In my opinion, it is absolutely necessary to incorporate some under-eye concealing and brightening during your makeup application. Doing so can make a huge difference in how bright-eyed and youthful you appear. The products on the market, specific to this area, are abundant. That is great news, as we all have different skin-type, skin-coloring, and skin-issues. The downside is that all the choices we have can be quite overwhelming. Finding what works for you can be time consuming. And frankly, who has time?

I have tried my fair share of under-eye concealing and brightening products over the past several years. This will most likely continue. I enjoy putting products to the test. I especially enjoy this when I am putting a new product up against a current love.

The under-eye products that I use and routine that I do is perfection to me. I have used these product favorites for many years. And no matter how many newbies come out, whether prestige or drugstore, after testing I always go back to my tried-and-true. 

Under-eye Concealing and Brightening

 Benefit Erase Paste in the shade Med. 02 (Gift w/ purchase) also sold at Sephora

I apply, by dabbing it with a brush by e.l.f, which I think cost $1. You can pick this concealer brush up at Walmart, Meijer or Target. From there, I use a brush by Bare Escentuals to blend the Erase Paste in. Lastly, I tap and set my concealer using my middle finger.

To set the concealer/brightener paste, I use Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in 01. I use a brush by Sephora to pat it on and then slightly blend it out.

The Benefit Erase Paste and Laura Mercier Powder are miraculous together. There is no better way to put it! I especially recommend this duo if you are experiencing aging, creepy skin. This combination will NOT settle into your fine lines! Alleluia!!!

Tips for selecting an Under-eye Concealer: Concealers intended for the under-eye area are NOT the same as concealers that you would use for concealing a blemish or mark on your face. Number one, the texture is generally different. Under-eye concealers tend to be creamier (or a liquid consistency) vs. the dryer textures that are used for blemish concealing. Under-eye concealers also generally are more peach-tone vs. yellow or pink based like the ones that would be used on the rest of your face. The peach will cancel out the blueish color that a lot of us naturally sport … due to aging, lack-of-sleep, stress or flat-out genetics. My husband genetically has dark circles under his eyes. His dad and brothers do, as well. Unfortunately, my daughters inherited that gene. Under-eye concealers will be their best friend. And with the performers on the market now, they should have no problem pulling off a bight-eyed-and-bushy-tailed appearance.

Most under-eye concealers have brightening properties in them. This is great, as it gives off not only a brightening effect, but it reflects light, as well. This leaves you with a nice, flawless appearance, and is great for photography too … bring on the selfie!

Here are some of the under-eye concealers that I have put to the test, against my favorite Benefit Erase Paste: Mac Prep + Prime | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer | It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye | Taste Shape Tape |  Maybelline Fit Me | Maybelline Instant Age Rewind | Maybelline Dream Lumi. A lot of these concealers worked great! And some are drugstore. But, the reality is that .. for myself .. none of them stood up to the test of the Benefit Erase Paste. 

Under-eye Concealers that I have been interested in trying: Urban Decay Naked Skin | Tarte Maracujá Creaseless Concealer  | Kat Von D Lock-it. Let me know in the comment section below if you have tried any of these concealers and what your thoughts are. Also, if you have any other recommendations, please do tell!

If you would like to see a tutorial on today’s under-eye concealing and brightening, please check out my Youtube Video: