How to Make Fake Rings Under Your Eyes

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Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

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Marker Method

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Cocoa Powder Method

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Eyeliner Method

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

It only takes a few minutes to make fake rings under your eyes, whether you're using eyeliner or cocoa powder. This is the perfect trick for a ghoulish Halloween costume, or just for spooking your friends because you feel like it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Marker Method

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Make it big, but not very thick.

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Rub that on your smudged finger.
Start at the inside corners of your eyes and work the mark down and out slightly.
Start from the outside edge down toward the first mark if you want a more extreme effect, or for darker lighting.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cocoa Powder Method

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Also try to get the bit closest to the eye darker.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Eyeliner Method

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1
Scribble with some black/dark brown eyeliner on your finger.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Prep your skin with primer or light moisturizer before applying the makeup for the most natural-looking results.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Barbie Ritzman
  Beauty & Skincare Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}
This will make it look more bruised (if you want that look).^{[3]
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Research source}

Community Q&A

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Question

What if I get cocoa powder in my eye?

Community Answer

At first it would hurt, just keep the other eye open and run to the bathroom, then carefully wash it out and dry it. See your doctor if pain persists.

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Question

What if I don't have cocoa powder?

Ifloatinapeggy

Community Answer

Try either of the other methods. If you don't have any of the items, try using eyeshadow.

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Question

Cant I do it with pen?

Ifloatinapeggy

Community Answer

You probably could, however it would take a lot of scrubbing to remove the ink and it also wouldn't smudge very well.

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Tips

Use washable marker instead of permanent marker, unless you really want to look that way for weeks.

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Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Take your time, rushing it won't make it look good!

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Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Try to make sure your fingers are in the right spot before you slather yourself in marker.

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Warnings

Make sure that you do not get it in your eyes!

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Helpful 108 Not Helpful 22
Be careful! If you get it all over your face, it's hard to get off.

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Helpful 99 Not Helpful 22
Don't leave the smudge on your finger or people will notice it... and your cover will be blown.

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Helpful 93 Not Helpful 23
Don't make the smudge on your finger too thick, or it looks totally fake.

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Helpful 89 Not Helpful 23