Ask Belle: Dark Circles
Jun 5, 2012
Hi Belle,
Perhaps you’ve covered this before, but I wanted to see if you have any suggestions for a really good concealer for those pesky undereye circles. As I take on more responsibilities at work my eye circles get darker and darker. I’d love a product that is easy (to apply and afford) and accessible. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Molly
As I’ve aged, my under-eye circles have also darkened. Some say it’s from dehydration or lack of sleep, but I think that, in my case at least, it’s genetics. What’s a girl to do?
First, I treat my eyes with Kate Sommerville Cytocell Dark Circle Corrector ($75). Does it work? I think so, but I have no scientific proof to back that up.
Secondly, I cover my circles with a concealer cocktail. I first apply Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($28) and then, a setting powder to stabilize the first layer. Then, I apply Benefit Erase Paste ($10) and another layer of powder and blend until I can’t blend anymore.
But we’re still not done!
Lastly, I think that the secret (if there is one) to hiding dark circles is to distract from them. I apply a little bit of highlighter (Anastasia Brow Duality $23) to the hollow near the tear duct. This lightens and brightens a bit. And to aid the distraction, I only apply eyeliner and mascara to my top lashes and lid.
You said you were looking for a less expensive concealer, and I’ve heard great things about Age Rewind treatment and concealer from Maybelline. This product is only $8, and several beauty bloggers are devotees, so it might be the product for you.
Any tips that you would like to share?
My dark circles are hereditary and I was born with them. They're so noticeable I wore tattoo concealer for years to cover them. When they stopped making the product I used, I was adrift for about 3 years, bouncing from product to product trying to find something to cover them. I used many of the products in this thread in an attempt to find something and was never satisfied. I now use the Maybelline Age Rewind linked above and like it a great deal. The click-sponge makes it super quick and easy to apply and it's super friendly on the wallet. My MIL, with just your average undereye circles, also likes it.
I second the Maybelline Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer. Its like magic, and great for a girl on a budget.
Benefit Lemon-Aid is the BEST, especially if you are fair-skinned. It's yellow-toned to block out the red tint in your dark circles. I usually cover it with a Tarte or Almay concealer.
I can't recommend Benefit Booing enough. I am extremely fair and have had dark circles as long as I can remember, and this is the only thing that hides them. It's really easy to apply with your fingers, then set with a little powder – stays on all day.
While this isn't solely for dark circles, it helps considerably with the issues that typically go along with them for me, including puffy eyes, which just enhance the circles. I love love love Clinique's All About Eyes Serum Depuffing Eye Massage (https://www.clinique.com/product/3799/9423/Splash-Pages/free48delivery/All-About-Eyes-Serum-De-Puffing-Eye-Massage/index.tmpl). Put it on after you wash your face in the morning and give it a few minutes to work its magic. It's a lifesaver during peak allergy season.
I am obsessed with MAC's Select Cover up: https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/278/Products/Face/Concealer/Select-Cover-Up/index.tmpl
It works like a dream! Put some Clinique All About Eyes on first, use a brush to apply the MAC concealer and presto! You're done 🙂
Belle, I thought you also used Kiehl's Eye Alert? Would you still recommend it?
Where can you fine Benefit Erase Paste for ten bucks?!?!?!?!?
I use Kiehl's eye alert to treat my dark circles in the morning, and use Benefit booing to cover them. It is seriously amazing. If I need a little extra (depends how tired I'm looking), I use Make Up Forever Full Cover concealer.
I was using Eye Alert. I loved it, but I develop a sensitivity to one of the ingredients. So my derm suggested the Sommerville.
DCM: Ulta has a smaller size. The full size is $26.
I also used to use Boing concealer from Benefit. It's pretty good too.
I noticed that my dark circles are more intense if I do not take an anti-histimine regularly during allergy season. If you are allergy prone, make sure you are popping a claritin or allegra and your dark circles wont be so…well dark!
Benefit Erase Paste is the best I have found also.
Benefit Erase Paste is the best I've found, and you need so little that a jar lasts forever. I bought mine in October, use it liberally every day, and still have plenty left. I have fair skin and chronic, genetically inherited dark circles, and this not only hides them but also brightens up my face.
I am prone to dark circles and there are two products I have used for 10 years. The first one I apply is Dermologica Total Eye Care with SPF 15. It creates a highlighting effect under the eye and also addresses under eye wrinkles. While it is around $40 or so it lasts me for at least 3 months despite the small packaging. Second, I apply Clinque's All About Eyes concealor, which I found to be compatible with using the Dermologica product because it did not cause caking.
Belle, I thought you used Bobbi Brown? I'd still suggest Bobbi's corrector, concealer and yellow powder. Can't beat it. Benefit's Boing is a good slightly cheaper alternative.
LR: I still like Bobbi, but I switched to Laura Mercier because it suited my skin tone a little better.
I've had dark circles since I was ten. Years of failed experiments proved that the only way to go is Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/314/Products/Face/Concealer/Studio-Finish-SPF-35-Concealer/index.tmpl
I currently use Make Up For Ever's Lift Concealer, and I don't think I'm ready to switch just yet, but I'm definitely going to look into a dark circle correcting cream to supplement. Thanks for the tip on Kate Somerville, Belle!