It seems Governor Andrew Cuomo is so busy trying to solve all of New York’s problems, including COVID-19, that he enforced the plastic bag ban on Oct 19, 2020. The law originally came out this past March; however, due to a lawsuit by plastic bag manufacturers and the beginning of the pandemic, it was postponed until recently. In case the Governor didn’t realize, the pandemic has not disappeared, and turning people into bag ladies will not help the situation either. Speaking of bags, I’d rather ban the ones underneath the eyes that are exacerbated due to lack of sleep and stress.
The skin under your eyes in the thinnest and driest part of your body. Packed beneath it is a complex network of blood vessels, with no bony reinforcement - just a fragile layer of muscle and fat for support. That’s why this area is extremely sensitive to health and environmental changes and is also quick to showcase dark circles and puffiness. In lighter toned skin, you may notice a bluish color underneath the eyes, whereas more olive skin tones have darker circles.
Genetics definitely plays a role in passing on those bags under your eyes. Chemical irritation from topical acne products, which contain benzoyl peroxide and resorcinol, can also cause temporary darkening of the skin if applied too closely to the eye. Chronic allergies don’t help the situation either.
The following tips will teach you how to sooth and smooth those bothersome bags. You can also learn how to camouflage them.
Firstly, avoid any harsh products around the eyes. Be sure to avoid rubbing or scrubbing that area as well. Always prepare the eye area by smoothing on eye cream and letting it soak in for two to three minutes. Then blot with a tissue to remove excess cream. This will allow the concealer to adhere to the skin without slipping around or looking too dry and cakey.
Apply concealer under natural lighting. Tilt your chin down, so you’re looking up into a mirror at the area under your eyes. Use a small, stiff brush, a wand, or your fingers to dab on the concealer lightly under your eyes. Start with a lighter shade in the inside corner of your nose by your tear duct (where skin tends to be the darkest). Follow with one, or at most two more dots of a slightly deeper shade (than the one used near the tear duct) for underneath the eyes. Work outward from the inner corners of the eyes, stopping short of the outer corners, where the concealer can accentuate fine lines. When you’re dealing with puffiness or dark circles underneath, the right color is of essence. Do not use a light color in that area, as it will serve to accentuate your problem. Instead, opt for an orange or yellow toned shade that cuts the dark circles and makes the puffy bags less apparent, as opposed to showcasing them.
Blend well with a small wedge sponge or, if you’re in a hurry, the tip of your ring finger. Blend outward from the edges of the concealed areas while making sure dark spots remain consistently covered. The sponge will help blend without removing the concealer. Next, dust the area with translucent powder, to ensure it lasts. To set concealer in areas more difficult to reach, such as the triangle between the eye and the nose, pat powder on with a wedge sponge.
Covering the baggage underneath your eyes doesn’t have to be a difficult task, and can dramatically improve your appearance. The secret to covering up those pesky dark patches is choosing the right shade and consistency, applying it with the right precision, and most of all, using a light touch. In this case, less is not more, but certainly enough.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.