“Perfect” is among the most overused words in beauty marketing and beauty writing – I’m guilty of using and abusing the adjective myself.  But today, I was introduced to Per-fekt, the proper noun and that’s a whole new ball game.
The first Per-fekt product that I’ve tested (there are just three in the line) is coincidentally the newest, the Eye Perfection Gel. This treatment/primer/concealer/brightener (no, really…it effectively acts as all of those things) enhances the delicate under-eye area with the most natural look imaginable.

So what does that really mean? Well, effectively, Eye Perfection Gel smoothes the skin, provides minimal coverage, treats puffiness and …read more

I must admit, even though I treat my feet to regular pedicures, the shoes that I choose to wear wreak havoc on them. So it makes sense that a brand has come along to address the issue of foot ugliness – be it scars from battle (you know, the uncomfiest heels you’ve got?), veins, tanlines or discoloration – head on – Tintalize.
Tintalize is a waterproof, sweatproof, smudgeproof concealer ($15 for 7 packets) designed just for feet. It’s a water based gel with twice the pigment of a normal concealer and it’s available in 7 shades, which inexplicably are named …read more

I like to give my skin a little rest weekly, so Sundays are usually my no-makeup day. But today, as I readied myself for brunch and took a hard look at my skin, I realized that my stress level and lack of sleep have been taking a real toll. I’ve got some dark circles as well as some imperfections that could definitely use some attention!
So, into my makeup stash I dug, looking for a miracle worker, and out came La Prairie’s Light Fantastic Cellular Concealing-Brightening Eye Treatment ($70).  Now, while that’s a major mouthful of a name, what this product …read more

As the proud ownner of hereditary dark circles (thanks, mom! thanks, dad!), the perfect concealer is my version of the holy grail.  Now, don’t get me wrong…there are several  that do a great job (Bobbi Brown and Cle de Peau come to mind, among others) but I can never stop that nagging voice in the back of mind that says, “Surely, you can do better.”  It turns out that the voice was right…I’m now loving tarte’s new Dark Circle Defense.
This intense coverage concealer has a drier formula, which leads to really amazing staying power. Simply dab a bit onto the stiff …read more

I’m on a forever-long journey to find the best concealer.  While I’ve tested several that I like, I’ve yet to find one that does it all though Max Factor’s classic Erace comes close.

Formulated decades ago by the actual Max Factor himself, Erace is a medium to full coverage stick concealer with peachy undertones that effectively cover dark circles.  Max Factor’s celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey, who works with Katy Perry, Kyra Sedgwick, Annie Lennox and Rosario Dawson among others, recently confessed to me that this was a staple in his kit long before he began working with the brand, along …read more

A makeup legend in its own right, YSL Touché éclat ($40) gets an update for Spring in a versatile new light peach hue. With a brightening and lightening cream inside, the convenient click-pen applicator works to conceal and diffuse light, leading to a more radiant complexion.
If peach isn’t your color, Touché éclat also comes in three other shades – Luminous Radiance, Ivory or Toffee.  This is a makeup essential for me – I use the little pen daily, to add a bit of radiance to the inside and outside corners of my eye. If you have light under eye circles, this may …read more

 
My favorite custom-blend experts, Three Custom Color Specialists, are offering up a sampling opportunity to web shoppers from now through April 23rd.   Get a trio of free concealer samples with any online order (no minimum purchase)!

 
 
 
Three Custom Color’s unique and versatile concealer formula is a favorite of makeup artists (and me!) Use the creamy blend full coverage to conceal redness or dark circles, apply with a wet sponge to use as a foundation or blend with your favorite face cream to create the perfect tinted moisturizer. This is one of my go-to products every morning!
To get the deal, simply indicate which …read more

If you’re anything like me, barely a day goes by when you’re not plagued with a pesky zit in THE most unfortunate location (right now, I’m having a serious chin issue.)  But with a little makeup ingenuity, you can make blemish virtually disappear. Makeup artist Emily Kate Warren gave Makeup Minute three easy tips:
1: Use your finger to tap on a cream-based concealer. (We love Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit )
2: Pick up a sponge and stipple (dab) your regular foundation over the covered blemish, lightening your touch as you fade out the edges until there is no product left …read more

Some days feel shorter than 24 hours, n’est ce pas?  If you’re feeling short on sleep and long on dark circles (as am I), meet your new BFF: Tricia Sawyer Eye Slept.
This creamy brightener can be worn on it’s own for dark circles that fall on the lighter side or as a boost to your everyday concealer for extra coverage. Simply dab on lightly with your pinky finger or a concealer brush (NARS makes a phenomenal one!) and this baby stays put. I like to layer it under my Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Maximum Coverage for days when I’m feeling …read more

Concealer. Sometimes we can’t live with it, but we definitely can’t live without it.
There seem to be a zillion formulas of concealer on the market, and for each formula, there are several shades. Choosing the right concealer for your complexion and the flaws you’re looking to hide can be quite a challenge.
In my quest for finding the perfect concealer, I stumbled across Mary Kay’s Color Concealer and I’ve been hooked ever since. Its formula is creamy, but not gloppy. The coverage it provides is thorough, but not paint-like. There are several colors, but not so many that you’re left …read more