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Testing Under Eye Concealers for Mature Skin

The under eye area is one of the hardest to deal with as skin ages. Dark circles can easily be camouflaged on younger skin, but once wrinkles and puffiness start to appear, makeup just makes them all look worse. Even so, the area still needs some coverage, so I’ve tested 6 concealers to see how they cover, blend, and wear.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector Liquid SPF 25: $13.50 for .17 oz, 4 shades

The Marketing Claims: Bright eyes are the secret to a rested, refreshed look, yet the delicate eye area is often the first place to show fatigue, such as puffiness and dark circles. Discover a do-it-all product that not only brightens and conceals with a patented blend of anti-oxidants including Vitamin E, wild chamomile and soy, but is also clinically shown to de-puff and treat the appearance of dark under eye circles.

The Reality: The inclusion of Vitamin E, chamomile and soy can be effective over time, and the spf 25 is great for the undereye area! But, the formula is thick and tacky feeling. It was more difficult to blend and made wrinkles look worse. Not great coverage. It got shiny after 3-4 hours.

Mac Pro Longwear: $18 for .30 oz, 15 shades

The Marketing Claims: A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

The Reality: This never got to the natural matte finish promised and stayed too dewey looking all day. It was not long wearing, was all worn off after 5 hours leaving a spotty, drying and flaky film under eyes. This was the thickest of the formulas so made wrinkles more apparent.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer: Spf 15, $7.99, .04 oz., 3 shades

The Marketing Claims: Exclusive ColorStay™ formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating.

The Reality: Thick greasy feel going on, but used sparingly, it offers good coverage. Settled into wrinkles a little, but less than Mac or Neutrogena. Stays matte. Long wearing… was still covering after 8 hours.

Lancome Magicomplet: $30

The Marketing Claims: This creamy, liquid concealer hides flaws, blemishes and dark circles with full, natural-looking coverage. Enriched with a hydrating botanical complex, anti-oxidant protection, and light-diverting agents. Minimizes the appearance of under-eye circles and wrinkles, while protecting against free radical damage. Natural-looking finish. Ideal for all skin types.

The Reality: Has the same concealer feel as most, but a little less stiff. Blends easily, and is a good color. Medium coverage, but if you have really dark circles, it may not cover. Satin finish, so it brightens up the under eye area. Very little settling into wrinkles, but because it’s thick, wrinkles appear larger. Wears 6-7 hours.

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Concealer: $23 for .2 oz., 1 shade

The Marketing Claims: Get younger-looking eyes with Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush. It contains a daily under-eye moisturizer that hydrates to firm skin’s appearance and minimize the look of fine lines. A hint of tint instantly reduces the appearance of dark circles.

The Reality: Only one shade is a problem for most, and it’s expensive for a drugstore brand, but is such a light, non-greasy forumula that blends so easily. Feels more like a tinted moisturizer than a concealer. Very sheer coverage, so it doesn’t settle into lines and wrinkles. Matte finish. A long-time favorite of mine.

Armani Master Corrector: $37 for .14 oz., 2 shades

The Marketing Claims:Corrective concealer in four color-balancing shades designed to target specific complexion concerns. Exclusive micro-fil technology allows for targeted correction, visibly concealing imperfections while light-reflecting pearls impart a halo of light imparting a seamless, flawless facial canvas.  Corrective concealer shades include:

1. Pink: counteracts sallow, dull skin and effectively corrects yellow and olive pigmentation.

2. Orange: targets olive or darker skin tones to conceal under-eye circles, freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.

The Reality: So lightweight, it blends amazingly, but the colors are so bright, it can be weird. Can only be used on darker areas to correct color… looks too orange under the rest of the eye area. Doesn’t gather in wrinkles. Has a satin to matte finish.

Here’s a photo montage for comparison:

43 Responses to "Testing Under Eye Concealers for Mature Skin"

Anna says:

January 13, 2018 at 2:41 pm

I’m really struggling to find a moisturizing, all in one, concealer. Right now I’m using Pixi’s correction concentrate in ‘awakening apricot’ but then I have to use additional concealer over the top. Tarte’s Shape Tape and BH cosmetics total coverage concealer will cover ANYTHING, but they’re both so dry.

I’m 40, and the dark circles are increasing. No puffiness yet, but the area definitely needs more moisture.

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Mila says:

March 13, 2017 at 5:35 pm

I just tried to find the Olay concealer and it seems it has been discontinued… From your review it looks like a great products. Unfortunately it is no longer available. Bummer!

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Pournima says:

November 3, 2016 at 9:27 am

Hi Angie, loved ur true feedback I m 35 but because of my hereditary dark circles my under eye areas are very thin and loose skin I hardly get all imported brands here in india. I tried mac concealer pallet it is pathetic. It makes my under eye area look more horrible waste of money.

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Nala says:

August 15, 2016 at 1:44 am

While on my journey to getting healthy, I’ve found I have a methylation pathway issue that was affecting how my body handled histamines. My nose was always running, post-nasal drip and I had really dark under eye circles and puffiness.

After adding in different vitamins to address these methylation pathway issues things started to change. My nose stopped running. My eyes stopped itching. No more post-nasal drip. Then, one day I went to put on under eye concealer and noticed my dark under eye circles had diminished greatly! The puffiness was decreasing too!

I use different products depending on the day, what event I’m going to and how quickly I want to be out the door. I love Bare Minerals bareSkin Complete Coveragr Serum Concealer. I have both the Light and the Medium and I blend them to create the perfect shade for me (varies thoroughout the year). I use a concealer makeup brush and gently pat on thin layers until I achieve the desired effect.

For concealing eye bags, I use the tips and tricks shared by Wayne Goss (love his videos). I use Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Beightner in Luminous 1. I use a small concealer brush to just apply this where the “shadow” is of the eye bag.

I also have Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer in both Medium 1 and Light 1. When I have really dark eye circles, this was my preferred concealer. A little goes a long way. I apply using a concealer brush. I still use the Light 1 to add brightness at the inner corner of my eye, lightly along lash line at inner corner of eye (both top & bottom) and under brow.

I recently added the Lancôme Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer in both Correcteur and Ivoire. The Correcteur is yellow and I use the small concealer brush to just lightly address the areas with any darkness. Then I go over it with the Ivoire and it blends so perfectly with my skin that I don’t need to use foundation! Perfect in the summer Arizona heat.

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Beth says:

May 23, 2016 at 1:24 pm

While I’m still on the hunt for the perfect concealer, at the moment the best I’ve found by far is by Bobbi Brown. I use both the concealer as well as the corrector. My biggest problem is that they can be hard to find.

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Phyllis Gehrke says:

May 6, 2016 at 1:16 pm

I use the Mary Kay Primer and Foundation and have found I have fewer wrinkles around my eye. I also use the Mary Kay under the Eye cream, been using it for 3 weeks and can really see the difference.
No I am not a Mary Kay Consultant

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Debbi says:

March 16, 2016 at 9:15 am

They do not make oil of olay concealer any more!!

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Chloe says:

February 14, 2016 at 4:40 pm

Ooh, thanks for this post. I use Max Factor Master Touch Concealer. It isn’t as long-wearing as I’d like, but it does not settle into my wrinkles and it doesn’t exaggerate my wrinkles like other concealers do.

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mari says:

December 18, 2015 at 3:39 pm

Why would you want to cover the wrinkles when you can remove them. Just choose a really really good moisturizer – I have been using the Made from Earth Plant Stem Cell Moisturizer (and my skin is super sensitive) and in 3 weeks I have seen a big difference….wrinkles going away and my face is like glowing !

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Brenda says:

November 15, 2015 at 2:49 pm

Has anyone approached the idea of improving the health of our liver? I believe sometimes the under eye circles can reflect a stressed liver. Milk Thistle herb capsules and tea are extremely helpful and although it’s a slow process (12-18 months ) improvement can be achieved. It has worked for me!

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Callie says:

October 21, 2015 at 9:45 pm

Thank you so much for doing the work and sharing what you’ve learned.

After I’d read your article, I bought Olay Total Effects. “Sheer” is the best adjective for this product; it stays subtle while concealing and hydrating, and it doesn’t settle into lines. I top off with some light, translucent powder, and the effect is never heavy or cakey. What a find! The tube doesn’t contain much product, so I’m going to stock up on more.

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Sharon says:

April 1, 2015 at 12:11 pm

I’d recommend Monsia! 🙂

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Patty says:

March 19, 2015 at 2:05 pm

Thank you, Kristin, for so eloquently stating precisely the same sentiments I have about Angie’s YT videos and blog! Just adding my ‘thumbs up’ to you Angie, for all of the thoughtful effort you invest in creating your videos and entries here- it is truly sooo appreciated! I’ve been a loyal subbie of yours on YT forever, and always check your reviews whenever I have a problem or want to try a new product. Your background research is impeccable and your opinions and reviews are always objective and fair. Thank you for helping us be the best version of ourselves we can be!!

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Kathia says:

February 15, 2015 at 3:53 pm

This is a great list!! I haven’t tried chantecaille but I have tried all the rest. I totally agree that Cle de peau is the best far and away. I made a commitment to stick to it and stop wasting money on any other concealers. It lasts so long since you need just a little. I like to apply it with a clean brush which I think keeps it more hygienic that those with an applicator.
Thanks Angie and Twyla!!

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Joy Hopkins says:

January 26, 2015 at 11:22 pm

Just been reading your blog, fantastic, my problem is I havnt ever worn much makeup concentrating on the eyes and lipstick, always moisturised, so my skin is nnot bad for a 72year young person, over the last few years, the dreaded sun damage has emerged leaving me with very uneven colouring due to many years of sunbaking the browner the better, I feel that I need an all over concealer by the bucketful, what can you recommend, would be grateful knowing when I went out that I didnt look like a mottled cat(sorry cat) regards oy

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Windy Joy says:

September 28, 2014 at 3:32 pm

I am 35 & noticing that NO concealer is doing the trick. I was never a fan but when used sparingly in my late 20’s…I couldn’t complain. I’m having major issues with both foundation & concealer. It’s just not laying the same…no matter what I use, technique, etc.

I am to the point. I moisturize & Apply Benefit BB cream.

I know I’ll never have my late 20’s kin again but 35 seems young to be experiencing this. I’m struggling with under eye hallows. I’ve always had crows feet from smiling etc.

I agree the Armani is great but the shades do feel weird. I enjoyed your post and the comparison pics. I did enjoy the foundation as well.

I feel some days are good and others are just bad…all looks great on you. But I was drawn to the Olay & Armani results the most.

Thx for taking the time to share & looking forward to reading more…

🙂

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Kay says:

August 3, 2014 at 12:42 pm

Hello, just wondering what shade in the Becca Beach Tint you use? Do you apply it on your circles then? I still am planning on getting the Armani color corrector, though. Really hoping it does the trick!

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1. Angie says:
  
  August 6, 2014 at 8:39 pm
  
  I’ve never used the Becca Beach Tint.
  
  Reply
Peggy says:

June 28, 2014 at 2:44 pm

Wondering if you’ve tried IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer? Love their products but haven’t tried the concealer.

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1. Angie says:
  
  July 7, 2014 at 2:01 pm
  
  Yes, and I don’t love it, but I don’t have darkness under my eyes that needs a heavy concealer. It’s pretty thick and tacky, so it’s only good in very small quantities, but it does cover well even when used sparingly.
  
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2. Martha says:
  
  March 25, 2016 at 8:50 pm
  
  I tried IT, but their concealer is very heavy kinda like their foundations. Nice color but settled in fine lines and my eyes looked older!
  
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3. Lori says:
  
  October 14, 2016 at 3:55 pm
  
  Peggy,
  I love IT Cosmetics but I do not like the Concealer. Whenever I use it people tell me I look tired. I like it covers the dark circles but really goes into your creases.
  
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4. CJ says:
  
  November 22, 2016 at 11:10 pm
  
  If u use it add a little under eye moisturizer and heat up between your fingers to blend.
  
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5. Shannon says:
  
  June 5, 2017 at 3:42 pm
  
  The it cosmetics concealer is horrible! Extremely thick an definetly goes straighr to the fine lines an wrinkles An settles right in.
  Horrible…dont waste ur money
  
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Anne Ward says:

May 30, 2014 at 10:26 am

Hi Angie,

This is Anne from the UK. I have to congratulate you on your brilliant blog and for all thoroughness and effort you put into the products you test. I have to admit to being more than a hot and flashy50 (more a hotflashygoldenoldie) but having been born with dark circles under my eyes and having experimented for literally years to find a great product to cover them I feel I am qualified to mention my favourite which I have used for the past few years …..Laura Mercier secret concealer. It’s excellent. I just dab a smidgen in the corner of both eyes as my skin is just too thin and fragile to spread it completely underneath and then set very lightly with laura mercier invisible setting powder. I don’t feel I can improve on the result. I also love Armani Maestro foundation which goes on so smoothly, covers and never shows build up. I read many moons ago to help detract from my dark circles to place under my eye (the shape of my eye underneath is a half moon) a little pink blusher which seems to help and I find Becca Beach Tint blends beautifully.

It is so enjoyable to read all your blogs and I feel I am picking up knowledge all the time. I have wasted so much money over the years finding out what may suit me. I do not think UK cosmetic counters are as generous as you Americans in handing out samples so having you to refer to on specific products is a great help.

Keep up the good work.

Anne Ward

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1. Angie says:
  
  June 3, 2014 at 1:34 pm
  
  Hi Anne~ Thanks for writing! Have you tried the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector? It comes in both pink and peach (I use the peach). It’s really light but really corrects the dark colors under the eyes. Just thought you might like it for the fragile skin since you like the Maestro foundation! xo
  
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Terri says:

February 5, 2014 at 4:57 pm

I tried the Maybelline Age Rewind for dark circles and it did not work as well for me. Too dry for my already dry skin – especially in this winter weather. But it worked better than most drugstore brands.

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Terri says:

February 5, 2014 at 4:55 pm

My “go to” concealer for years is Lancome Effacernas. I sometimes add a teeny amount of Oil of Olay serum to make it even creamier.

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The Painted Lily says:

August 12, 2013 at 12:34 am

I certainly need to find a better way of keeping track of these things – thanks for your kind words regarding my writing!
I’ll put you in my “blogroll” thingy in my sidebar so my brain can register that i need to visit your blog regularly :).

xo
Twyla

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The Painted Lily says:

July 8, 2013 at 4:07 pm

Hi, Angie! Well, FINALLY another beauty blog for women who are no longer in their 20’s :). I just started mine up recently and am so pleased to find yours now, too! I just found your blog a week or so ago (and your videos); i’m very impressed and love reading your take on beauty.
You are such a beautiful woman, you *clearly* take care of yourself, inside and out. Very inspirational. You have a loyal reader.

I’ve been in the beauty industry for about 23 years (i’m 40 now), a Makeup Artist for about 16 of those years. I have tried MANY concealers, as you can imagine. I completely agree women who are “of a certain age” simply cannot wear the makeup we used to wear in our 20s. I find that, for things like concealer and foundation, paying a bit more for really high quality pigmentation and texture is sort of an unhappy necessity. But the results are fantastic. I only have visible lines when i smile, but i have constant dark circles due to health issues, and also my skin can get weird and crepey when i’m having a health flare-up (i get dehydrated easily) so the concealer i use really makes a massive difference in my appearance.

A couple concealers i really love are the following:

Chantecaille New Stick: This is actually a foundation/concealer combo that is pretty game-changingly fabulous. The texture is SO creamy, and the coverage natural yet build-able. On good skin days i just swipe this around the eye and nose area, dust on a bit of moisturizing powder and go. It’s pricey but man, does it work and a little goes a long way.

Cle de Peau concealer: So pricey, so fabulous. Nothing compares. Enough said. I only buy it on ebay or when i’m working in a department store so i can get a discount. This one is the TRUE game-changer, but only a few people are going to fork over that kind of $ for a concealer. But i had to mention it, sorry!

Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: really creamy and smooth, this one is like butter in concealer form. I really like the texture on this one a lot. Not remotely drying, and it has light-diffusing pigments you can use in other areas of the face, sheered out as a very subtle highlight (highlight is too strong a word, maybe glow?). Or just as a concealer. Texture is a bit strange but workable, and looks great on.

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer stick: This one has vitamin-E in it, so it’s moisturizing and, like most stick concealers (i tend to prefer those, with the exception of one or two) it offers more full-coverage.

Lancome Effacernes – a nice standard concealer, won’t flake or dry you out. It’s creamy and lovely.

These are all high-end, i realize, but i find i am consistently disappointed in all the cheaper brands and many of the pricier ones! And sadly, the Cle de Peau is really the best. But my second choice and my go-to is the Chantecaille. They have really great makeup in general geared towards more mature skin. Too bad it’s expensive but, it’s kinda pricey staying beautiful when we’re not kids with baby-skin anymore!

Best,
Twyla

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1. Angie says:
  
  July 16, 2013 at 10:20 pm
  
  Hi Twyla~ Thanks for stopping in, and for the concealer suggestions, I’ll have to check some of them out! It’s great to meet another “mature” beauty blogger. I popped over to your blog and love your photos and writing style, love your sense of humor! xo ~angie
  
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mary salhanick says:

July 4, 2013 at 3:40 pm

Hi Angie..just found your You tube videos and blog… love them! I have just tried two new concealers for under my eyes and love them. I’ve been using IT under eye concealer and like it, but wanted to try something new… I’m purchased both of these to try and am going to keep them both because I love them so much….. Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in light/pale and Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller in sheer tint. I have very dark circles and these cover great…. looking forward to more videos… take care! Mary
PS…. I am 58 years old with (wait for it) OILY skin… can you believe it??!!!

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1. Angie says:
  
  July 16, 2013 at 10:11 pm
  
  Hi Mary~ Does your oily skin mean you’re not through menopause yet? The longer that takes the better! I tried Maybelline Age Rewind at a friends house last week, and now I may just buy it! Thanks!!
  
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nknok says:

June 18, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Hi Angie. For whatever reason I can’t leave a comment on YouTube for you so you get it here. I have super dark circles and use a combination of IT cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and the Maybelline Lumi ( based on one of your videos). The one thing I have learned in my search for a concealer is that you can only correct so much because as you get older your skin thins so much that a lot is shadows and veins showing through. My goal has become to reduce the darkness so I don’t look so tired. Also their tightline is amazing but remember it’s primarily a primer that is tinted. If you’re looking for a mascara this may be disappointing. But it keeps mascara in place and I’m the that mascara migrates for! Take care cuz.

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1. Angie says:
  
  June 18, 2013 at 8:46 pm
  
  Hi! Thanks for getting in touch here. How’s the Bye Bye Under Eye for creasing? I’ve read mixed reviews, but it’s supposed to have great coverage! Hope you’re having a great day!
  
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  1. Kathy says:
    
    February 24, 2015 at 6:35 pm
    
    I bought Bye ByeUnder Eye by It on the recommendation of an employee at ULTA. Looked good in the store but it creases easily and does not last throughout the workday. It has a tacky feel and makes my mascara smear even after setting with a little powder. Wouldn’t recommend.
    
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Sandra says:

June 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm

Just discovered your Youtube videos. I was wondering what color lipstick you wear. I’m 72 so I enjoy a more mature point of view about makeup. Especially those eye lid problems. I also enjoy your healthy eating and exercising. So all in all you’ve got a new subscriber and video subscriber. I’m a blogger also. Just started this past fall.

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1. Angie says:
  
  June 18, 2013 at 8:53 pm
  
  Thanks so much for subbing and popping over to the blog! I’ll check yours out too! It’s always great to see other mature women out here in cyber space!! My go-to lip is Tarte Lipsurgence Matte Stain in Hope or Exposed and I usually top it off with Victorias Secret clear lip plumper.
  
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  1. Sam says:
    
    August 28, 2016 at 4:57 pm
    
    Hi angie. Im sam. Im 28. Iv got white skin but i really hv a lot of dar circles as well as lot of crows feet. I really need a concelaer tht can hide my dark circles.improve my crows feet at the same time
    Sam4ualways17@gmail.com
    
    Reply
Kristin says:

June 17, 2013 at 10:55 pm

Angie,

I LOVE your videos! Though I am just a tad younger,(42) I find that out of all the beauty bloggers/youtubers that I have seen, I like your videos the best. I have always struggled with makeup…what colors to choose, what brands or products are best, how to apply, where to apply etc. So….I discovered youtube and in the comfort of my own home I started watching; hoping I could learn a thing or two. So, I bought the products/colors/brands they were recommending and gave it a try. Then, I was confused about why the makeup was not helping me look better?? Though I am sure a lot of the problem was still probably from user-error. Unfortunatley, it never dawned on me until I stumbled upon one of your videos and you said something that finally made sense. Makeup that looks good on a 20 year old does not look the same on a 40/50 year old. I had to face it. I wasn’t 20 anymore, so I had to start doing things differently. You are my inspiration. You are active, fit, and beautiful. I can only hope that one day I can look half as good as you do – now! You said, in so many words, that you stepped up your game – to battle aging, and if nothing else you would go down fighting. I have only commented once before, but I just wanted to tell you again how I *really* appreciate what you do.

I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to start your blog and create the videos. I also can’t imagine the work/research/time & effort that it takes to put something like that together. I just wanted to tell you how much grateful I am for what you have done and what you continue to do. I really enjoy your posts and videos. I love your practical nature and sense of humor. It is weird how I feel I wish we could be ‘friends in real life’ even though we are complete strangers? It is just that I feel I have learned so much from you. I just wanted to give you words of encouragement and thanks in case you ever wonder if all that you do is worth it. YES it is, and it is appreciated!!! Sorry for rambling. Thanks again!!!

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1. Angie says:
  
  June 18, 2013 at 9:10 pm
  
  Kristen, you made my day! No, my whole week!! Thank you for taking the time to write such a beautiful and insightful note, it means the world to me. Vlogging/blogging’s been a roller coaster experience so far, so it’s extra great when I hear from someone who really gets me. You are so right about stepping up our game as we age. It’s more effort, but so worth it!
  
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Sandras Sallin says:

June 17, 2013 at 5:08 pm

What would happen if you only wore it on the dark areas? I don’t see a lot of magic. I’ve started using Nars concealer. It does well on the dark area near my eye and nose, but everything seems to get stuck in the wrinkles. Did you have a favorite?

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1. Angie says:
  
  June 18, 2013 at 9:16 pm
  
  That’s actually how I normally apply it since I only have the dark side of the bag to cover. I think I demo doing it in one of my videos… “Look Younger” Makeup Tutorial perhaps? I usually use Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer for that (also works great on the sides of nose and nasolabial folds)! This Under Eye Concealer video was more for those who have more darkness there than me… Anyway my favorite of these is the Olay because it doesn’t settle, but if you need coverage, it’ll be disappointing.
  
  Reply

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