It’s a truth universally acknowledged that under-eye bags and dark circles are the bane of any busy woman’s existence.
So thank goodness for under-eye concealers, which can cover a multitude of sins and overwhelming life responsibilities with just one swipe.
But if you’re a woman of a certain age, you’ll know that not all under-eye concealers are created equal.
Some settle in our fine lines, making us look older and more tired than before we applied them. It’s so annoying!
Thankfully, there are some affordable formulas you can pick up at the supermarket or chemist that don’t do this, plus we’ve got an application trick that can also help your existing concealers from getting stuck in any fine lines.
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Revolution Conceal and Define: $8
Revolution is a budget beauty brand from the UK that just launched in Priceline pharmacies in Australia and we’re totally hooked (make sure you check out their awesome eyeshadow palettes too)
But we’ll admit, when their product range first landed on our desks we thought this dirt-cheap concealer was going to be too good to be true – $8 is insanely cheap!
Yet despite our doubts, it absolutely delivers.
The pigment is quite intense, so if you’re after that full coverage look, this concealer is perfect for you.
Here’s our hot tip: Buy the Beautyblender makeup sponge (they’re $30 from Sephora) and use it to blend the concealer under your eyes.
This magic sponge somehow manages to get into every nook and cranny, blending out the concealer perfectly.
Then, go over the top and gently pat it into the skin with your fingers – the warmth from your fingers will help the product blend seamlessly.
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Rimmel Match Perfection: $14
This concealer is in the form of a brush-like pen, similar to Yves Saint Laurent’s fancy and expensive bestselling concealer Touche Éclat.
It’s got a more natural, lighter coverage with a formula that feels quite dewy and hydrating, so you’re not left feeling dry under the eyes.
Plus, it’s sold at Coles and Woolies, as well as the chemist, so you can pick it up the next time you’re doing your grocery shopping!
The only bad thing about cheap makeup is often there are no testers available, making it really challenging to find your exact shade match.
But here’s a hot tip: With under-eye concealer, it’s always better to go lighter than darker, because a lighter shade will make you look brighter and more awake.
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Rimmel Wake Me Up: $15
Seriously, Rimmel makeup is amazing!
This concealer’s doe-foot applicator makes application super easy.
Just pop a few swipes under the eyes and blend away with your Beautyblender sponge.
This concealer can also be used instead of foundation on those days when you just can’t be bothered with a full face, but still need a bit of coverage.
Also, here’s a hot tip from Adele’s makeup artist Michael Ashton for how to avoid under-eye concealer creases.
If you’re a fan of setting your concealer with powder, Ashton suggests that you … stop that immediately.
“Dusting powder on top of concealer can cause creasing,” he told The Cut.
“Prepping concealer with a primer first does not.”
Noted!