Maybe I'm just tired. Or maybe other people are, because they keep bringing under-eye circles up in conversation. Is summer wearing everybody out?
One tough thing about summer is that melting makeup is often a problem. But concealer is something to keep on the pared-down makeup menu because:
-It's one of the top 5 face "refreshers"
-It does double duty -– it can easily stand in for foundation (although you already know how I feel about that)
-It often offers fringe benefits in the form of skin treatments.
Because you use it in such small doses, it manages to sidestep the makeup meltdown for the most part.
5 concealers to fix under-eye circles:
1. My newest and most favorite find: Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush ($18.99). Mainly I love the big, flat brush that covers the under-eye area in one fell swoop — plus it makes blending the tinted concealer that comes out super easy. So you're covering the circles and addressing the cause of them (with hydration and firming ingredients) at once. You could also swipe in other spots to even out skin tone if you're foregoing foundation.
2. Treat & Conceal ($36) from Miracle Skin Transformer has the same primer-like qualities as the facial formula, so the silicone makes it slick and smooth and reflects light away from imperfections; vitamins A, F & K and flower extracts like White Rose and Chamomile address hydrating, antiseptic and redness issues; ceramides plump. In 3 hues you tap on with your finger (which means you can cover age spots and the occasional breakout too)
3. GloMinerals' gloBrightener highlight concealer is also in pen form with a sponge top so you can apply it to naso-labial folds (those "brackets" around your smile) as well to make them look less prominent. Vitamins A,C & E are among the ingredients to nourish and help protect from future damage.
4. Killer Cover by Judith August ($36). This is for the tough stuff — maybe not for the average person's under-eyes, unless your circles are really dark. The round palette has 5 "pie slice" shades to tackle birthmarks, age spots, bruises and scars, even port wine stains.
5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller. I keep this little roll-on at my desk -– the metal ball is an instant jolt of cool (warning: sometimes the fumes can be strong for the eyes); it tightens and covers. Makeup artist Lisa Makowski (Lidia's Italy) advises that tighteners often have caffeine which can be drying, so use sparingly and counter with hydrators later.
Extra: Cindy Joseph's GLO BOOMSTICK. This will handle that later hydrating! It has no tint so it won't cover, but the super-softeners honey, olive oil and beeswax somehow blur the lines. The real reason I always keep it in my purse? It's an instant fix for melted mascara or any makeup that's migrated where it shouldn't be.
Of course there's always slices of cucumber or tea bags. Does anybody really do that? Be honest.
More tips for tackling under-eye issues:
Makeup Tips for a Quick Eyelift
Looking for a Skin Miracle?
Terms of Concealment
Shampoo Your Eyes
Why Use Foundation?
Getting Picture Perfect
Pro-Age Makeup in 3 Easy Steps