Problem: I have dark circles that seem to get worse as the day goes by! What can I do to make my concealer last?
Solution: Dark circles can be caused by several factors, and each needs to be dealt with in a different way. Dark circles can be caused by sun damage, veins and capillaries that show through skin, irritation, the natural dark pigment that can occur in this area, and by dry skin that just makes the area look dull and tired. Dark circles can also be the result of natural shadows that fall within the eye area due to the fact that the eye is set back and the brow bone can cast a shadow, making that area appear darker.
Be sure you are using a lightweight moisturizer (gel or silicone-based moisturizers are best) under the eye area; too much moisturizer or too heavy a moisturizer can make your concealer slide off. And always use a sunscreen over this area during the day, or wear sunglasses, to prevent the sun from stimulating melanin (dark pigmentation) production.
Matte-style (rather than creamy or greasy) concealers are best to cover natural shadows or natural dark pigmentation, and concealers such as Clinique All About Eyes Concealer, Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Concealer, or Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector work particularly well. The color of the concealer must be light enough to cover the dark circles, but not so light that it gives the appearance of a white mask around the eyes. Avoid using greasy pencils along the lower lashes, and stay away from mascara that smears; these can both slide during the day, making the under-eye area even darker. Use only a powder to line the lower lashes, and then the thinnest line possible, or wear no lower liner at all. City pollution can get to your eyes by day’s end, too, so you may want to consider using an air filter in your home or office (talk to the building or office managers to see if they are willing to accommodate this request).
If you have allergies that get worse as the day goes on, you may want to consider taking an antihistamine. Although uncommon, food allergies may also be to blame, but this would need to be confirmed by an allergist.
If all else fails, you may want to consider laser treatments for lightening (and in some cases eliminating) dark circles. Traditional skin-lightening products used for sun or hormone – induced skin discoloration do not have any effect on dark circles. For more information on lasers, refer to Chapter Twenty Six, Medical Cosmetic Corrective Procedures.