The older I get, the more noticeable my dark circles become. I know this is largely due to the fact that as we age, the skin around the eye thins, making the blood vessels that lie just below the skin more visible. Aging results in loss of volume around the eye area, so the orbital bone becomes more exposed, thus creating a hollow area that shows up as a dark circle. Genetics also play a part and people with olive and coloured skins tend to have more visible dark circles.
Concealer Tips
Although there is some debate around when to apply your concealer – before or after foundation – I apply mine after. Also, the whole notion of using a concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin one to ‘brighten’ the under eye area is NONSENSE! By using a shade of concealer that’s lighter than your foundation, you actually draw attention to that area. Another reason I choose concealers in the same or similar colour to my foundation, is so I can also use them on my face to disguise spots and uneven skin tone.
My favorites include:
Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer, R675 (available at selected Edgars & Stuttafords stores nationwide)
Hands down my favourite concealer. Yes, it’s expensive, but it lasts for ages. It’s very creamy and sheer and really brightens the under eye area while diffusing dark circles. I also love that it’s enriched with an SPF35, which is not common in concealers. It blends really well making the eyes look fresher and brighter while hydrating and plumping fine lines. I apply it by gently pressing the formula onto dark circles using my ring finger. Because it’s so sheer and lightweight, it won’t work to conceal spots – it’s purely for under eyes.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, R350
This is a great formula for tackling heavy-duty dark circles. Because the formula is thick, it’s important that you hydrate under the eyes with a good eye cream before you apply it. I apply mine with a concealer brush, gently tapping the product onto the skin until I’m happy with the result. I dust the pale yellow powder over the concealer with a small brush to set it, ensuring it lasts the whole day. This concealer is also great to disguise spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Clinique All About Eyes Concealer, R220
This full coverage concealer hides dark circles while reducing any puffiness. Once again, you need to hydrate the under eye area before applying it to avoid it drying out and looking cakey. I squeeze a little onto the back of my hand and apply it using a concealer brush. I also find that it last’s longer if you set it with a little powder.
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, R515
This is a rich and nourishing eye cream that works well to plump fine lines and wrinkles. Whenever the skin around my eyes feels a little dry, I use some of this. You can even use a teeny bit on the eyelids if they are feeling dry. I find it’s also an excellent product to hydrate and prep the area prior to applying a thickish concealer.
Estee Lauder Concealer brush, R285
My favourite concealer brush – It allows for precise concealing and blending. I clean mine once a week with a little shampoo (but even a gentle soap would do) to ensure no bacteria collects on the bristles.
