Setting Under Eye Concealer with Powder?

Feb 7, 2012

Sofia C.

Hi guys! So I struggle with really terrible genetic dark circles. I have extremely thin under eye and eyelid skin that completely shows off my myriad of purple veins and overall lavender hue. -_- I use several things to cover them up on top of my very sheer bare minerals foundation...benefit's 360 stay dont stray eyelid/under eye primer, bobbi brown peach corrector, then a maybelline mineral concealer wand, and I follow that up with benefit's boing to lighten it all up a little bit more. But that cakes a lot, so I go over that a bit with the aforementioned liquid conealer wand that smoothes it out. All these things crease in my undereye fine lines though, just beneath my eyes, but if I go over it with a setting powder (Ive used MUFE's and tarte's amazonian clay setting powders for this) with a fluffy brush like people usually advice, It comes out even cakier! Not to mention, it removes product, or just has a darkening effect, idk. But basically after i try to 'set it', the whole thing looks worse. So I usually go over again with the liquid concealer wand after the setting powder, and just hope for the best. I usually end up having to finger-pat down the concealer creases throughout the day -_- And the concealer patches under my eye look very dry, obvious and unnatural. I dont have very normal under eye skin - not dry or oily, so idk what could be the cause of this..
Any other suggestions or products? 

Feb 7, 2012

Joyce S.

I suggest you apply your eye cream/gel a good 5 minutes before concealer. My MUA said my dark circles are "red-based" hence I use a green corrector to cancel out the redness. I'm gathering that the concealer is too dry, so why not try mixing in with an emulsion, which I do with my Estee Lauder Maximum Coverage(rather past consistency). Use a light lotion, not a cream. As for the creasing, I use a silicone-based primer prior to concealing. Hope these help!

Feb 7, 2012

Tamara R.

If you're using all those products at once.. it's no wonder they cake up with the sheer number of layers.

If the primary undertone of your circles is lavender/purple.. definitely stick with a peach based corrector. I'd then layer a concealer; either your skin tone or slightly lighter (but still the same tone) and then buff it out. You want as thin a layer as you can get without losing coverage. Once it smooth, take your setting powder (love the Tarte version) on a fluffy brush and press it into the skin, then lightly dust away the excess. When you blend on your powder foundation, don't layer it over the under eye.. just lightly blend the edges.

If you're using a cream concealer, try warming it up on the back of your hand first so that it spreads easily and you can use less. If you still can't get good results, try a liquid concealer for a thinner application (I adore MAC's Pro Longwear).

Also, be sure that your eye area is well moisturized. Even though you're concerned about creasing, the skin does better when it's hydrated skin.

Feb 7, 2012

Courtney A.

laura mercier secret brightening powder. AMAZING for setting under eye concealer

Feb 7, 2012

Sofia C.

@Tamara, I only keep layering because after I initially try to set it, instead of staying the same it usually cakes/loses coverage. I guess I just need to invest in a higher coverage/quality concealer though, that's evident :x

Feb 7, 2012

Tamara R.

Layering cream over powder tends to make those situations worse. When you add the powder are you dusting it on or patting? Pushing powder into a cream shouldn't disturb the coverage, whereas sweeping/swiping can definitely disturb things.

If you can get to a Sephora or department store.. I'd go on a concealer mission. Let the sales people know what you're looking for - what types of products/techniques you've tried that haven't worked and rack up on the samples. If you have time, see if they can do a demo too.. just again, so you can watch their technique to see if they can get a better result.

Feb 7, 2012

Sofia C.

I've been doing the slightly sweeping it with a fluffy bush rudimentary technique i always hear about..but I've seen several people set concealers with, like, powder poufs and I've been intrigued by how that might possibly work for me. But it's like my setting powder literally somehow removes the product underneath it. But that could totally jst be the sweeping..I've tried pressed powder with a foam puff and it somehow darkens the entire thing, for some reason.
But I'll definitely do the concealer mission...although I'd totally end up buying way more than concealer, lol..I'd have to keep a firm grip on my money. But I always have really bad experiences with MAC/Sephora employees..it's like all they do is judge me rather than help me. C'est la vie, though!

Feb 7, 2012

Tamara R.

Hmm.. I'm not sure why a translucent powder would darken your concealer. You don't necessarily have to use a puff or sponge. I usually still use a fluffy brush, but instead of sweeping, I use the side of the brush to pat it in.. let it sit for a minute (do the other eye) and then go back and dust it away.. super lightly though. Hold the brush at the very end of the handle for minimal pressure.

I know exactly what you mean, I stay away unless I absolutely must go in. ^_^ Set a goal, if you find your concealer.. then treat yourself with something else too! LOL

I have had mixed experiences too, but don't let attitude problems deter you. It's not as if you're going in asking for 20 samples. 2 -4 is entirely reasonable when you have the intent to purchase what works for you. It's better than buying them all and returning them because it wasn't what you needed. You're allowed to ask for them, and despite any attitude you get - they have sample containers for a reason.

If they're being truly horrible about it, talk to the management. It's about customer service, not employee convenience.

Good luck!

Feb 8, 2012

Mayra S.

I've always had really bad dark circles... ever since I can remember but I finally seem to have found an eye routine that works for me... I make sure to wear an eye cream thats targets all of the eye problems that I have (Im currently using Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Eye), then I dab the Olay/ CG Simply Ageless Corrector gently w/ my ring finger, then apply the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer the same way- set it with Bare Minerals Multi-tasking concealer w/ either the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge or a tap it on lightly w/ a brush. This really gets rid of my dark circles and doesnt crease or look cakey. Hope this helps :) 

Feb 8, 2012

Antonio Z.

I prefer using correctors, they work better than concealers, the corrector will have double the impact, because it neutalizes the color like blue or purple with a peachy clor and will brighten the eye and i do this under the foundation, remember that is really important to set your foundation or concealer or whatever, just around the eyes very lightly cuz of the thin skin we've got there...
also for concealers go 2 or 3 times lighter than er skin, using your fingers is easier, you just have to dab the concealer where you got the most dark and blend out the edges, don't cake up on things.
also depends on what kind of concealer you are going for, liquid concealers tend to be more light coverage than cream concealers, so try out different kinds to see what works for you and your skin.
Once more I preffer correctos, the one I love is by graftobian... and the peachy color will help out with the purple undertones or its got a green corrector too, that should help out with the red undertones.
Hope that helps a lil bit :-]

Apr 2, 2013

Nikki R.

I highly recommend Laura mercier secret concealer. I used to have the same issues with layering as you and this concealer is very creamy and a lot goes a long way. I use Bobbi brown corrector under it and it last pretty much the entire day.