly tricky challenge. Traditional concealers often fall flat, sometimes even leaving an unappealing ashy cast. But don’t despair! The secret weapon you’ve been missing is a fantastic color corrector. These magical potions work to neutralize discoloration before you apply your concealer, leading to a brighter, more even-toned complexion.
Finding the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin can feel like a quest, especially when you need shades that truly work with your unique undertones. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! This guide will walk you through top-notch products specifically designed to tackle hyperpigmentation and brighten those under-eye areas, leaving you looking refreshed and radiant.
Why Color Correctors Are a Game-Changer for Brown Skin
Dark circles on brown skin often present with blue, purple, or even greenish undertones. Simply piling on a concealer that’s lighter than your skin can sometimes make the problem worse, creating a grayish hue. This is where color correctors come in. Based on color theory, specific shades can counteract these unwanted tones:
* Peach/Orange: These shades are your best friends! Peach tones are ideal for light to medium brown skin with blue or purple undertones, while deeper orange correctors are perfect for medium to deep brown skin to effectively neutralize very dark blue, purple, or even brownish discoloration.
* Yellow: Can help with mild dullness or purple tones.
By applying the right color corrector, you create a neutral canvas, allowing your regular concealer to do its job flawlessly without needing to use layers and layers of product. It’s truly a makeup artist’s secret for a natural, bright-eyed finish!
Choosing the Right Shade for Your Brown Skin Tone
Selecting the perfect hue is crucial for success. For most brown skin tones, a peach or orange color corrector will be the ideal choice.
* Light to Medium Brown Skin: Start with a soft peach or salmon shade. These lighter orange hues effectively cancel out blue and purple undertones without being too stark.
* Medium to Deep Brown Skin: Opt for a true orange or even a reddish-orange corrector. These richer tones are incredibly effective at neutralizing deeper discoloration and hyperpigmentation, ensuring a seamless blend into your foundation and concealer.
Always remember to swatch the product on your skin, ideally in natural light, to see how it truly melts into your complexion. A little goes a long way, so apply sparingly!
Now, let’s dive into our top picks for the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin!
1. e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector, Hydrating & Long-Lasting Color (Image 1)
This e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector is a fantastic entry point into the world of color correction, especially if you’re looking for an effective yet affordable option. Its lightweight, hydrating formula makes it a dream to work with, layering seamlessly under your foundation and concealer without any caking or creasing. It’s designed to camouflage a variety of discoloration, including those stubborn under-eye circles, leaving you with a smooth, full-coverage satin finish that truly lasts.
Key Features:
– MAKEUP FOR COLOR-CORRECTING: Masters color-correcting techniques to camouflage discoloration.
– CAMOUFLAGE REDNESS, DISCOLORATION & MORE: Available in 5 shades, helps cover dullness, red tones, blemishes, dark spots, and under-eye circles.
– WEAR UNDER FOUNDATION & CONCEALER: Long-lasting, lightweight formula layers flawlessly without caking or creasing.
– FULL-COVERAGE FINISH: Hydrating and lightweight with a full-coverage, satin finish.
– INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Contains hyaluronic acid and rose flower water for ultimate hydration.
Pros:
– Highly affordable and accessible.
– Hydrating formula prevents dryness under the eyes.
– Good coverage without feeling heavy.
– Layers well with other makeup products.
– Helps neutralize a range of skin concerns.
Cons:
– Limited shade range (5 shades) might not cater to every single brown skin undertone.
– Might require setting with powder for very oily skin types.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the surprising efficacy for its price point, often highlighting how well it cancels out blue and purple tones. Many appreciate the hydrating feel, noting it doesn’t settle into fine lines. It’s frequently praised for creating a smooth base for concealer, making it a budget-friendly staple for many.
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2. e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector, Hydrating & Long-Lasting Color (Image 2)
Another look at the amazing e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector, this time emphasizing its ability to transform your complexion with ease. If you’re tired of dullness and visible under-eye circles, this corrector is specifically formulated to help. Its unique blend of hyaluronic acid and rose flower water ensures your delicate under-eye area stays hydrated and comfortable throughout the day, providing a smooth canvas for your subsequent makeup steps.
Key Features:
– MAKEUP FOR COLOR-CORRECTING: Master color-correcting techniques and camouflage various discolorations.
– CAMOUFLAGE REDNESS, DISCOLORATION & MORE: Available in 5 shades, helps cover dullness, red tones, blemishes, dark spots, and under-eye circles.
– WEAR UNDER FOUNDATION & CONCEALER: Long-lasting, lightweight formula layers flawlessly under foundations and concealers without caking or creasing.
– FULL-COVERAGE FINISH: Hydrating and lightweight with a full-coverage, satin finish.
– INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Infused with hyaluronic acid and rose flower water for ultimate hydration.
Pros:
– Excellent value for money.
– Provides a noticeable brightening effect on dark circles.
– Lightweight texture is comfortable for all-day wear.
– Doesn’t exacerbate dryness under the eyes.
– Versatile for various types of discoloration.
Cons:
– Shade selection may be a bit generalized for highly specific brown skin undertones.
– The satin finish might need a light powder to become fully matte if preferred.
User Impressions:
Users frequently comment on the “game-changer” quality of this corrector, especially the peach and orange shades for brown skin tones. They love how it prevents concealer from looking ashy and appreciate the hydration it provides, which helps keep the under-eye area looking fresh and not creased.
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3. Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick | Creamy & Buildable (Image 3)
For those seeking a luxurious and highly effective solution, the Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick is a true standout. This creamy, buildable stick is a powerhouse for instantly neutralizing discoloration and brightening your under-eye area. It’s not just about coverage; it also delivers 12 hours of moisture, helping to create plumper-looking skin and reducing the appearance of dark circles over time. Its impressive range of 16 skin-true shades makes it easier to find your perfect match, ensuring a natural, flawless finish that won’t crease or settle.
Key Features:
– 12-HOUR WEAR AND BENEFITS: Delivers 12 hours of moisture for plumper-looking skin and reduced appearance of dark under-eye circles.
– INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Corrects dark circles, hyperpigmentation, redness, acne, and camouflages dark spots for brightening and concealer prep.
– 16 SKIN-TRUE SHADES: Neutralize, brighten, and even your skin tone.
– DOESN’T CREASE OR SETTLE: Stick format glides on for non-creasing, non-settling, non-caking, ultra-comfortable wear.
– COFFEE SEED EXTRACT AND SALICORNIA: Helps infuse skin with moisture for plumper, smoother-looking skin.
Pros:
– Exceptional moisturizing properties suitable for delicate under-eye skin.
– Wide array of shades ensures a precise match for various brown skin tones.
– Long-lasting wear without creasing or caking.
– Convenient stick format for easy, on-the-go application.
– Skincare benefits contribute to smoother, plumper skin over time.
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to drugstore options.
– The stick format may not appeal to everyone for hygiene reasons (though can be applied with a brush).
User Impressions:
This corrector consistently receives praise for its creamy texture and incredible ability to instantly brighten and correct. Many users with brown skin specifically highlight how the peach and orange shades flawlessly cancel out deep discoloration, making their eyes look significantly more awake without heavy makeup. The non-creasing formula is a major plus for mature skin.
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4. Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick | Creamy & Buildable (Image 4)
When it comes to professional-grade correction in a convenient package, the Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick truly shines. This particular formulation is celebrated for its ability to not only camouflage but also infuse your skin with moisture thanks to ingredients like Coffee Seed Extract and Salicornia. It’s an ideal choice for anyone experiencing dark under-eye circles or hyperpigmentation who also values skin hydration and a product that won’t settle into fine lines. Its buildable coverage means you can customize the intensity to suit your needs, making it a top contender for the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin.
Key Features:
– 12-HOUR WEAR AND BENEFITS: Delivers 12 hours of moisture for plumper-looking skin and reduced appearance of dark under-eye circles.
– INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Corrects dark circles, hyperpigmentation, redness, acne, and camouflages dark spots for brightening and concealer prep.
– 16 SKIN-TRUE SHADES: Neutralize, brighten, and even your skin tone.
– DOESN’T CREASE OR SETTLE: Stick format glides on for non-creasing, non-settling, non-caking, ultra-comfortable wear.
– COFFEE SEED EXTRACT AND SALICORNIA: Helps infuse skin with moisture for plumper, smoother-looking skin.
Pros:
– Delivers a potent blend of color correction and skin-loving moisture.
– Remarkable 16-shade selection simplifies finding an exact color match.
– Glides on smoothly, preventing tugging on delicate skin.
– Provides a natural, skin-true effect when layered under concealer.
– Excellent for brightening and evening out complexion concerns.
Cons:
– Premium price point.
– Those who prefer liquid correctors might find the stick format less familiar.
User Impressions:
Reviewers frequently mention the “holy grail” status of this Bobbi Brown corrector. They love how effortless it is to apply and blend, effectively making dark circles vanish. Many users with medium to dark brown skin tones find their perfect orange shade among the 16 options, emphasizing its superior color payoff and impressive longevity.
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5. Bobbi Brown Corrector | Discoloration Under Eye Color (Image 5)
This iconic Bobbi Brown Corrector in the pot format is a staple for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike, especially for tackling stubborn discoloration and the darkest under-eye circles. What makes it stand out is its rich, creamy texture that instantly neutralizes discoloration and brightens the under-eye area. It’s specifically designed to blend seamlessly and effortlessly layers under concealer, creating a natural, skin-true effect. Plus, it provides immediate all-day moisture to the delicate under-eye area and boasts a waterproof formula that resists sweat and humidity.
Key Features:
– COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Evens and brightens skin tone, helps correct dark spots and acne.
– UNDER EYE CORRECTOR BRIGHTENS UNDER EYES: Covers and color corrects for dark circles—even the most stubborn ones.
– BLENDS SEAMLESSLY: Effortlessly layers under concealer for more natural-looking makeup and a natural, skin-true effect.
– IMMEDIATE ALL-DAY MOISTURE: Nourishes the delicate under-eye area.
– WATERPROOF FORMULA: Resists sweat and humidity.
Pros:
– Extremely effective on very dark or stubborn under-eye circles.
– Waterproof formula ensures long-lasting wear through various conditions.
– Hydrating properties prevent creasing and dryness.
– Creates a perfectly brightened base for concealer.
– Blends like a dream for a natural finish.
Cons:
– Higher price point.
– Pot format requires a brush or finger application, which some might find less convenient than a stick or wand.
User Impressions:
This pot corrector is legendary for a reason. Users with deep brown skin tones consistently praise its powerful neutralizing capabilities, noting that even the most pronounced dark circles disappear with a tiny amount of product. The waterproof feature is a bonus for all-day wear, and the creamy texture keeps the under-eye area feeling comfortable and looking smooth.
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6. Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick | Creamy & Buildable (Image 6)
Let’s revisit the fantastic Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick, emphasizing its commitment to both beauty and skincare. This particular formulation goes beyond mere color correction; it’s designed to deliver 12 hours of moisture, contributing to plumper, smoother-looking skin around the eyes. If you’re someone who deals with hyperpigmentation, redness, or acne scars in addition to dark circles, this stick is a multi-tasking hero. Its non-creasing and non-settling formula ensures your brightened look stays fresh from morning till night, making it an excellent choice for a busy lifestyle.
Key Features:
– 12-HOUR WEAR AND BENEFITS: Delivers 12 hours of moisture for plumper-looking skin and reduced appearance of dark under-eye circles.
– INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Corrects dark circles, hyperpigmentation, redness, acne, and camouflages dark spots for brightening and concealer prep.
– 16 SKIN-TRUE SHADES: Neutralize, brighten, and even your skin tone.
– DOESN’T CREASE OR SETTLE: Stick format glides on for non-creasing, non-settling, non-caking, ultra-comfortable wear.
– COFFEE SEED EXTRACT AND SALICORNIA: Helps infuse skin with moisture for plumper, smoother-looking skin.
Pros:
– Superior blendability for a natural, unnoticeable correction.
– Offers substantial skincare benefits with continuous use.
– The 16-shade range caters to an extensive variety of brown skin undertones.
– Exceptionally long-wearing, ideal for extended days.
– Perfect for precise application on specific areas of discoloration.
Cons:
– The investment is higher than many other correctors on the market.
– Some users might prefer a product that comes with an applicator brush.
User Impressions:
Many customers swear by this Bobbi Brown stick, calling it their “desert island” product. They appreciate how seamlessly it blends into the skin, effectively canceling out dark circles without looking heavy or cakey. The hydrating feel is a recurring compliment, with users noting it keeps their under-eye area looking fresh and not dried out.
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7. Bobbi Brown Corrector | Discoloration Under Eye Color (Image 7)
The Bobbi Brown Corrector in the pot form is truly a go-to for anyone battling significant under-eye discoloration, making it a top contender for the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin. Its rich, concentrated formula means a small amount goes a long way to cover and correct even the most stubborn dark circles. What sets it apart is its ability to not only neutralize but also brighten the under-eye area, creating a luminous base. The immediate all-day moisture and waterproof features ensure your flawless look endures through any challenge.
Key Features:
– COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Evens and brightens your skin tone, helps correct dark spots and acne.
– UNDER EYE CORRECTOR BRIGHTENS UNDER EYES: Covers and color corrects for dark circles—even the most stubborn ones.
– BLENDS SEAMLESSLY: Effortlessly layers under concealer for more natural-looking makeup and a natural, skin-true effect.
– IMMEDIATE ALL-DAY MOISTURE: Nourishes the delicate under-eye area.
– WATERPROOF FORMULA: Resists sweat and humidity.
Pros:
– Incredible opacity for maximum dark circle correction.
– The waterproof nature offers peace of mind for humid climates or active days.
– Provides a beautifully brightened and even-toned under-eye area.
– Formulated to be gentle and nourishing for sensitive skin.
– A little product delivers significant results, making it last a long time.
Cons:
– Pot packaging can be less convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.
– Requires a separate brush for application, which might not be preferred by all.
User Impressions:
This corrector consistently garners five-star reviews for its outstanding performance. Users with dark and deep brown skin tones often highlight how perfectly the peach and orange shades neutralize their specific hyperpigmentation, eliminating the need for heavy concealer. The hydrating and long-lasting formula is a consistent win.
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8. Bobbi Brown Corrector | Discoloration Under Eye Color (Image 8)
For those who demand excellence in their makeup routine, the Bobbi Brown Corrector in its classic pot format is an undeniable choice. This product is celebrated for its ability to create a truly natural, skin-true effect by effortlessly blending into your complexion. It’s not just about covering up; it’s about perfecting your skin tone. Beyond its superior color-correcting abilities, it provides immediate, all-day moisture and is designed with a waterproof formula, ensuring your brightened under-eye area stays impeccable from morning to night, resisting sweat and humidity with ease.
Key Features:
– COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER INSTANTLY NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION: Evens and brightens your skin tone, helps correct dark spots and acne.
– UNDER EYE CORRECTOR BRIGHTENS UNDER EYES: Covers and color corrects for dark circles—even the most stubborn ones.
– BLENDS SEAMLESSLY: Effortlessly layers under concealer for more natural-looking makeup and a natural, skin-true effect.
– IMMEDIATE ALL-DAY MOISTURE: Nourishes the delicate under-eye area.
– WATERPROOF FORMULA: Resists sweat and humidity.
Pros:
– Delivers a flawless, professional finish that looks like skin, not makeup.
– Its waterproof properties ensure it stays put through long days.
– Actively works to nourish and hydrate the delicate under-eye skin.
– Excellent for addressing various skin concerns, including dark spots and acne.
– Highly pigmented, so a small amount does the trick for powerful correction.
Cons:
– It is a luxury product, so it comes with a higher price tag.
– Some may find the application process with a pot and brush more time-consuming.
User Impressions:
Many professional makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts consider this Bobbi Brown pot corrector a kit essential. Users with brown skin praise its rich, creamy texture and how effectively it neutralizes even very dark purplish or brownish circles, leaving a perfectly smooth and brightened base for concealer. The waterproof claim is consistently affirmed by users.
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9. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Color (Image 9)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Color Corrector is a true drugstore gem, making professional-level color correction accessible to everyone. This innovative “Color Correct In A Click” product features an iconic sponge tip that makes application incredibly easy and mess-free. It’s designed to visibly correct redness, discoloration, dark spots, and dullness, with its orange shade specifically formulated to counteract discoloration on medium to deep skin tones. Plus, it boasts an impressive 16-hour wear, ensuring your flawless look lasts all day.
Key Features:
– COLOR CORRECT IN A CLICK: Instant Eraser Color Corrector Concealer visibly corrects redness, discoloration, dark spots, dark under-eye circles, dullness, and more. Lasts up to 16 hours.
– CORRECT, BLEND AND COVER: Features an iconic makeup sponge tip for smooth application and on-the-go convenience. Easy-blend pigments for an even, smooth face makeup finish.
– 4 COLOR CORRECTING SHADES: Pink for light to medium skin tones, orange for medium to deep skin tones, yellow neutralizes dullness, and green counteracts redness.
– FOOL-PROOF COLOR CORRECTING IN A CLICK: Apply to the target area, blend with a finger, sponge or brush, then finish by covering with your shade of Instant Eraser Concealer.
– REMOVE MAYBELLINE MAKEUP WITH MICELLAR WATER: Recommends Garnier Micellar Water for gentle removal.
Pros:
– Extremely user-friendly sponge applicator for quick and easy use.
– Very affordable and widely available.
– Specifically highlights an orange shade for medium to deep skin tones, perfect for brown skin.
– Long-lasting 16-hour wear.
– Blends effortlessly for a smooth finish.
Cons:
– The sponge applicator can be less hygienic for some and harder to clean.
– The shade range (4 general correcting shades) might be less precise than high-end options.
User Impressions:
This Maybelline corrector is a massive hit among users, especially those with brown skin, who praise its “magic” orange shade for effectively erasing dark circles. They love the convenience of the sponge applicator and how smoothly it blends without looking cakey. Many consider it the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin for its accessibility and strong performance at a drugstore price.
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10. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Color (Image 10)
Rounding out our list is another look at the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Color Corrector, highlighting its effectiveness and innovative design. This corrector is renowned for its fool-proof application, making it simple for anyone to achieve a brighter, more even complexion. The inclusion of an orange shade specifically formulated for medium to deep skin tones addresses a crucial need for brown skin. Its ability to last up to 16 hours means you can count on your corrected complexion staying put, making it a reliable choice for your daily makeup routine.
Key Features:
– COLOR CORRECT IN A CLICK: Instant Eraser Color Corrector Concealer visibly corrects redness, discoloration, dark spots, dark under-eye circles, dullness, and more. Lasts up to 16 hours.
– CORRECT, BLEND AND COVER: Features an iconic makeup sponge tip for smooth application and on-the-go convenience. Easy-blend pigments for an even, smooth face makeup finish.
– 4 COLOR CORRECTING SHADES: Pink for light to medium skin tones, orange for medium to deep skin tones, yellow neutralizes dullness, and green counteracts redness.
– FOOL-PROOF COLOR CORRECTING IN A CLICK: Apply to the target area, blend with a finger, sponge or brush, then finish by covering with your shade of Instant Eraser Concealer.
– REMOVE MAYBELLINE MAKEUP WITH MICELLAR WATER: Recommends Garnier Micellar Water for gentle removal.
Pros:
– Highly effective at canceling out dark discoloration, particularly with the orange shade.
– Incredibly convenient for quick application and blending.
– Provides robust, long-lasting coverage.
– Budget-friendly option that delivers high-end results.
– Lightweight formula that doesn’t feel heavy under the eyes.
Cons:
– The sponge can sometimes absorb too much product if not careful.
– Not as hydrating as some high-end correctors, which might be a factor for very dry skin types.
User Impressions:
Customers adore the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Color Corrector for its ease of use and impressive results. The orange shade is consistently praised by those with brown skin for its power to neutralize stubborn dark circles, acting as an excellent base for their regular concealer. It’s often recommended as a go-to for daily use due to its quick application and blendability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What color corrector should I use for dark circles on brown skin?
A1: For most brown skin tones, a peach or orange color corrector is best. Lighter peach shades work well for light to medium brown skin, while deeper orange or salmon tones are ideal for medium to deep brown skin to effectively neutralize blue, purple, or even brownish undertones.
Q2: How do I apply color corrector for dark circles?
A2: After your skincare and primer, apply a small amount of color corrector directly onto the darkest parts of your under-eye circles. Gently blend it out with your ring finger, a damp beauty sponge, or a small brush until the edges are seamless. Don’t rub or drag. The goal is to neutralize the discoloration, not fully conceal it.
Q3: Do I use concealer after color corrector?
A3: Yes, absolutely! Color corrector is the first step. Once the corrector has blended into your skin, apply your regular concealer (one that matches your skin tone or is a half-shade lighter) over the top. This will fully cover the corrected area and create an even, brightened look.
Q4: Can I wear color corrector without foundation?
A4: You can, but it might look a bit unnatural on its own. Color corrector is designed to be a base layer. If you’re going for a minimal makeup look, you can apply the corrector and then a light layer of your regular concealer, or even just a tinted moisturizer, to blend everything together seamlessly.
Q5: How do I choose between a peach and an orange corrector for my brown skin?
A5: It depends on the depth of your dark circles and your overall skin tone. If your dark circles are relatively mild and your skin is lighter to medium brown, a peach corrector will likely be sufficient. If your dark circles are very pronounced or your skin tone is medium to deep brown, an orange or even a reddish-orange corrector will provide the necessary intensity to neutralize those deeper tones. Swatching is key!
Q6: What causes dark circles on brown skin?
A6: Dark circles can be caused by various factors, including genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, thinning skin, sun exposure, and allergies. For brown skin, hyperpigmentation (increased melanin production) can also play a significant role, leading to more pronounced and persistent dark circles.
Q7: Is color corrector necessary in my makeup routine?
A7: While not strictly “necessary” for everyone, a color corrector can be a total game-changer, especially for brown skin tones dealing with noticeable dark circles or hyperpigmentation. It allows your concealer to work more effectively, prevents an ashy appearance, and ultimately creates a brighter, more natural-looking complexion with less product. If you’re struggling with dark circles, it’s definitely worth trying!
Finding the best color corrector for dark circles for brown skin doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With options ranging from hydrating drugstore heroes to luxurious, long-wearing sticks, there’s a perfect match out there waiting to unveil your brightest, most radiant eyes yet. Say goodbye to tired-looking eyes and hello to a refreshed, confident you!
