Reader Request: Dark Under Eye Circles

 

I got an email from Erica asking about under eye circles. I know that a LOT of my readers have this problem!!! Those pesky critters (am I Davy Crockett?) are famously annoying and unforch, there's no way to get rid of them. However, you have options for concealing them. So let us focus on the positive and we will do our BEST to get the right product in your hands and learn some tips for proper application. Let's tackle your first option:

*Concealer*

You should look for a concealer than is moisturizing and won't give you "dinosaur skin" under your eyes. Of course with a creamier product, you need to set it well with a good setting powder. Try to pick a shade (remember yellow will combat blue) lighter than your foundation. If your circles are super dark then try two shades. PLEASE don't go TOO light or you will look like a raccoon!!! I've dealt with models that have this problem and there are a few products that are my "go to's". I'll share them with ya cuz I like ya so much =):

- Sue Devitt Automatic Camouflage

 - Erase Paste by Benefit (super creamy, use Powderflage to set)

 - Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

- Laura Mercier's Undercover

(best drugstore find? Maybelline's New York Cover Stick) 

I also find that if you really want to pull out the big guns then use a highlighter on the inner corners to brighten! My most fav and an overall crowd please is the Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat. Did you know that this product is SO popular that one is sold somewhere in the world every 20 seconds??? You can use this also for contouring!

Now I have Gwen Stefani's song (and maybe my ring tone) playing in my head,"Now that you got it whachu gonna do about it?" You have your concealer, how the JUNK do ya put it on??? Well I'll TELL you...

• Moisturize eye area and let it "soak" into your skin for a minute.
• Add a primer to you face and coat your under eye well so that when you use concealer, it will be less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
• Apply concealer with fingers or a brush (I aDORE using a MAC 217 for this!!!).
  
• Blend softly so it becomes "one" with your skin. Don't tug because the under eye is very delicate and you'll just make the concealer travel.
• Set it with a loose powder (I swear by Benefit Powderflage). I like to use a sponge or any fluffy soft brush (MAC 224 is a great example). 

Option Two:

*Eye Cream*

Invest in a vitamin-K based product. Basically buy an eye cream like Vita-K Solution gel or Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue that can help strengthen capillary walls so dark circles and veins become less visible. 

Option Three:

*Laser Treatment*

If you have chronic under eye circles than you can contact your trusty doctor about lasers. Lasers can thicken the skin by increasing collagen production, so you are less likely to see veins, according to Los Angeles facialist Kate Somerville in InStyle mag (LOVE it!!!).

So that is what I have found to be helpful and I hope that helped you too! Remember that going to Sephora can be SO much fun because you can test out EvErYtHiNg!!! Do it and DON'T be ashamed. I look like an absolute FREAK by the time I walk out of there. Like I'm totally tribal and preparing for war! Join me, it's fun to be "special" LOL.

November Favorites

I know, I know, we are SO done with November but I recorded this last week and wanted to get it out and then will come back with a December fav list too. Leave comments about anything that you have discovered in the last month so we can all go and check those things out! Maybe they will be a part of my December favs =)!!!

Benefit Cosmetics: Sugarbomb

Benefit has released a brand new "box-o-powder"! This is pretty impressive, actually. Sugarbomb includes four gorgeous colours in one box, to give you a perfect glow. The box includes beautiful shades of soft plum, peach, rose and shimmering pink. Put it on your Christmas list!

xo

Makeup Junkie Heaven: Murale

I have been meaning to post about Murale for about a week now; better late than never, right? Murale opened up to the public on September 4th and I decided to drag my boyfriend for a little shopping spree on the 5th. I absolutely loved it. It is very similar to Sephora, but it is less crowded with fixtures so it is much more shopper friendly. It is packed with great brands such as Nars, Benefit, Smashbox and much more. They also have a full range of Chanel and YSL make up, something that Sephora in Canada is lacking. The store is also fully equipped with any brand of perfume or cologne that you may be looking for. The store also offers some great services such as personalized beauty services by Murale, Benefit Brow Bar, professional skincare services by Natura Bisse, Sensation Chocolat Paris and Clarins, and professional botanical skin care services by Darphin. Murale is located at Shops at Don Mills and is owned by Shoppers Drug Mart so with every purchase you can collect Optimum Points! Be sure to check it out!

xo

Flawless Finish: Primer

I am a true believer in using primer. It is not necessity, but it is great for special occasions or long nights. It allows you to obtain a flawless finish that lasts. Primers are not only just for grasping onto make up, many brands offer color-correcting formulas, such as green formulas that counteract redness, apricot hues help with dark spots and other annoying flaws and lavender that help with natural yellow undertones. Make Up For Ever and Smashbox (shown above) both offer different hues for different issues. 

For those of you who require a heavy duty mattifier that's ideal for smoothing scars, wrinkles or large pores, try silicone based primers. Below is an excellent one by Benefit called Dr. Feel Good.

If you have normal to oily skin, your best bet is to go with something that is lightweight. Try a gel based primer such as Nars Make Up Primer shown below. 

xo

Holt Renfrew's Private Cosmetic Shopping Night

I'm not sure why they call it a "private" shopping night when it is open to everyone and you don't need an invite...anyway...On Wednesday February 4th, 2009 until 8 pm Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street is having a special shopping evening for all you beauty junkies. Each counter will have a special gift with purchase. For example, Benefit is offering a gift with every $100 purchase, you receive a full size BADgal Lash mascara and Thrrrob blush plus a few other full sized gifts tucked away in a cute little make up bag!! Have fun shopping lovelies!

Benefit Coralista

Okay, so I hope you ladies are getting your make up bags ready for spring. Today, I discovered a blush that is the hottest shade for the upcoming season. Be sure to snatch it up as soon as possible! Benefit Cosmetics has just released this perfect coral pink blush that will give you an amazing glow!

Benefit - Top New Products!

Just out is Benefit's new 'Lust Dust' mineral eyeshadow that creates intense colour sparkle, only a tiny amount is required with the high pigment so a little goes a long way indeed! Also for an extra chic look, wet a liquid liner application brush & dab into the powder then apply to your upper lid for a shimmering top lash line!

Another new product from Benefit is their 'Erase Paste', which is a brightening & camouflage concealer in one, the highly pigmented concealer gives a fantastic coverage without having to use a great deal of the product, and with the brightening qualities say goodbye to dark circles! It comes with a comprehensive user guide & an application spatula, my tip though would be to just apply with the finger tips! A definite must have for your make-up bag & it will certainly be a permanent feature in my make-up kit from now on! Launched this Saturday at all Benefit counters!

Early Summer Glow - Benefit's 'Talk To The Tan'

Just out in the US is Benefit's brand new facial instant self-tanning product 'Talk To The Tan', just like it's sister product 'Jiffy Tan' it is a temporary tint that gives an even & natural sun kissed glow to the skin. Easy to apply & streak free, it stays on until you wash it off & remove with cleanser, not available in the Uk yet, but if you can't wait you can bag one of these over the web at www.benefitcosmetics.com!