11/09/2012

Under-eye Business

I have some skin issues.  I mean, everyone has some kind of skin issue, or something they are not real crazy about that they like to cover up a little bit.

My skin was never that bad when I was younger, but then when I had a kid, my face flipped the fuck out and I turned into the Elephant Man or something.  I was always into doing eye makeup and lipstick, but when my skin got really bad was probably when I started taking make up very seriously.  Not being pregnant for a while and getting my hormones back in line and getting religious about using glycolic acid sorted my acne out, so now I only get a zit every couple months or something, but I have some red marks and scars left over that I use concealer on.  

It seems that a lot of y'all have under eye circles that you want to cover up.  I am going to be real with you and say I actually know fuck-all about covering that stuff up.  I just don't get circles, and if I don't sleep well or something and I do get a little under-eye stuff going on, it's not so bad that I sweat it.  It's just that i have to put concealer on my red marks, and if I do my eye area, too, I think it might look like I have too much makeup on?  Maybe?  Also, I have this weird idea that if I don't put any foundation or concealer on in the areas of my face that are fine, like my under-eyes or my nose or my forehead, and i blend my makeup in so you can't really see the line where I cover up and where I don't, maybe the areas where I have a lot on won't be as obvious and seeing real skin texture makes the made up areas look more natural??  I don't know, these are make up philosophies I invented myself.  I know other makeup bloggers might refer to themselves as GURUS or whatever, but I have too much doubt and self-loathing to ever say that I am an official on any topic, and that I am ever 100% right.  Maybe I look like shit!  I just like putting makeup on.  I also like swimming, but I am not gonna front like I am going to win the Olympics, right?

ANYWAY, I'm not going to leave y'all in the lurch just because I don't know what the hell is going on.  

I was at Sephora the other day with my friend and she said something about under-eye makeup, then y'all were asking about it, so I thought I would ask her.  I mean, she allegedly uses it all the time, and I've never noticed her having dark circles, so one would assume that is because she is good at covering them up!  



Meet my double-cute-best-girl, Joanna!  Perhaps you recognize her, since she has been my main t-shirt model on my other site for a long time.  Her eyeliner always looks nice and precise and symmetrical, she is good at doing her hair, and she isn't a bullshitter, so I will go ahead and vouch for her opinion on the matter of under-eye makeup.

Take it away, Joanna!!

"...I do use under-eye stuff.  I usually go with Benefit's Erase Paste.  You use a little bit and it goes a long way.  The texture of it feels like its a heavy cream, but it blends in nicely.  I guess that's what I like about it because I have naturally dark circles under my eyes, plus the veins that sorta show underneath.  It just makes me feel better wearing something that is a little thicker and I can smooth out and blend.  I normally wear this during the winter when my summer tan goes away.

I did want to try a new concealer, only because I get curious and sometimes it is worth the money.  Lately, I've been using Lancome's Effacernes and I kinda loved it right off the bat!  I could sorta compare it to Naked's makeup (note: Joanna and I are both currently in love and having a serious relationship with the Urban Decay Naked foundation) in that it is really light textured compared to Benefit, it doesn't crease and it creates a really nice matte finish and smooths out fine lines, and it sorta makes your eyes look brighter.  Again, a little goes a long way with this one.  I got this at Sephora for about $30 (I think) and I've almost had my little bottle for a 9 months or so.
Again, because I have issues with the dark circles, sometimes I feel like any concealer I use stops working but it's just me, I'm sure.  What I like about this Lancome concealer is that I usually do two coats (when I'm feeling especially gross and tired-lookin' around the eye area.)  I apply one coat, let it dry and then a second, just to make me feel better, I guess.  I used to use MAC concealer, but it was just too dry and I felt like it brought out more fine lines than anything, but then again, I've had friends that live by that shit.  Also, what I noticed about the Lancome stuff is that it has lots of different shades + intensity levels which I think is a nice touch because you can work with more skin tones."
There you have it!  Maybe that will help you out in the under-eye department.  I think the only thing I would add is that under-eye circles are usually shadows and vascularity under your eyes, so if you have a problem with them, just cover them up like my girl Joanna, and don't buy some creme or something that says it will make them go away.  That is impossible since a cream can't change the way light falls on your face, cause that is magic-talk, and it can't change the vasculature under your eyes, since then it would be a pharmaceutical and you wouldn't be able to just buy it somewhere.  You might be able to find something that has some cooling qualities that might make the vasculature constrict or something and get a little reduction that way, but the circles would come right back anyway, once the cooling effect wore off.
If you have any feelings on this topic, go ahead and share!  Like I said, this is not my area of expertise.

58 comments:

  1. Just snagged an Erase Paste - nothing's ever worked for me. **fingers crossed**

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  2. I like the Maybelline Dream Lumi Pen or whatever it's called. I've used the Bobbi Brown corrector and Erase Paste and the Dream Lumi works just as well but it's only $6-$8.

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  3. I don't usually do around-the-eyes concealing since I don't think I really have dark circle problems (usually). I use mineral foundation and a light all-over application of that tends to be enough for everyday stuff.

    On the rare occasion I need any help in that area, I like Clinique's Airbrush Concealer. I use that as my general touch-up concealer so it's not an "extra" product for me. After I buff on some minerals I just dab a little in the inner corners of my eyes and at the "bag" line under the eye if needed. It blends well and, like I said, works as a concealer anywhere else too.

    I also have some of Bare Minerals "well rested" which is great for (very rare) extreme situations. I have a fluffy-ish eyeshadow brush that I use to lightly apply the Well Rested in the dark parts, then I do foundation over that. It makes for a heavier overall makeup look (sometimes that's a good thing) but can look a little reverse-raccoonish if you put on too much.

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  4. I have dark circles and I never cover them up. They look better the more sleep I get + water I drink, but they are always there. I use Urban Decay Primer Potion on my top lids instead of concealer and it evens out my skin tone just enough to look natural + plus takes care of mt greasy eyelid problem. I don't ever put makeup directly under my eyes- just a basic eye cream- because I don't like any extra tugging/pulling/washing of delicate under eye skin. Plus, I think dark circles look totally rock star and adorable.

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    1. I am glad someone else has noted that they can be cute in their own devil may care way. I totally agree. I covered them neurotically for years but now I am at peace with my dark circles.

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  5. Lancome Effacernes is the BOMB CENTRAL! My sister and I both have deep, dark circles (thanks to genetics, stress, and big, weird eyelids that cast shadows)and adult acne - FUN TIMES. We discovered Effacernes almost 10 years ago and haven't looked back! (Well... I must admit, I've cheated a few times just to see what else was out there, and crawled back with flowers and jewelry every time!)

    The color choices are very natural, and my sis and I were both able to find perfect matches to our different skin tones. The consistency is nice and thick with great opaque coverage, but it doesn't feel or look unnatural. Joanna is right, a little definitely goes a long way, so you get your 30 bucks worth, IMHO. Also, although it is not really waterPROOF as it claims, it is long-lasting and I'd say water RESISTANT. My skin is oily, so I dab it with an oil-absorbing sheet or tissue once or twice throughout the day... The concealer stays put! Definitely try this if you've got glaring imperfections and other concealers have not been able to cover adequately.

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    1. I actually LOLed at your comment that you crawled back with flowers and jewelry every time.

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  6. Bleh, I have dark circles, but it's just the shape of my face, so even if I cover them shadows still form in those spots. It's annoying because I always look tired.

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  7. I have dark circles, and I'm so picky about what I use. I find I usually don't cover them up. Maybe I need some sort of primer, because no matter what I use, it sinks into the fine lines and then just looks flakey, looking worse than if I just left my eyes alone. Seriously, I feel more confident when I don't use concealer under my eyes. That being said, I have used erase paste before, and I remember it being pretty good. Once I save up enough cash for that, I may try it again.
    I have really dry skin under my eyes for some reason, even though I use eye cream.

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  8. Anonymous11/09/2012

    I've had anemia bad enough for my dark circles to go away. Not fun, but medically interesting if you like that stuff.

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    1. Ha, I'm frequently anemic and people ask me how I get so pale. Like there is a special beauty secret bleaching process. Nope, just low hemoglobin.

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  9. I've never really had a problem with dark circles, at most i'll just swipe a bit of whatever foundation or powder I'm using on them. I did want to ask about what shade Naked foundation you use, Natalie, since I think we are both pretty paper-colored. I really like the texture of Naked foundation but every time I try it on in Sephora it seems too yellow but I'm not sure if that's partially the fault of the awful lighting or not.

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  10. Smashbox now makes a Photofinish Hydrating Under Eye Primer which I like. In my experience, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat highlighter click pen is well worth the money. I keep it in my purse.

    The Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller is a good, inexpensive product I like. It's very light-feeling on the skin, which I really think is nice, and it doesn't seem to move around once it's dry. It's great for everyday because it's a rollerball and it's fast.

    For when I've got lots of time or want perfection, Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer topped with Secret Brightening Powder makes me look alive, awake and maybe even a bit younger. This is my big gun for when I need to look more awesome than thought humanly possible.

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  11. I've always had dark circles, and am super pale, so foundation doesn't cut it. I've become obsessed with the YSL Touche Eclat pen thing, works great and comes with the brush already included. Has to be blended quickly though, after it dries it is basically spackle. (Bonus: it looks like a marker, so if you inadvertantly forget to put it in your ziplock back of toiletries TWA doesn't seem to notice.) I use it sparingly on nose, forehead and chin too in place of foundation, because I'm not ready to spring for the fullprice YSL foundation and don't need that much. I've also found that for covering brown spots or red spots (aka zits on their way out) that the Cargo reverse lipliner offers better coverage than anything else. I'm not sure how many colors Cargo offers in the reverse lipliner, but if you're the type who uses concealer as foundation because foundation is never pale enough it will do the trick.

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  12. Agreed that the the MAC concealer Joanna linked to is too dry, BUT, the old fashioned MAC Select Cover Up Concealer is not at all too dry http://www.amazon.com/MAC-Select-Cover-Up-Concealer/dp/B003U4LPRA/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&srs=2595861011&ie=UTF8&qid=1352503783&sr=1-1&keywords=concealer
    My old stand by for years.

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  13. I have very large dark circles under my eyes. I don't fret over them much because there is nothing short of facial surgery that can be done to rid myself of them. I don't put much on them other than the Garnier rollerball or mineral powder because I feel that too much makeup might draw more attention to them. However I would like to find a simple, 1-step standby . . so I will try out the Urban Decay and report back. If it works on my serious purple sacs it should be good for most people. I like the Vichy cooling stick just because it feels great on tired eyes, not because it has any effect on puffiness.

    The only thing I've used that is 100% effective at concealing eyebags is a pair of large, bitchin' sunglasses. Works like a charm :)

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  14. I have always had dark circles and tried different things over the years. I agree with Joanna about the MAC concealer getting into creases. And I definitely agree with you about magic creams not making them go away. Lately I've been using Clinique's Airbrush Concealer and I'm a fan. It's light enough that it doesn't settle in creases. I won't lie to you and say that it makes my dark circles disappear because I have some pretty intense shit going on, but it brightens me up without making it look like I slathered on makeup with a putty knife.

    I also agree with you about not putting a bunch of foundation on the parts of your skin that look good. Makeup should enhance and even out your skin, not function like a mask. Unless you're covering up severe burns or scarring or something, which is a different bag altogether.

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  15. I tried those light reflecting pens a few times, the first time a few years back from the drug store, and this time one from clinique. My main problem is that they never seem to quite match my skin, no matter what shade I get, so I always feel like I have to put foundation on over it to even it out so I don't look like I have little stupid spotlights under my eyes, and then I just feel like I'm wearing too much shit under my eyes and I feel like it looks too heavy. I finally fell in love with Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage which is awesome as a regular concealer for spots and for under eyes. It matches my skin tone (it comes with two tones in the compact so you can blend if necessary. I usually just user the lighter tone as a highlight on my brow bone or top of cheekbone.

    It can be a little dry, but I usually put it on right after my primer which is pretty silky, so that makes it a lot easier to spread and blend.

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  16. My magic secret is glasses. In the morning when I look in the mirror, I'm like, ew, dark circles. But then I put my glasses on, and it's all fine. It's a great optical illusion. I suppose because they just blend into the shadow created by the glasses.

    But I did notice that when I wore contacts, I got lots of comments from friends and coworkers that I look tired. So there you go. Go forth and get bad eyesight and correct it with glasses!

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    1. I look better with glasses too! Plus, contacts are such a pain.

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    2. Actually, losing the glasses-camouflage was my main regret after I got Lasik. Now that I'm glasses-free I just use Alima Pure foundation (they have 62 shades, I wear Olive 1). For extra coverage under my eyes, I use a damp sponge and a small amount of the Alima foundation. Now that I'm going to be 34 next week, my under-eye lines are becoming more prominent and I may have to try that Lancome stuff.

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  17. Although it can be pricey, the Trish McEvoy line has impressed me. The Correct and Brighten concealer pen provides the right amount of product on the tip of a brush for smooth application. It covers fully while also blending well into surrounding skin for a smooth finish. The Benefit "that gal" like also works well to brighten the face. I recommend the Ooh La La lift from Benefit. The product is placed directly under the eyes for brightening and a fair amount of coverage. I have had issues with the product settling into my fine lines

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    1. Correction- I have NOT had any issues with either product settling into fine lines or wrinkles. The Trish McEvoy product has a moisturizing effect that also prevents caking or dryness.

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  18. I live by the Benefit "boi-ing" concealer for under eyes and acne scars. . . It is thicker and is described as an "industrial-strength concealer". . . It doesn't give me the reverse-racoon-eyes look, and doesn't cost a fortune :)

    http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/boi-ing?
    ext_id=psad_Ggl_US&ext_id=adaff_qBNKlhsBsB4&siteID=qBNKlhsBsB4-yn76uizHD0A5IIGopvgOuA

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  19. I skip undereye makeup because I think it makes my eye makeup bleed more and after I stopped using it I looked the same. Maybe even a little better because like Joanna, whatever makeup I used brought out all the little creases around my tired, puffy eyes. Instead, I like to use a white eyeliner on the inside crease of my lower lash line.

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  20. I really like Circle Rx Circle Control Concealer by Physician's Formula as a cheap concealer. It boasts that it helps reduce the appearance of dark circles but I bought it just cause it matched my skin best, it was cheap, and they've never really let me down in the past. It works really well to brighten up your eyes and cover spots you don't wanna show. It's super thick though so this stuff goes a loooong way. The applicator on the bottle is pretty good for getting tiny amounts on your face, but of course you want to use a brush or your ring finger to blend.

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  21. I am so excited that you wrote a blog about the under-eye business! I had looked around for the best concealers for years and found very little help outside of blind trial and error. Can't wait to try some of your friend Joanna's suggestions, and the suggestions mentioned by the other commenters.

    I usually use Benefit Boi-ing or Erase Paste, and they work well, but they have a tendency to creep into fine lines EVEN with Stay Don't Stray (Benefit's eye makeup primer- works for concealer and eyeshadow.) So on the days that I don't want to mess around, or when the circles get insanely dark (I have a 16 month old who refuses to sleep through the night,) I'll use Laura Geller's Real Deal Concealer. It is SUPER thick and a little bit goes a VERY long way, even more so than the Benefit concealers. Try and put as little as you possibly can on your finger or concealer brush, and it will still be more than you'll need! It also blends pretty easily considering how thick it is. I have never had a problem with it causing the reverse raccoon eyes on anyone, unless they are using too much. As a stylist and makeup artist, I like to use it on the clients that complain that NOTHING works to cover their under-eye circles. If you use the medium shade of Real Deal Concealer, right now Ulta has a Laura Geller gift set that includes a full size of that concealer for less than the concealer costs by itself!

    Another good concealer is the Dermablend Smooth Indulgence - some of their products (Leg & Body Primer, and the Leg & Body cover SPF 15) are used by many makeup artists to cover up tattoos!

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  22. Oh, and the Benefit concealer kits like Confessions of a Concealaholic are a great way to get into the art of concealing. I bought Confessions of a Concealaholic MONTHS ago, and it is still not even half used. I loooove that kit!

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  23. So I guess Joanna doesn't set with powder? Because here is the deal--- Bobbi Brown says to set with powder and everyone better pay attention to what Bobbi Brown says, right? But I have never had it not look awful and I don't know how you'd make it look better with the crepe-y texture of under-eye skin.

    I have heard really good things about the Neutrogena Under-eye Brightening Pen or whatever it's called and have wanted to try it, but for now I've only tried the ELF under eye concealer and brightener which works pretty fantastically for $3. But, it's not heavy coverage--- it just lightens/brightens up (if you use both sides of the product) just a teeny tiny bit and the effect might be mostly psychological. Who knows. It's $3 though. Cmon.

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    1. Whenever I set with a powder, I use Laura Mercier's translucent loose powder as opposed to a pressed powder, you can't even tell it's there, and it makes the under eye area look completely natural and doesn't let it sink into the fine lines

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    2. If you don't have problems with your under eye makeup moving around/creasing or you don't mind occasionally touching up you don't necessarily need to set it with powder. You could also try setting with a spray like Urban Decay/Skindinavia - I find using it on top of powder takes away any problems the powder causes (notably too much powderiness.)

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  24. As a mom to a 13 month old and someone who works nights 3x a week...I know a lil somethin' about the ol' dark circles. I agree with others - there's a certain broody, sexy quality in them that can also look alcoholic-ish on the wrong person. I happen to fall into the latter category, so I've been using that Physician's Formula yellow concealer thing. The trick is to tap it on lightly with a brush and blend out (lightly) with your finger, then cover with a tiny bit of your foundation. The yellow offsets the purply color, but if you skip the foundation step, you'll look like some kind of pasty-faced 80s soap star, or a mime.

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  25. My under-eye area is a shit show. The skin there is so thin that you can see all my subcutaneous business. In the inner corners I got blue-purple, dark circle-y nonsense, and the outer corners are like regular skin but with lot of big, blue veins showing through. Did I mention I was really pale?

    Anyway, what works pretty well for me is a light foundation on the under-eye area for a normal, human-looking base. Those veins are the only part that needs a concealer, and I dab a little of Benefit Boi-ing on those. That shit disappears. If the inner corners still look like they belong to a dead person, I use Benefit Eye Bright (I promise I'm not trying to buzz market Benefit, I just like their concealers). That one is a trick I learned from watching those crappy makeover shows: if you have purple or just dark under-eye circles, blend something that will subtly reflect light into those areas. It has really worked for me. Eye Bright is shimmery and a light, pale pink cream pencil.

    I've tried the YSL Touche Eclat others have mentioned, but I just don't like it as well. It's a liquid instead of a cream, so you have to take care not to over apply it and end up having to blend it all in, making you look like a stripper at the Glitter Factory. Plus, it's way more expensive than a lot of other luminizers. I just don't see what the great advantage of it is when it's over twice as expensive as competing products.

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    1. Anonymous11/12/2012

      I agree with lovertits, mostly because her name is lovertits and who can argue with anyone with a name like that?

      I am cheap though and don't like to buy expensive stuff so I do the same type of things lovertits does but with cheap stuff from the drugstore. I tend to put white shimmery eyeshadow in the inner corners of my eyes to help brighten them and detract from the circles. I'm so white and pale it doesn't look tacky or weird on me at all.

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  26. I have never found a concealer that works for me. Never. I just use an extra layer of foundation on the icky spots and blend (Makeup Forever HD works the best). That Urban Decay Naked foundation is amazing. The kids at Sephora actually asked me what makeup I was wearing. It's pretty amazing for my over 30 face. I'm buffing the Lancome Dual Finish Versatile Powder Foundation over it and look 5 years younger.

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  27. i inherited my mother and grandmother's bony face and deep-set eyes, which means i also got their epic dark circles. on days i go without concealer, i've had folks exclaim, "Oh my god, are you OKAY? What HAPPENED!?" (it took me a minute the first time to realize that they thought i had two black eyes. nope, not a car wreck, just mah face...)
    everything i tried to use on them turned me into Reverse Raccoon Woman. but i picked up that Loreal True Match concealer one day at Walgreens because it was on sale, and damn if it didn't work. i love it. if they ever discontinue it, i'll cry.

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  28. Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer is the absolute BEST concealer. It covers anything, even the hereditary almost-black circles under my eyes (thanks, dad!) and the reddest pimples and seriously everything else. It also doesn't settle into lines or move around or anything. A dab of that topped off with Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish powder and you are good to go for like 24 hours.

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    1. i'll second that, that full cover is my favorite concealer.

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  29. I tried the Lancome Effacernes under eye concealer. It. Works. Awesome! I can go out among the humans and they won't even know! Yay!

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  30. I normally use Tarte's "The Eraser" for eye bags/circles and scars. It works super well for me (but kind of finding out that if I apply a lot that it can get weird looking), but since it is constantly on-sale (online) for only $10 you really can't go wrong. I'm surprised there hasn't been much talk about using the yellow/green/lavender concealer. I have never personally used them (I think I've convinced myself that my purple under eyes will just look green??) but seems like it could work.

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  31. I have horrific deep, dark, permanent circles. I turned into a crazy lady at Sephora recently and tried out everything (FOUR. HOURS.) until I found something that works. I'll give you all the full run down since I literally tried every single under eye cream/concealing product.
    If you have very DEEP SET permanent dark circles or deep set eyes like me...as in it looks like someone carved a bit out of your under eye area and then dyed it black just to be an asshat... then TEXTURE is key! Too thick a concealer and it will emphasize the gougeyness of your under eye gouges. Too thin and it does nothing. Medium consistency with brightening properties is the way to go.
    After 13 years of trial and error, this is the formula I've found works best for really deepset, dark ones:
    1. Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Cream- I've seen mixed reviews and it's pricey, but it's only one that actually makes the area look brighter immediately + moisturizes! No treatment will have actual long term effects, so you may as well go for something that just does some tricky reflective stuff while it's on.
    2. Make Up Forever Lift Concealer!!!!!-- this is the ONLY undereye concealer I've ever found that a) provides full coverage, b) brightens, c) doesn't settle into my wrinkles, d) doesn't wear off quickly, and e) is the right consistency f) jives with sensitive/dry skin. Obviously lots of people like their Full Cover Concealer, but I prefer this for covering dark circles since it brightens more and doesn't settle into lines as much. It may provide a little less coverage than the Full Cover, but you just need to be patient and layer! I use a concealer brush then finger pat method.
    Clinique All About the Eyes Concealer is also the right medium consistency (but colours/brightening aren't great). Erase Paste provides the fullest coverage, but I find it really settles into wrinkles because it's so thick. Plus they don't have enough colours, so it doesn't work too well with olive (yellow) skin tones. And don't like Touche Eclat...too thin!
    Hope that helps!

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    1. Thanks! This helps! I have dark circles (for which I use coverup) and dry skin/fine lines (for which I use moisturizer). Everything I get clumps up except clinique's airbrush concealer, but that barely covers anything. Is Shiseido a cream that is supposed to get rid of dark circles? Or is it a coverup?

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    2. No problem, I'm always looking for recommendations from other people too! Shiseido is a cream. I haven't been using it long enough to notice anything permanent, but I do think it brightens temporarily (or maybe I'm just imagining it!).

      I also used to use Clinique Airbrush but agree that it doesn't cover enough, so I would def recommend you check out the Make Up Forever Concealers or Clinique All About Eyes Concealer!

      Shiseido: http://reviews.sephora.com/8723/P205614/reviews.htm
      Clinique: http://www.sephora.com/all-about-eyes-concealer-P139803
      Make up Forever: http://www.sephora.com/lift-concealer-P12661

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  32. Oh ALSO (sorry, I'm kind of passionate about this one...I once had a concerned first date legitimately ask if I got punched in both eyes the night before):
    1. Allergies-- I've always had bad allergies and found out recently they can contribute to dark circles. My friend always thought her circles were genetic, but she suffers from serious allergies and just got her sinuses cleared and the circles actually improved. But it was a major procedure she needed for health reasons, so the under eye stuff was just a positive side effect.
    2. Allure or one of those magazines has a really good article out now about causes/cures for circles...sorry can't remember which one but it's on newstands!
    3. Anyone tried raw potato on the eyes? I've heard it brightens, but sounds sketch!
    4. Also try just a plain Vitamin E Cream for hydration. Boots (it's in the UK, but maybe you can find stuff online) does a ridic cheap generic one, Vitamin E Gentle Under Eye Cream...has SPF 15 and is fantastic for moisturizing.
    And Natalie and Joanna you're so awesome for doing this post since dark circles are just the worst!

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  33. Ok. I'm about to be the bad guy here. I know. I KNOW that magic isn't real. I read that post and agree 100%. And I didn't buy the product I'm about to mention because it promised me magic. My best friend had a shit ton of samples from Sephora that she didn't want so I took a pile of them off her hands. I honestly only tried this eye cream because I had the sample. I knew NOTHING about it, I just opened the little packet and dabbed it on. Two days later I suddenly didn't have circles under my eyes anymore. Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge eye crap (I forget the rest of the lengthy official name for this stuff, but it's pretty easy to find). Obviously I can't speak for whether it will work for EVERYONE, but it sure as shit works for me. It's $48 for a small jar (at Sephora, back in April), but you only need a teeny tiny bit to get the job done. They tell you to use it twice a day but I use it once a day (at night) and that is definitely good enough. I haven't had dark circles for almost a year now. Sorry. I'm not saying it's magic, I'm just too lazy to look at the ingredients and figure out why it's working for me.

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    1. Ohhh I'm intrigued by your magic. Does it sting when you put it on? Just wondering if maybe it has some weird bleaching properties and will mess with sensitive skin.

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    2. It doesn't sting my skin when I put it on. Only my eyes sometimes if I forget and rub them (oops). And I should say that I still don't look like an airbrushed magazine page by any means...but there is definitely a very noticeable difference when I use this cream regularly. And I've had it since April and I've only used about half the jar, maybe less. Sometimes I forget and skip a day but it doesn't seem to make a difference (unless I skip, like, a whole month...).

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  34. Hi! Thanks for the post, I've been waiting for this one! I use under eye cream but not really the expensive stuff... I just use a sensitive skin moisturizer not because I think it will magic away my dark circles, but because I also happen to have very thin, dry skin that gets all facocked under my eyes when I don't moisturize. As far as dark circles, I try to get good sleep and stay hydrated, but I definitely have to cover up. I use bare minerals for when I do my whole face but I have to say I'm lazy and I don't always have the time or desire to do my whole face. Sometimes I just cover up the red spots like you said. I have struggled a long time with finding a good under eye concealer because everything I use clumps up in my fine lines. The only thing that doesn't do that is Clinique's airbrush concealer, but it is very light coverage. Erase paste is too thick for me but again that's just my skin. I will definitely try the lancome stuff! I took a few other suggestions from the people on here... what I like to do is go to sephora, try the stuff on, then walk around for a while and if I like it (i.e., if it stays on and doesn't instantly glob up in my old lady lines) then I consider buying it.

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  35. Anonymous11/15/2012

    Yup, Erase Paste. Been using it for years. That stuff is the bomb and lasts a long time if you're conservative with how much you put on. (Seriously, start with a teeny tiny bit at first and blend, blend, blend. You can always add more later.)

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  36. Anonymous11/16/2012

    I love (j'adore?) Dior Diorskin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer--creamy and blendable, decent color selection (could probably have a darker one, of course, but I'm pale as hell), moisturizing, only need a little to do a lot, the tube lasts for like a year or more.

    And while I know eye creams are hokum as far as long-term and permanent changes go, I truly love Kinerase Under Eye Rescue. It works better than anything else I've tried on morning puffiness.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great website, I am a new viewer as of today. I use the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser thing with the sponge top - it's pretty good, but I'm not sure if it is doing enough for me.

    thebeautybrunette.blogspot.com

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  38. I got the Erase Paste in the mail - call me tightwad *tightwad* but when I pay $26 for something, I am expecting more than something the size of $2 in quarters stacked up. I will just pretend I am doing the NEW smoky eye.

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  39. Anonymous12/09/2012

    Dermablend Smooth Indulgence concealer is my boyfriend, basically. There is nothing that mother won't cover. I'm a pale lady, and this actually matches my skin. Also, when I use it to conceal a zit it always heals the zit a little bit. Huge plus.

    I find Derma's foundation too heavy (I use Nars Sheer Glow), but I do like their pressed powders because they really don't add color.

    ReplyDelete
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  42. My skin gets on well with Lancome and I love their concealer. I haven't tried Makeup Forever, is it that much better? I'll have to try it now and compare the two.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Natalie,
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    ReplyDelete
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