Beauty: working under cover

A breakdown of THE BEST under eye concealers conceal No one wants to have dark under eye circles. No one wants to look like they haven’t slept for a week even if they haven’t slept for a week.

Unfortunately, getting more sleep doesn’t always equal brighter, more awake-looking eyes. Dark undereye circles are apparently hereditary so blame your parents if you have them. But that still doesn’t help the problem.

The good news is that you can buy a product to temporarily hide them. The bad news (which really isn’t all that bad) is that there are too many makeup products offering to help you cover them up. Where to look?

My personal favourite (since I haven’t tried the others mentioned here) is from Cle de Peau which is also a cult favourite. I think it may be worth the splurge as it has a nice creamy consistency that goes on smooth and evenly. But I’m not the expert on covering up dark circles sooo…..

Ahead, you’ll find five of the most popular under-eye concealers, according to countless reviews and user feedback on the Internet. AKA, the masses have spoken and these are the top products they unanimously agree make the cut. Thought you’d like to know.

Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer ($25) concealer1

It Cosmetics Bye-Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer ($24) concealer2

Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit ($35) concealer3

Tom Ford Concealing Pen ($52)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($7) concealer5

Bonus Pick:

*Kevyn Aucoin’s The Sensual Skin Enhancer ($48) concealer6

*Since we’re talking makeup if you care to know, this is selfie queen Kim Kardashian’s #1 choice – she was initially turned on to the product by her makeup artist (Mario Dedivanovic). Depending on the shade you purchase, the waterproof makeup enhancer also works as a highlighter, foundation, or contour. Most of these other choices I believe will do the same but I must admit this one sounds pretty tempting.

I researched a bit more on it and found out: while on a trip to Japan, Kevyn Aucoin was taken with the radiant, flawless skin of the geisha. His unending curiosity of what makes these women beautiful led him on a quest to find the products they used to achieve their youthfully dewy complexion. Working closely with Japanese chemists, Kevyn Aucoin developed what is perhaps the most versatile skin-perfecting product you will ever use for radiant looking skin. Well, if that isn’t a selling feature?

Have you tried any of these? What do you like or recommend?

Beauty biz: hidden beauty

Some things are just better covered up

“time Balm” concealer review.

A friend of mine in the know told me that this was “the best concealer ever” so I went on a hunt for it. When I couldn’t find it at Sephora I stopped searching but as luck goes I recently came across it by accident in a local boutique.

My thoughts:

Texture – soft and creamy but it stays put and doesn’t cake.

Naturalness – It has absolutely no shine to draw attention to the area and looks natural.

Coverage – medium to full (you can build coverge but a little will go a long way).

Ingredients – Packed with beneficial ingredients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Panthenol, Linoleic Acid and Phospholipids.

Packaging – so-so but it is easily portable which makes it perfect for travel. It comes with a little sponge but you don’t really need it – fingers are fine. Maybe the sponge helps to make the product last longer.

*A lot of women use concealer to cover up dark under eye circles but I tend not to use it for this reason as I’m always worried it will bring more attention to the area. I’ve read that this works well for under eyes but can’t vouch for it myself. Great for spot coverage and redness.

BONUS: the company makes a perfect face primer – on my wish list for next time.

Where to get: In Vancouver – Wish List Boutique (2811 West Broadway) $20

http://www.wishlistboutique.ca/

FUN

Beauty biz – Under Cover

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – another beauty product review

Clé de Peau Beauté – a perennial favorite of makeup artists, models, celebrities and non celebs.

Creamy and light reflecting, this legendary cover-up is “sly like a fox and strong like an ox,” says L.A. Matthew VanLeeuwen, who works with Salma Hayek and Minka Kelly.

The balm like texture diffuses both undereye circles and blemishes but won’t leave tacky traces of its hard work.

USD $70 CDN $105

Too pricey? That depends, as it will last you at least one year and it doesn’t settle into fine lines. I’ve had mine now for almost two years, but it still goes on nice & creamy so I don’t feel the need to trade it in for a new one just yet. If you warm the concealer a bit between your fingers it tends to blend easier. Also, I only use it on the inner corners of my eyes. There is good reason why this one is a cult favorite. I haven’t come across a better one yet. You’ll just have to go to the makeup counter and decide for yourself if the price is worth it. In Canada you can find it at Holt Renfrew.

*Available in four shades: Ivory, Ocher, Beige and Honey

InStyle Magazine named it “the best” concealer” for 2013 as well as Allure Magazine Hall of Fame award.

What’s Your Favorite Cover Up?