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Reader J would like a post on the best undereye routine for busy women…
I would love to see a post about your (and your readers') “undereye routine.” After working some long hours, I am more and more frequently starting to notice that I look pretty haggard under the eyes with puffiness and/or dark circles. I have an undereye concealer, but I don't care for it and really want to find a new one that I like. I could also use recommendations on eye creams or any other products that people like to use to help them appear more “fresh.”
Great question! Personally, my under-eye area is one of those “beauty musts” for me, as I look slightly ill/dead without concealer. My personal routine generally consists of a special under-eye cream when I get out of the shower, before I put on my general facial moisturizer with SPF — and then before I put my makeup on, I swoop a general concealer on the skin beneath my eyes (and on my brow bones and around my nose if I think about it). If I have evening plans, I generally try to revisit the under-eye area with a highlighter before I leave the office — I prefer YSL's Touche Eclat, but lost my last container and can't remember *exactly* what color I had, which is preventing me from ordering it online. In short, I'm kind of on the lookout for new products for all of these steps — so I'm curious to hear what you guys say! (Currently I use Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Firming Eye Cream and Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer Corrector, Fair Light 0-1
(both available at Drugstore.com for $19.99 and $8.99, respectively) — both are fine but I'm not agog over either one. (I think Elle just had a round-up of the best concealers, incidentally.) Readers, what are your preferred products for the undereye region?
(Pictured: Bags Under The Eyes, originally uploaded to Flickr by DerrickT.)
a
I’m fair and apparently look tired very easily. Right now my concealer of choice is Benefit’s Erase Paste. This is so effective for me that people only comment on how tired I look when I neglect to use it. And a little goes a long way. My friend swears by a combo of Erase Paste and Benefit’s Eye Bright.
Still looking for that holy grail under eye cream.
jcb
I’ve been using Benefit lately too – but neither of those. The Stay Don’t Stray is an eye primer for lids and undereye, and it is kind of remarkable. It really does. not. move. all day. (in fact, when you apply it, you put a little on the back of your hand – and I have to scrub that off with soap when I’m done applying, it won’t wipe or just rinse off). And it really brightens in and of itself. If I am feeling super tired or puffy, or if I’m going anywhere after work, I’ll put a little Touche Eclat over it. That’s about it!
anonymous
I love my Benefit undereye concealer — I use Boing. It is super, super easy to use (key for me) and because it’s a little more pasty than liquidy, it stays put.
M
I’ve been plagued with dark eye circles since birth, and unfortunately there aren’t many products that are powerful enough to cover them. I’ve found Benefit Cosmetics “Erase Paste” to be the strongest concealor, and I’ve heard tht their “Oooh La Lift” and “Eyecon” work well long term (but I haven’t used them personally). I recommend using a cream first if you have it, then the Erase Paste, then covered by your foundation to blend in the color, then a highlighter or some bright eye shadow in the creases of your eyes. I’m looking forward to hearing what other viewers have to say.
AIMS
The only eye cream that I have found to make a noticeable difference is Origins Eye Zing or something along those lines (orange jar, caffeine and ginseng are key ingredients). It has a bit of mica in it so your eyes look a bit better right away, and it helps long term, too. It’s about $30 but last me about 3 months, which I think is reasonable.
For a quick, emergency de-puff, I keep some Lierac Lifting mask on hand in the bathroom cabinet. It’s supposed to be a face mask, but a dab under your eyes, under eye cream, does magic. Also about $30 but lasts forever if you only use under eyes — so more than reasonable.
I have not found a concealer I like ever. Just marginally acceptable variations that I won’t bother to recommend. Would love to hear recs from others, though! Also — has anyone tried the roller ball eye creams (Garnier or Clinique) & did they work for you?? I am curious but reluctant to spend money on something that seems so gimicky.
Anonymous
I tried the Garnier rollerball, it did very little for me. On mornings when I woke up with my eyes puffy, the rollerball didn’t seem to do much good. I quit using it after a few weeks and went back to my old standard, which is Patricia Wexler Anti-Aging Serum. It’s not for under-makeup use, really, but it helps undereye bagginess and wrinkles a LOT, to the point where I don’t need as much concealer or primer.
AIMS
Thanks for the info! I have been on the fence. For some reason, the fact that Clinique released a similar product made me think it mighty work . . .
E
The Garnier roller-ball says to wait 4 weeks for results. I’ve waited; no results.
windupbird
and does anyone have any recommendations for an eye cream at night? i’m 23 and hoping to forestall (inevitable) wrinkles!
Ballerina girl
I wouldn’t worry about it at 23. I’m sure people will disagree, but I just think it’s sad to worry about this stuff when you’re so young.
BUT I would recommend drinking lots of water, getting lots of rest, moisturizing your face, always wearing sunblock (even in the winter) and never ever smoking.
Another Sarah
FWIW, I’ve heard that it’ll pay off more if us young’ns start using the cremes now to save the skin we have, instead of trying to build it back up later after we’ve lost the collagen or whatever it is that keeps our face on our bones. Ditto on the hydration, sleep, moisture, sunblock (where zinc oxide is an active ingredient!!!!!!!) and no cigarettes though.
I use the Yves Rocher Insotial Vegetal undereye night creme. I haven’t come across an Yves Rocher store here in the US, but you can get it off the internet at yvesrocher.com . :-)
Anonymous
I dunno, I started using retinol night cream when I was 24 (along with spf 30+ during the day) and at 33 I look way younger than other women my age, to the point that people comment on it all the time. I don’t think it’s bad to start out with something light and inexpensive – don’t buy Creme de la Mer or La Prairie at 24, definitely – but a light night cream could do a lot of good.
Neutrogena has good stuff at the drugstore level, things really do work. A lot of people I know use Olay but it’s always been too greasy for me. At the higher end, Clinique is good and I really like a lot of DDF, Peter Thomas Roth and Ole Henriksen, all of which you can get at Sephora. In fact, if you have a Sephora near you, go try out some things – get some samples and see what works. If you’re still breakout prone, it’s good to try before you buy to make sure your night cream won’t give you pimples.
NYC
Do you put the retinol right under your eyes? Do you use a prescription brand or over the counter?
Anonymous
OTC (I use RoC) and yes, under the eyes but not too close to my lower eyelid. I use it under my browbone as well.
AN
Using Clinique now, but waiting to try La Prairie which I redeemed with frequent flyer voucher! I also go easy on eye makeup as I think my skin is in such god condition mainly because I never touched makeup till I got a job at 22! And even then no base/concealer.
AN
good, not god!!
Anon
I started using face creams and eye cream at 23 or 24 — I’m 37 now and have been told I could pass for early 20s by people who have no reason to tell me that (clients, for example). I attribute it to taking care of my skin from an early age, decent genes, spf, and not smoking
NClawstudent
I’m also 23, and my dermatologist recommended using a day eye cream with spf in it rather than night cream. I use a Clinique brand with spf 25 that I love, and it even has little mica particles in it so it brightens up my eyes right away.
windupbird
Thanks all for the help! much appreciated.
i recently became insane about using sunscreen during the day. but after doing a ton of research, i’ve found that the best products come from europe and canada as the FDA won’t stop kowtowing to the sunscreen industry. make sure your sunscreen doesn’t have oxybenzone in it, as that can lead to skin cancer.
I use avene because it has tinosorb m and s, which protect your skin far more than its american counterparts do. also, avoid neutrogena! i was really surprised to see high amount of toxic chemicals they put in theirs:
compliments of environmental working group:
http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/full-report/europe%E2%80%99s-better-sunscreens/
Miriam
I’m 25, and I definitely think it’s good to consider using anti-aging creams at our age. I’m just trying some out, and I had to put it on hold while I get over the eye infection, but I like Olay Definity Eye Illuminator, Elizabeth Arden Eye Wish for day because it has SPF 10, and Clinique All About Eyes. I would also suggest always, always, always using SPF regardless of the weather and wear sunglasses. Oh and think about wearing a lip product with SPF because it will keep your lips plump and full longer.
anon
seriously – don’t worry about it. most anti-aging creams have the same ingredients as moisturizers, and use caffeine or other stimulants to plump up the skin (to conceal wrinkles, et al). it’s easier and cheaper to take of your insides, and in the long run, it’ll pay off on your face. your skin is a reflection of your health and genetics, and surgery or super expensive, highly specialized (and probably unnecessary) creams/serums/whatever are the only ways to reduce wrinkles.
wear sunglasses, exercise, drink lots of water, stay away from cigarettes, and wear SPF. eat vegetables and get a reasonable amount of sleep. keep your money in your wallet.
Another Laura
I would add to remember to use the same SPF on your neck/chest (the part that would be exposed with a V-neck or U-neck shirt) EVERYDAY.
Even in the winter. Even if you’re not going outside.
I’ve been told that my skin looks good (for my age – late 40s), which I attribute to using sunblock on my face (clinique, mainly the non-chemical sunscreen similar to zinc) 7 days a week since I was 28. But, sadly, I did not use it on my upper chest, which is now darker with spots. I don’t sunbathe and always wore a hat in the summer but I think the damage was done on a daily basis, both via outdoor light and indoor UV rays.
So learn from my mistake.
M in CA
Wow, what a perfect post!!! I was just noticing in the past few days that the skin under my eye is starting to wrinkle and (horror!) sag! I’ve been particularly busy the past few months and have not been getting enough sleep, and I think it’s time to invest in a good cream for that. I’m really looking forward to hearing suggestions!
For under-eye brightener/concealer, I use Bare Esscentuals “Well Rested” and I love love love it.
Ru
Ditto BE’s “Well-Rested” – that stuff is genius. GENIUS. It’s a white powder and you definitely need the correct brush to apply it but it’s magical. I have medium brown skin (my foundation color is golden medium) and I top it off the Well Rested with a teensy bit of my foundation.
I’ve been using their eye serum stuff as well and have noticed that it does reduce the appearance of wrinkles under the eye. But if I go without, eventually, the wrinkles come back.
Also, I’ve used Olay’s version of the roller ball thing – it’s pointless. What reduces the swelling is the eye massage. I just make sure my hands are cold when I apply the BE eye serum and gently rub it under my eye and my eyelids.
amber
I LOVE this eye cream from bare escentuals: http://bareescentuals.com/RareMinerals%20Active%20Triple%20Treatment%20Eye%20Cream/49203,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=BE_MOISTURIZE
a little more pricey than i’d like, but it is amazing at concealing wrinkles. i use a cheap-o pharmacy concealer to hide my perma-dark circles.
k
The best under eye concealer I have ever used is Trish McEvoy Flawless concealer pen. It is $40 and it runs out monthly so I quit buying it because that was just too much. Since then I have been using the Maybelliene Dream Mousse concealer, which is better actually than any other department store concealer I’ve tried other than Trish.
As far as eye cream goes, I’m a big fan of the Arbonne RE9 eye cream. It is quite pricey (around $50) and you have to know someone who is a rep to order I think, but I think it does a good job. But I would love suggestions on all of these things because I love a product, especially one that minimizes my dark under eye circles!
Celia
I actually have found that l’Oreal makes some good undereye concealers – the liquid ones spread well and I find the variety of shades makes them easy to match.
Some of that puffiness might also be due to poor hydration – make sure that you’re not only drinking lots of water, but also drinking some extra water for every caffeinated beverage you have! And my eyes get much redder/puffier/etc whenever I leave in my contacts for too long – I find that sometimes a day with my glasses instead does the trick to rest my eyes and take away some of the strain.
nonA
Has anyone tried the new, really expensive, drugstore lines from Roc, Aveeno or Neutrogena? They have crazy, comparable to department stores or expensive Sephora brand, prices and I just wondered if anyone thought they were worth the hype.
Anonymous
I use Neutrogena Ageless Essentials undereye cream both morning and night. I love it. It’s pricey at $17 for a tube, but it works like a charm to de-puff my eyes.
BB
I just started using a Roc product at night because it has actual Retinol in the ingredients list. So far I’ve been using it daily for a little over a week, and I haven’t experienced any irritation (or breakouts) – but the lack of irritation or peeling probably means that there’s not enough Retinol in it for it to be working. I figure it’s a start until I get to the derm for a Retin-A prescription. And I’m 37, by the way.
Serena
I love, love, love Laura Mercier concealer. I use her whole flawless face kit, which you can get at Sephora for $60, and it comes with all the brushes, primer, tinted moisturizer, two types of concealer (one tougher one for darkness/acne on the face and one creamier one for under the eye), and translucent powder. I swear by this kit- it’s the perfect amount of coverage. I also have dark circles, and I’ve used Benefit’s Eye Bright as well as a white shimmer eye shadow just in the corners of my eyes. Makes a huge difference.
For undereye creams, I’m still looking. I use Oil of Olay anti-wrinkle because it contains retinol, and I read somewhere that the most important thing for people in their late 20’s/early 30’s is preventing fine lines, which retinol is supposed to be the best at. But I’ve been working some long hours lately, and I’ve noticed I’m starting to look older (I’m 31). So I’m looking for suggestions!
L from Oz
If you already like Laura Mercier (me too!), then I’d try their undereye cream. Can’t remember what it’s called – I’ll have a look – but I’ve been really happy with it.
i'm nobody
i like Bobbi Brown Corrector.
and as someone with allergies and chemical sensitivities, it’s my PSA to urge you to read labels if you’re sensitive, too. trace amounts of metals, especially, in products can set me off to the point where my skin needs steroids to calm down again. stay away from anything that has irritants like peppermint oil (it’s the not-so-secret ingredient in many products that claim to plump or smooth your skin to eliminate wrinkles. yes, they plump your skin…by irritating and inflaming it).
Anonymous
Another Bobbi Brown girl! I have very bad under eye circles so use both corrector AND the under eye concealer (corrector underneath the concealer) and it looks perfect.
i'm nobody
her Hydrating Gel Cream is amazing, too! her products never let me down.
EDub
Me too me too! Both corrector and under eye for me. It gets expensive, but so what — I’ve never found anything that works as well!
Magnolia
I just had a baby, and am operating on what seems to be a permanent sleep deficit. I read an article in a parenting magazine (I think?) that said that when the dark circles are really bad concealer just makes it look worse, so don’t bother – focus on using blush and mascara to make yourself look alive. I’ve tried it recently and am a convert. In the mirror, but especially in photos, some cheek color and long lashes are far more effective at changing the focus than trying to cover the circles.
As to the debate over the appropriate age to worry about eye cream, my grandmother says that using eye cream is like lying about your age: it works best if you start doing it before you think you need to. She’s completely nuts, but very wise in her own way.
Barely Related - Overreacting?
Sorry for the unrelated post but I wonder if you guys could tell me whether you think I’m overreacting.
I’m the only female attorney at a tiny firm – and the attorneys went to have their photo taken for some local bar association directory. I wear very little makeup on a regular basis, but wore a little more than normal today for the photos. My boss made me (at least that’s my perception of it – I said no at least 3 times) allow a secretary to put her makeup on me.
Should I be offended? I found it gross, and washed it off ASAP. Sharing makeup is objectively gross right? Plus what a weird dynamic…
Now another of the support staff just walked by and made fun of me for washing it off. It’s not blowing over.
How should I have handled this?
Anon
Unless he also made the male attorneys wear makeup, it’s discrimination. You are an attorney, not a decoration. You should definitely be offended. Question of how to handle this, and all other forms of discrimination, is always a tough one.
Anon
I want to make sure I understand what happened:
– You wear very little makeup, but put on a bit extra for today’s photos.
– Your male boss decided that you weren’t wearing enough and said that a secretary give you a pre-photo makeover.
– You agreed.
Frankly, you should have stuck to your guns. I think the fallout from allowing yourself to be made over and then washing it off will be more difficult than the fallout from just standing firm and saying “I’m comfortable with how I look, thank you.”
naijamodel
Agreed. I don’t get why you allowed this to happen.
nonA
Its easy to say “I would never let anyone do that” or “I would have stood my ground” and far, far, harder to do it in reality. I don’t know, and I’m assuming you don’t know, all the firm’s relations, power dynamics and other factors that go into these situations. Sounds like the OP was under serious pressure from a senior partner, and that’s never a fun situation.
Way to be supportive.
Barely Related - Overreacting?
Thanks Anon A. I think they’re totally right in hindsight but in the situation I didn’t know what else to do. I said no, repeated it – I’m still not sure what else I should have done. Storming out seems too dramatic – though if I’d known that the whole staff was aware and going to comment on it all day I might have done it.
Anon
Sorry, she said “how should i have handled this?”
She should have stood her ground.
Would I have done so if in her shoes and under pressure? Maybe. I’d hope so, but you never, ever know how you’ll react in a situation until you are in it. Hindsight is always 20/20. Maybe I’d have made the same mistake. But it is a mistake, and I don’t think sugarcoating it now is going to help her move forward.
naijamodel
She asked a question, she’ll get varied responses. I don’t need to say what you think is right to be “supportive”.
I think she was put on the spot, which sucks, but I also think she would’ve felt better if she had stood her ground.
nonA
Because there’s a difference between offering advice of better ways to handle this or a similar situation in the future and saying “I don’t get why you allowed this to happen,” which is IMHO pretty dismissive without being helpful in any way.
Anyway, sorry, didn’t mean to attack you personally, just felt that if I had asked this question I would be trying get some support, not trying to feel worse about the situation.
AN
This. No one can “make” you put more makeup on your skin unless you allow them to.
Jenny
I also think you should have stuck to your guns, but it’s totally understandable that you caved under that kind of completely inappropriate pressure. I also think that it’s discrimination and harassment, probably not legally actionable, but I would definitely document it so you have a record. If you are really brave you could go back and tell your boss that you were uncomfortable being on the receiving end of that kind of pressure, and you would appreciate him respecting your decision in the future.
Anon
For what it’s worth, I also would have given in, and kicked myself for it later. And I am a really strong, successful woman. It’s hard to buck these things.
Anon L
That’s very bizarre and highly offensive. I suppose you could have said that you have “sensitive skin” and therefore can’t use a lot of makeup (and certainly not someone else’s makeup)…
Generally speaking, are you assertive at work? I’m not saying to become a mega-b**ch or anything, but perhaps you could use this as a wake-up call to work on being more assertive. I can’t imagine anyone doing this to the women I work with; however, I think all of the female attorneys I work with (myself included) at some point or another have made an effort to let it be known that charades relating to femininity will not be tolerated (and I have the opposite problem of perhaps being too girly/ glamorous on occasion). The goal of your actions should be that someone will think very carefully about pulling a stunt like this on you in the future, without you having to say outright that you were practically subjected to a hostile work environment (I am using the phrase for dramatic emphasis moreso than for the legal connotations as I am not an employment attorney).
E
I hate it when I’m too glamorous.
Anon L
Your sarcasm is duly noted. Thanks. =)
Anonymous K
I agree with others that ideally, you should have stuck to your guns, but I understand why you didn’t. We weren’t in the situation, so we obviously don’t know how you felt in that moment. I am sure it seemed like it was somewhat inconsequential and thus, that it was easier just to “give in.”
That being said, I agree with Jenny. If you feel comfortable doing so, say something to your boss in private. Make it clear that you were uncomfortable and that it was inappropriate. If you aren’t comfortable doing so or if you feel like that would only make the situation worse, document it, as Jenny suggested. The only thing I have to add to what she said is that, if the secretary seemed uncomfortable as well, make sure she documents that she felt pressured by the male boss to do your make-up, as well.
Good luck; this seems like a tough situation!
Anonymous
Hard to say how the best way to have handled it was without knowing your boss. Personally, I’d have stuck to my guns and refused; I think it’s icky. I also think it’s gender-based discrimination for him to force you to wear makeup and not similarly force the men. Is there an HR department there that you can file a complaint with? I’d want this noted in writing in a file somewhere in case you have any future problems. I also would bring this up directly with your boss and tell him you were offended, you found it extremely uncomfortable, and you want to make sure nothing of the like ever happens again.
Barely Related - Overreacting?
I think that’s the problem – I’m not assertive enough.
Not only am I the only female attorney – but I’m also younger than all of the staff. To make matters worse – I’ve had problems with this particular secretary (who has been here for more than 10 years) in the past.
She was definitely not uncomfortable in the situation and probably enjoyed the fact that I was.
I will definitely be working on asserting myself in the future. I vow to stand my ground next time – and will definitely resist any future photo-op.
carolina
I have a similar work situation. I usually try to respond with humor to make the partners see what they’re doing. Even now, after the fact (and after you calm down a little), could you go into your boss’s office and say “so….did you also have Secretary put make-up on ___?” (insert name of male associate)? I’m not sure what the atmosphere is at your firm, but usually at mine, a comment like that is enough to make the offender get that he was wrong or that the comment was inappropriate.
Anonymous
I really think you need to get some sort of documentation of this incident. Something like this is likely to happen again, and it could build up into a pattern of discriminatory behavior against you. Even if you just write a memo to file for yourself, document it and keep a record. And if there’s a way to formally complain about it, do so; often the fact that an individual hasn’t raised formal complaints in the past is used against them when the situation escalates.
anon
1. It’s so easy for other people to say they would have stood their ground. What’s done is done.
2. Yes, you should absolutely be offended.
3. How should you have handled it? I agree with the person suggesting lying and claiming to be extremely sensitive to makeup. Sadly, refusing without explanation likely would have damaged your relationship with your (obviously sexist) boss.
4. What should you do about it? Find another job. I completely disagree with those that suggest you should go to your boss and tell him that this was offensive. Several reasons for this. You’re the only woman at the firm, and even in large firms where the ratio is closer to 50/50 (for associates; let’s not talk about the partnership ranks–that would be depressing), anything perceived as lecturing will get you labeled as militant or uptight, even if it’s completely justified and the men could use some serious education/sensititivity training. I say this, and I consider myself a feminist! But, the simple and sad fact is that men have the power, and they don’t like working with women they don’t have a good time with, who they (rightly or wrongly) believe are overly sensitive, or with whom they believe they need to censor themselves. My experience has been that men often take the “Would I get drinks with this person?” approach when developing office relationships. If the idea of grabbing an after-work drink with you sends chills down their spines because they think you’re uptight or unpleasant, they won’t give you work. This applies to their relationships with young male associates, as well. I know this is going to sound very “Mad Men,” and I expect a deluge of outraged responses. Sorry, ladies. That’s how it is at *many* law firms. If your firm is different, I congratulate you: you are extraordinarily lucky.
There’s also the consideration that you’re in a small firm. The secretaries are already gossiping. Don’t give them more fodder. Even if you think your conversation with your boss is private, trust me, it won’t be for long. Don’t trust that he’ll keep it to himself. He *will* tell someone else, even if it’s another partner, and soon everyone will know.
As a practical matter, this incident should tell you that this law firm is absolutely not the right place for you. It should *scream* as much. You need to get out. However, you should anticipate that it’s going to take you 9+ months to find a new job in this economy. Start looking today. Get that resume back in shape, contact recruiters, and reach out to your colleagues in your community to let them know you’re looking and to keep in you in mind. In the meantime, you need to get work, not get shut out of work. You need to be aggressive in developing as many skills as you can that make you marketable, and you need work to do that. You also need to leave on good terms, with a glowing recommendation. Given the size of the firm you’re at, that means staying on good terms with this bastard and not burning bridges. So, as depressing as this is, my advice to you is to grin and bear it. Don’t complain to the boss. Try and joke back with the secretaries if you can. Or, hell, start telling them now that you have really sensitive skin, so they should be glad they’re not going to have to look at a rash for the rest of the week. Then, get the hell out.
Ru
Great advice. And just to add my $.02 – you have my utmost sympathies for being involved in such a bizarre situation.
Anon M
This. I worked at a hedge fund as the only woman, and trying to joke around inappropriate behavior actually added fuel to the fire of the admittedly already over the line in most normal workplaces traders. DO NOT confront your boss. DO NOT speak to HR if it’s the kind of place that HR will go running to your boss and make it worse. Write a memo and put as many particulars as possible in, and put it in a file AT HOME.
Document it. Don’t fan the flames any more. Think about how, for lack of a better word, f()cked up this was?!?! It was.
Find somewhere that wouldn’t put you in this situation. You’re not going to get ahead long term somewhere that you don’t fit in. Period.
Makeup Junkie
I agree, you’ve got to find a new job. This place doesn’t respect you. At all. Move on, and do it as soon as possible. There’s no going to talk to anyone about it now, the time for discussion was before anyone put makeup on your face.
I’m completely disgusted by the thought of wearing someone else’s makeup, too. I hope you exfoliated and toned that stuff out of your porers!
SS
I just wanted to say I’m sorry you had a horrible day. I agree with anon you should look to leave your job, unless the jerk may be leaving soon (or you don’t have to work with him). As to whether you should speak with him about the incident, I don’t know.
Miriam
I would have been disgusted by having someone’s make-up on me, unless it’s just a friend’s lipstick/gloss. Using face products can make you breakout and using any eye product is always a huge no-no. Sometimes I will share eye shadows, but never mascara or eye liner. It’s just not healthy for either of you, and I’m very surprised the secretary was willing to let you use her products.
I would be offended, but I certainly wouldn’t make a if deal of it or quit. It is certainly understandable that you allowed it at the moment so don’t feel bad about that. If something similar happens again, then maybe try to stick to your guns a little more and talk to your boss.
AIMS
I would just add that 1) whatever you end up doing, looking for a new job or not, do not come in with more make up than usual in the next few weeks. Act like nothing happened, as far as the staff is concerned. You don’t need to add to the gossip there.
As to 2) I agree that it was inappropriate but people are weird and sometimes have different standards. I had a pretty senior, much older person come to me for make-up & mascara recently because she forgot hers and got an invite to a last minute to some award function. I was a little floored that she would ask, and ended up just saying something about not having anything with me. But, point is, just because something is inappropriate doesn’t mean that other people think/realize it. And I hope I don’t offend anyone, but in my personal experience, I have found this to be especially true with much older people at work. Maybe they just had a different workplace experience and think that certain thing that might have been appropriate still are, I don’t know. It’s not an excuse, but I wouldn’t assume it’s an automatic negative reflection on you insofar as how your boss sees you.
govvie girl
I think your boss should be the one writing in to ask this same question. Onus and foul is on him. Be that as it may, respect and rapport are ultra-critical in office politics, and you’ve already identified things you need to work on. So, for your future last day before you go off to your future glorious next position, wrestle your boss into his chair and give him a makeover w/your lipsstick! Then tell him it makes him look thinner….
MJ
If you otherwise like your job, I recommend handling this with good humor so that you don’t come across as an uptight you-know-what. Remember that plenty of women put on more makeup than usual in order to look good in photographs – think of brides at their weddings – and try to take this in the spirit of him just wanting you to look good. If anyone makes any remarks about washing off the makeup, just shake your head and with a smile say something like, “What can I say, I guess I’m just not cut out to be as glamorous as [the secretary].” And if something similar ever happens again, follow the advice of one of the previous commenters and, again with a smile, politely refuse, saying something like, “Only if [male associate] puts on makeup too.”
AM
I wholeheartedly second the Bobbi Brown vote.
Her concealers actually disappear into the skin because they are all yellow based (the most natural looking tone). Pair this with her under eye cream and not only will your under eye look refreshed and moisturized, but it will help your concealer slide on smoother, with no wrinkling. You will end up using less concealer with Bobbi Browns’ under eye cream because the concealer will glide on in a perfect thin layer. The same goes for Bobbi Brown’s vitamin enriched face base. It gives your skin a natural glow, smells amazing, and provides the smoothest surface possible, enhancing your everyday makeup!
The concealer and under eye cream are the two key elements of my makeup routine and I have no desire to try anything else because it works. With blush (also Bobbi Brown) and mascara (Maybelline), I have a routine that takes only 3minutes and I’ve often been complimented on my natural but smooth look.
Hope this helps!
Anonymous K
I second Kat’s recommendation of Touche Eclat.
I also second the Laura Mercier concealer recommendation.
Lastly, I love the MUFE HD Concealer. I prefer the MUFE Full Cover for spot concealing, but the HD stuff is great for undereyes.
As to the Erase Paste that a lot of people mentioned, I’ve found that it works well for a lot of people, but the apricot tint is too much for me (I know it counteracts with the purple tint in most undereye circles, but it just doesn’t blend well with my skin color). I think it’s great to try out, but I would actually go to Sephora, Ulta, etc. and try it out rather than ordering it, just to make sure it works with your skin tone!
Anonymous K
Oh, and for cream, I love Kinerase Under Eye Rescue! It’s pricey, but for me, it’s worth it!
KH
My sister went through a period in her life when she cried a lot – often and at work. To deal with the immediate puffiness problem, she relied on Preparation H. She swore it worked – not as a preventative measure, but an emergency solution.
A question for you ladies who are using eye cream. I find that my mascara smears and makes raccoon rings when I use it. For that reason, I never use it during the day and probably use it less than I should at night. What might I be doing wrong, either in brand or application? I don’t think I’m using too much, but how much do you all use?
JJ
Do you wear mascara on your lower lids? More often than not, if I do that it will smudge into raccoon eyes. Otherwise, I’ve found that switching mascaras also helps. For a long time, I swore by DiorShow mascara (soooo overpriced, but I loved it) but I was getting the same effect and recently switched to one by Fresh. Don’t know the name, but I highly recommend it.
Tube Mascara
I agree with JJ; switching mascaras may make all of the difference. Have you tried a tube mascara? They wrap each lash in a tube, so there’s not as much flaking/smudging. (Sorry I can’t explain it better here!) Fiberwig and Kiss Me are two that come to mind, but there are others.
jcb
I second this. My upper lashes are just long enough to touch under my eyes and every single mascara I ever tried would eventually leave me with raccoon eyes (though some worked better than others – Chanel mascara and L’Oreal Voluminous come to mind). Not only was it really not lovely, but I found I was always rubbing under my eyes trying to get it off, leading people to ask me if everything was ok. And I was worried about eventually ending up with big wrinkly bags under my eyes from all of the pulling on the skin.
Anyway, switched to tubes and never had another problem! I order Blinc’s Kiss Me mascara online from Sephora. Highly recommend it for this problem.
MBS
Love Blinc mascara! It’s the only one I’ve ever found that did not smudge, or flake. Also, it’s never irritated my eyes, and I’m sensitive to most mascaras.
Backtowork
Clinique has one like this, too (can’t remember the exact name of it at the moment, but it comes in a silver tube). I put it on upper lashes only, but it absolutely does not budge once I put it on.
i'm nobody
agree with the above; try a tube mascara like Blinc. i love it.
Ru
You could be using too much eye cream. Using powder on top of the eye cream and/or concealer could also help.
AIMS
Don’t use anything on your lower lashes & try curling the upper.
Play around with different mascaras as suggested by others.
JM
This used to happen to me all the time. Now I curl my upper lashes, use waterproof mascara (only on the upper lashes, nothing on the lower), and if I am using eyeshadow, I use an eyeshadow primer. I don’t get raccoon eyes anymore but I had to invest in some strong eye make up remover!
NB
You definitely need waterproof mascara, and I love Lancome’s L’Exreme Black Waterproof mascara. Lancome also sells a remover which you need to buy to remove the mascara, but I have gone swimming and taken showers at the gym and it does not smear!
fresh jd
I recommend the following products:
http://bit.ly/c2lGSs — throw it in the fridge to freshen up and relieve bags under eyes; I’ve only seen this French brand (Vichy) sold at CVS
I have this Clinique “All About Eyes” cream: http://bit.ly/95tBg3
…but I am going to try this new roller version soon, because I agree that the Garnier one is a bit weak (though refreshing): http://bit.ly/bEw8Ar
rebecca
I bought my first Touche Eclat stick about a month ago and LOVE it. I didn’t really wear undereye concealer before Touche Eclat, but I’ve already integrated it into my morning routine – it instantly brightens my face and makes me look SO much more put together.
Up until about a year ago I was one of those girls (women?) who never bothered to learn how to wear foundation, concealer, etc. But after seeing what Bare Minerals can do for my 23-year-old, basically problem-free complexion, I will never go back. I think even people with no real skin problems will get way more bang for their buck – and more importantly their time – with a little bit of the right skin products than they will with any other makeup.
Anyway, that’s my two cents!
E
Benefit Boi-ing has been fabulous for me recently. It’s advertised as an “industrial-strength” concealer, and that’s exactly what I’ve needed. Highly recommended.
Anon
Cle de Peau is expensive, but lasts forever and covers well…
Suze
Cle de Peau in the form of concealer, day/night cream or both? Confess that I can’t bring myself even near the cosmetics counter at Saks or Neimans….so I have no idea of these products.
That said, I love (and have used for decades) Lancome Progres on my eyes – works wonders and ‘supports’ all manner of concealers. Laura Mercier’s concealer/primer/brightener when one has time/needs to really put on the face is a win, but for me is not an everyday thing – I wear fairly minimal makeup (clinique undereye concealer, neutrogena tinted moisturizer, light drugstore mascara and some neutral-ly drugstore lipstick) to work generally, and usually none on weekends, put on a little more for a night out….so, dunno. I tried the Garnier rollon thingy just to see what it would do for me after a long night, was unimpressed with effects, but it does feel good.
Anon
I love the cle de peau concealor. Admittedly, I still have my old “blue tube” version…and I don’t know if the updated packaging means a different formulation. But it is the most natural (and lasting) way I’ve found to cover undereye circles.
J
Strongly recommend Paula Begoun’s book: Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. She’s on her 7th or 8th edition. Her unbiased, down-to-earth reviews of all kinds of cosmetic products, including concealers and eye creams, have saved me a fortune–and lots of precious time–over the years. She also includes lots of helpful information busting the myths and marketing frauds perpetuated by the cosmetics industry and refutes these sales pitches with science. I believe she has a subscription-based website for additional reviews, called Beautypedia. I never try out a new makeup or skin care product before checking her book.
Makeup Junkie
Nothing has worked for me as well as Silk Naturals Sleep in a jar. it’s the only sleep I’ve been getting lately, haha.
http://bit.ly/9aThst
AB
I used to hate concealers because I could never get them to both cover and blend, but I finally found one I’m in love with. It’s a bit pricey, but lasts forever and works like magic. It’s from the Kevyn Aucoin line, and it’s awesome:
http://www.kevynaucoindirect.com/product_The+Sensual+Skin+Enhancer_12595.htm
Parisienne
These concealer products are very good, but here’s the catch something puffy or discolored under the eyes is generally a sign of a health problem. The best thing would be to try to remedy the vitamin deficiency or whatever else (sleep deprivation? too much drinking? lack of exercise? drug reaction?) may be causing the condition. Plastering it over with a product is not helpful in the long run.
Anonymous K
Not necessarily, Parisienne. For many women, it’s genetic.
Pamplemousse
This seems like the perfect forum to ask this question . . . has anyone else developed allergic reactions to under-eye cream? I experienced pink, puffy skin all around my eyes after using Clinique All About Eyes and Origins Youthtopia eye cream. It seems like those two brands would be the least likely to contain ingredients that would irritate sensitive skin.
E
I once started having problems like this, and I couldn’t quite place the product, but it happened to me every time I visited my then-long distance boyfriend. I realized that every time I made the trip, I put more effort into my makeup, including using products that I would not always select—like a “grape” eyeliner from Clinique. I brought it in to the counter, and they said that some people had reactions to the dyes, and were very gracious and replaced it with a different color, which caused no trouble.
I have had skin irritation with Origins creams— if you read Paula Begoun, whose name is mentioned in the comments, she says that a lot of natural-sounding ingredients that attract us are really major irritants.
Maybe you could try Korres— another all-natural brand. I received a sample of an undereye cream that I thought was nice. Not sure about its anti-aging benefits but it was moisturizing and smelled good.
NB
I have had serious reactions to eye creams. The only one that I have been able to use is Estee Lauder’s Verite (for sensitive skin) eye cream. It’s pricey, but worth it.
PeacockTulips
Question for those of you who use Bobbi Brown: do you have problems with the concealer creasing and/or not lasting all day? If so, how did you address it?
MidSouthAtty
Kat, if you’re wearing a light concealer in another brand you are 99% probably wearing Touche Eclat #1.
The ingredient in preparation H that shrunk under-eye puffiness is no longer used. Unless you’re in Canada.
For awhile, I used Aveda’s Tourmaline Eye Cream and liked it. I’ve tried nearly every product on the market (at least it feels that way) and agree that the Garnier Rollerball didn’t do anything for me. Neither did any Revlon eye cream I tried. I’m currently using SkinEffects Eye cream from CVS and it’s ok. Allure’s beauty issue raved about Aveeno’s positively radiant eye cream and about Olay’s Dermapod eye treatment.
Try using an antihistamine before bed for under-eye puffiness and dark circles that are allergy related, and sleep on your back on 2 pillows. Also, for those with dark circles a yellow-based concealer will work very well for hiding them, try putting it UNDERNEATH foundation instead of on top. That trick also works if you know you will be photographed to eliminate the white under-eye circles that often appear in pictures.
Lincoln
I am real fan of the Arbonne products especially the RE-9 eye cream. Just a tiny little bit really helps with both puffiness and wrinkles
Katie
Hi! I use a one-two-punch under my eyes: Neutrogena 3-in-1 eye concealer for the dark circles, and Benefit Ooh La Lift to brighten/highlight & it feels cool on my tired under eyes. The Neutrogena concealer is a tinted cream NOT a stick – at 33 the lines are starting to show, and stick concealer gets cakey & shows off my little wrinkles. The Benefit product is my favorite ‘pick up up’ at 3pm at work and after a long plane flight. I love that stuff!
Annie
I have recently noticed that my eyes keep looking tired and I start to see the first fine lines at 27 years old now. That’s why I decided to have a quick eye treatment at an Aveda spa salon. After I saw the results, I purchased Aveda green science eye cream. I have been only using it for a few days now but I can definitely see a difference! My eyes look brighter, the dark circles are gone an I can feel the skin tightening up when I put it on (it’s a little pricey at $45 but the jar will probably last a year). For now this will do and sometime in the future I might invest in one of the named concealers…Usually, tinted moisturizer is all I wear (except for on bad days when more coverage is needed I use Dream Matte Mouse, forgot the brand but it’s cheap and very lightweight, available at drugstores).
My husband is using the Origins eye cream mentioned earlier (wth ginseng, orange jar) and he says it works great for him (he mainly struggles with dark circles). Didn’t find it to do much for me and I wanted something a little more preventative for fine lines and wrinkles…I guess everyone is different and a little trying out what works for you is part of the “fun”.