You can also look up “black eye” and “eyelid contusion,” but be forewarned that some of the images that are likely to show up in your search may be incredibly graphic in nature.

Specifically for a black eye, this could be anywhere from your undereye to your browline, the side of your face, and your nose. [4] X Research source

Using the same stippling method you used to apply the basic bruise shape, apply the yellow and/or green colors. They should be focused towards the edges of your bruise, and the larger they are, the larger they indicate the initial bruise was. You can use your finger to help smudge and blend the bruise’s colors together to create a more natural look. Green colors appear and dominate between days 5 and 7, and yellow appears between days 7 and 10. Only the oldest bruises will have yellow.

You can also use a smaller layer of blue in the impact area for a more dramatic look. Create a small “hole” in the center of the impact site by faintly dabbing on some alcohol or makeup remover in the middle of the impact area to help create an illusion of swelling. This creates a high contrast contour that will really make it pop. [7] X Research source

Start from the inside corner of your eye and move out along the waterline. From the inside corner of your eye follow the area just above the ridge of your eye socket under your eye. From the inside of your eye, go up along the upper crease of your eye. Dab along the outside V of your eye. Use the blue color the most sparingly for the areas of deepest bruising, particularly at the very inner corner of the eye.

Brush or pat on a translucent setting powder all over the bruise area. [10] X Expert Source Daniel VannLicensed Aesthetician Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.

The advantage of alcohol-based FX makeup is that it has a more natural look and won’t go anywhere once it’s been applied and dried. It’s also designed to show up well no matter what your skin color is. If you use alcohol-based makeup, you will need to use 99% alcohol in order to activate your paint (that is, make it wet and applicable for use). For some people, alcohol can make their eyes tear up and water, so be careful. Cream based paints and makeup from home are a more affordable solution, but they will look like they’re sitting on top of your skin as opposed to beneath your skin like alcohol based colors will. [13] X Research source You can also use regular eyeshadow and water for a wet application if they are marked as dry-or-wet or are baked eyeshadow.

If you’re using fashion makeup, try to use matte colors as much as possible. Shimmer makeup will look more obviously fake than matte makeup with a gloss applied on top. Avoid using black products. Although it’s called a “black eye,” black eyes are not actually black in color; using black will create a more unnatural look.

It is also possible to stipple with a brush by repeatedly dotting the makeup on, but it’s very time consuming. If you want a more realistic look, you’re better off using a sponge for stippling.

Use lukewarm water and a cream cleanser to get the dirt off your skin. Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing, which stretches the skin. [15] X Research source

Wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to sink in before proceeding.

Foundation will usually provide you with a more natural, lighter look, so use foundation more than concealer. Apply foundation with a foundation brush, beginning at the center of your face and moving outward. Blend it into your skin with a fingertip or a sponge to make it look more natural. On blemishes like acne, dark undereye circles, or other particular trouble areas, tap on concealer with a fingertip, blending outward. [20] X Research source

Apply your eyeshadow primer the same way you applied your eye cream.

Between your eyebrows. Down and around your nose. Under your eyes. On your chin.