The OurWeddingDay Blog

Laura Nadeau is the creator and owner of Lo & Co Makeup Artists, specializing in creating a fun and fabulous community for brides or any woman who wants to step-up her beauty routine.  In addition to her own blog, The Down Lo, Laura shares her insight and advice on bridal beauty secrets right here, every week.

I love to help out my viewers navigate the cosmetic world.  There are so many products with false claims and I want to share with you products and techniques that really work.  Linda contacted me about a treated dark and dry under eye skin. This is a common issue, but very treatable.

Dear Lo,

I have dark under eye circles so would love how to minimize that.  But, I have green eyes, so would like to play them up. Also, what would you recommend for under eye & eyelid dryness?  It's only been going on with one of my eyes for about 6 weeks, but eye cream doesn't seem to be helping even though I put it on day and night.

I have seasonal allergies like hay fever and I'm allergic to a variety of other things. Right now I use foundation from Bare Minerals foundation and I've stopped using any under eye concealer because of the dryness under my eyes, it just looks like a mess if I put anything on it. Thanks so much for your help!
~ Linda

Linda,

Under eye darkness and dryness is a very common problem and something that usually worsens with age (good times!)  The good news is that we can cover darkness and hydrate the skin.  Allergies, can worsen darkness and cause the skin to be drier due to rubbing watery, itchy eyes.  Also, the skin under the eye doesn't have oil glands, so it will always be drier than the rest of your skin. Here is what I suggest:

Invest in a super emollient eye cream and use day and night.  I like M.A.C Moisturelush Eyecream, Bobbi Brown Eye Balm, and Arbonne eye cream.  All of these are super hydrating and will work wonders.

Buy a hydrating under eye concealer that has full coverage. Bobbi Brown makes a super moist concealer and I also recommend their pink-based under eye corrector (used first to neutralize gray/purple). Erase Paste by Benefit is also a really nice concealer.

It is crucial to use the correct color and technique. Check out my application tips and go to the counter and have an artist test the colors on you. This is a product that is worth splurging on.  It should look a little too light at first, but as it oxidizes it will blend into your skin. You can use a light dusting of translucent powder to set concealer and avoid smudges.

Don't forget to wear blush.  I nice pop of blush on your cheeks detracts from dark circles, adds dimension to your face and gives you a "just ran around the block" glow. Go Blush!
Avoid purple eye shadow or liners as that will just highlight purple underneath the eye.  Apply eyeliner on the top lash line only to pull attention up and away from the under eye area.
Curled lashes bring attention up - I see that you do that already - good job!

To highlight your beautiful green eyes use a gold-based shadow.   There are a ton of shimmer shadows in a variety of colors which have a gold base and provide a great background color for your eyes.  M.A.C's Mulch (bronze brown) and Sumptuous Olive (goldy green)are two of my favorites.  Then apply a nice tight eyeliner (dark brown or black) on your upper lash line.  Hello green eyes!

Let me know how everything goes!

PS I have eye allergies and love to use Naphcon A for itchy eyes (OTC), but check with your doctor.

xoxo,
Lo