One thing that needs attention on almost every single portrait is under-eye circles. I used to use the clone stamp but I ditched that method long ago in lieu of a very, very easy technique.
For 90% of portraits I edit, I use the eyedropper and brush method.
What do I use the other 10% of the time? The lasso tool, but that is for whole other tutorial…
This tutorial is applicable to Photoshop as well as Photoshop Elements
First, create a blank layer. This layer is empty, no pixels are on it. We are going to put color pixels there, to conceal the undereye circles.
Next, click on the eye dropper in your tool bar (or hit ‘i’ on your keyboard). Change the sample size from point sample to 3 by 3 average.
Click on skin near the under eye circle, skin that has good color and light. The color of the undereye circle will be darker than the good area. Make sure you are near enough to the undereye circle that the color will blend well.
Click on your brush tool (‘b’ on your keyboard) and lower the BRUSH opacity to around 40%. Brush over the undereye circles. Lower the LAYER opacity to around 40% or until it looks realistic.
It is just that easy, I promise. To prove it, I prepared a short 3 minute video tutorial showing you these very same steps.
About Amanda
great tutorial Amanda
Thanks for the tutorial! I learned this from you in your workshop!!! You are great!
Thanks! I love the new look of the website too!
I have never seen this fix before. It looks great. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing your expertise Amanda, YOU ROCK!!
Thank you Amanda for helping me out with this a few weeks back via facebook! You’re the best!
Wow! I always used the clone stamp tool before, but this method is so much better. Thank you so much! 🙂
Love this—I’ve been using the dodge tool. Probably ridiculous in comparison!
I just wanted to say thank you for this quick and easy fix to undereye shadows.
Love your easy to follow steps, I’ll have to give it a try!
I love the new website!
What a great simple fix. Thanks so much.
Shadowing has been a challenge for me, so easy this way. Cant wait to try it.
Thank you for this easy way to fix those under eye circles! Great tutorial.
Thank you for this tip! I am actually a rather good Photoshop editor myself, but I hadn’t really thought to try this much simpler approach – and it works great! 🙂
Great info!! I’m thinking this would work well with my son’s crazy eyebrows, too! I always have trouble with them.
Thanks, Amanda. I like this so much better than other ways I’ve done it!
Thank you Amanda! You just made my brother-in-law look less tired. I had tried doing this with the clone stamp and spot healing brush with minimal success. Much better. 🙂
This is my favorite technique I have learned from you! I use it often!!
Thank you! I was able to understand this even though I am using Photoshop Elements 11. I did not want to remove the under eye creases and have an unnatural picture. This solved the problem.