The topic today: Under Eye concealer.
The Reason: Taking care of children (specifically two little bebes who are sick) and surviving off of 4 hours of sleep.
The hopeful outcome: Maintaining a look for daytime that doesn't resemble a zombie.
Webster's Dictionary definition of concealer (con-ceal-er)(noun): a cosmetic used to conceal blemishes or discoloration especially under the eyes.
This Mama's definition of concealer: a product that, when dealing with toddlers and babies, is of the same importance as water, shelter, chocolate fondue (with marshmallows to dip in, not the healthy apples that you know you secretly despise), and Sophie the Giraffe.
Walking into a cosmetic store can become overwhelming--and there are so many options for concealers that it would probably take me a year to try them all (which, don't get me wrong, that is definitely on my "bucket list"); below are brands that I have worn and can testify are pretty good at getting the job done. All but one is liquid, which I personally prefer. I feel liquid covers more, but that is a personal preference.
Primer is your secret weapon here ladies. There is a reason why makeup artists use it and swear by it. It helps create a bond for concealers, shadows and liners; which makes it so your makeup lasts longer, is crease-free and more vibrant. Most primers are invisible; however, some brands are now coming out with primer that has a shimmering effect. If you splurge on a nice concealer, spend the extra 20 bucks and buy a primer. You will thank me later when, after a hard workout at the gym, you don’t come home resembling a raccoon and frightening your children.
The primer I love (and is always a bestseller) is Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. It’s about 18 bucks and stores like Ulta, Sephora or Amazon sell it. I
Now, let’s talk coverage.
Make Up For Ever is a brand that has been around for ages and is a "go to" for celebrities (Kim Kardashian, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele, Britney Spears, yours truly), all are fans.
Their Invisible Cover Concealer HD is around $28 and can be found at Sephora. Oil-free, medium coverage, goes on smooth and has an illuminating effect to help brighten your eyes. You can walk around with sweatpants with holes in them, hair that birds keep mistaking for a nest, spit-up stained shirts and people will come up to you and ask you “have you just come back from vacation, because you look fabulous”. Love.
Smashbox is another brand that I love and is a bit pricier (but again, it really does go a long way when used sparingly). I personally use this concealer every day. It’s called Smashbox HD Liquid Concealer ($20 at Ulta). It’s so smooth—like buttah. It glides right onto your skin and doesn’t produce a lot of creased in lines (again, primer will help with this in the first place). It covers dark circles and blemishes nicely but doesn’t looked caked on. Set it with some pressed powder and you’re all set. I love this brand for the everyday look.
If you have a sensitive skin, Clinique All about Eyes ($16), is your concealer. I went through a stage where anything with a ton of chemicals in it really flared up my skin (they weren’t kidding when they say pregnancy changes EVERYTHING). I really found positive outcomes with this concealer. It’s a bit heavier, so when you apply it, apply right away, otherwise it gets dry. But when applied immediately onto the skin, it has unbelievable moisture. It’s oil-free and very gentle. I did find that it creased a bit, but primer and pressed powder will help. And a little goes a long way (that goes with any under eye coverage).
Another big contender (and easy on the wallets) is L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer ($7-10). This stuff works ladies. It’s lightweight, but has a nice coverage, moisturizes (which is crucial when dealing with the fragile under eye area), blends easily and has an array of colors to match with your skin tone. This is the concealer I have in my makeup bag for when I’m out.
Lastly, for our fabulous organic mamas, the concealer I have personally used and found positive is (and no surprise here), BareEscentuals bareMinerals ($19-30). You’ve all seen the info-commercials and probably have personally tried it—this is wonderful makeup. I just personally prefer liquids. Love the coverage, love that it’s organic and love that it really does look like you are wearing nothing. This would be great for the summer (and I do use mineral makeup in the summer)—no one wants to wear heavy liquids in 90 degree weather—you are supposed to drink liquids (preferably margaritas), not melt in them.
So, all my tired mamas out there—grab your girlfriends, swing by your local coffee shop and pick up a latte and spend a Saturday browsing the aisles of Sephora or Ulta and try a new look out. Zombies may be all the rage come Halloween, but that’s only one day out of the year. The rest of the time, you should look and feel fabulous—because, being a mama, you already are).
