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Eye makeup: Update at end (what I bought)

viva

Veteran

This is really for those of you who WEAR eye makeup. (I'm not going to stop, and I need some ideas.)

Especially now that my hair is shorter again, eye makeup is especially important for my look. I do my brows (Glossier Boy Brow) but I am having a bit of struggle with the eyes themselves. (My eyes are brown, BTW.)

Dark circles: what's the best concealer / way to apply/use concealer here? This is an increasing problem for me.

Eye shadow: I've been relying heavily on Bobbi Brown's ballet pink (or maybe shell pink?) which is really a matte powder non-color. Is there a better shade to use to brighten the eye area (and counteract dark circles)?

Eye liner: I've been using brown, a bit smudgy, along top and outer half of bottom -- a bit more than before because of the shorter hair. I like how it looks but is there a better shade to use to brighten the eye area (and counteract dark circles)? (PS I don't like tight-lining on me, or putting liner on the inside of my lashes.)

All help welcome!!!

General

35 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Jjsloane

Veteran

I find I'm much more about subtle natural on my eyes as I get older.
My favorite concealers are thebalm timebalm antiwrinkle and it cosmetics bye bye undereye corrector (different from their concealer). I like the consistency and manueverability, they are both thick solid creams.
I use a primer and nude shadow just to correct the color. of the lids (to get to my perfect "nude/non color"). I like the bare minerals 5 in 1 eye primer/shadow and urban decay shadow in nude. My liner of choice is Stila all day waterproof. Good control and stays all day. I draw a very subtle line, but you can draw as thick as you like with the fine tip.
I now avoid most frosty shades near my eyes. You can experiment with subtle greens and purples which would look great with your eyes too. Bobbi Brown has the best subtle shades I think

FWIW I've tried some of those eye brighteners and I just don't have the skills it takes to not look like I have a bright pink dot in the corner of my eyes. There are many that claim to work, but you'd probably have to experiment a bit to make them look natural.

viva

Veteran

Thanks for this really helpful reply, JSloane!! I’m going to look into the concealer and corrector immediately. I know what you mean about subtlety - I too think that’s important, while at the same time I want to play up my eyes. It’s a challenging balance to strike.

AndiB

Veteran

Watching! I’m mid 50’s and pretty much do exactly what you do for eye make up- and I’m not stopping either! Pinkish shadow (Laura Mercier), etc. I do use a primer for almost everything these days (smashbox lid primer, Dior lash primer, and smashbox primer for the days I do use foundation (I use Hourglass stick which is an absolutely miraculous product). I have not been able - and boy have I tried! - to get get a concealer that isn’t sticky, dry or bad match. I found a lovely eye liner by urban decay, in mushroom, glide on pencil, and it really does glide on. I still use my Marc Jacobs brown pencil but this is a softer addition. I also highly recommend The MJ blue with a bit of sparkle ... really brightens brown eyes.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Viva, I use Chanel eye pencils in dark purple and dark blue. I have dark brown eyes and wear glasses, so I feel those colors make my eyes pop more so than brown, and are less harsh than black. I use the pencils the way you do, lining the lid outside the lash line, and a bit around the corner. They are very soft (and need frequent sharpening), but they don’t “drag” which is more gentle to the delicate skin around the eyes. I use Bobbie Brown mascara, too, which I love.

I am also looking for a concealer for dark circles. On my list to try is NARS Creamy Concealer, but I need to get to a store to pick the correct shade. Looking forward to hearing other recommendations.

Jane

Veteran

I love using eye make up. For eye shadows I use Laura Mercier and also their concealer, which seems very good to me. I tight line though and sometime use a pencil.

I use a Nars primer, which is great. I also use a Lancome light colour in a cream shade over all of my eye lid, which I think brightens and smooths out the skin tone before I apply shadow. May be that will help above the eye. I recently purchased a Nars colour block in a light pink, which is lovely for eyes, lips and cheeks.

Anonymous

I love eye makeup , and never am without it. I am cognizant of the fact that as we age though , we need to make sure the eye makeup isn't taking over . I use primer, a similar BB pink or bone shadow, one other darker colour in the crease, and a super dark BB shadow with a fine brush as liner. I can't get a pencil liner to smudge and blend as well as I can a powder liner, and if there is one thing I hate, it's that stark unblended eyeliner look. For colour ? I admit I stick to black , navy or very dark brown powder.

Along with BB shadows, I have a few Tarte palettes that have nice, matte colours and work just as well as BB products. I have no opinion on colours for brightening....

I have lucked into a couple of concealer/brighteners that work well for me: but the best one is the Nars one with the sponge tip. I use quite a pale colour, and not right under my eyes. I use the end of damp Beauty Blender to dab it into place after it's sat for a minute. No mascara on bottom lashes - I think BB herself says it's too darkening and shadowy.

viva

Veteran

Thank you all for this great advice! One thing seems pretty clear - I need to be priming my eyelids. So today I am off to look at primers. Also the Nars concealer and possibly a Chanel pencil. Thanks so much!!!!

Anonymous

For concealer I just moved from Tarte to Mineral Fusion (cool on both) I think they both give great coverage. Although I used Tarte for years, I find the MF goes on a little smoother.I also think the darker color (compact comes with light and dark) "conceals" the other facial lines- which I refer to as my marionette lines-yikes) better. I tried PURE but felt I did not get the coverage I wanted.

For eye color- I have a fantastic but huge palette by Tarte with so many colors for highlights and smoky and on and on that I will probably still be using it the day I die-LOL. For eyeliner I just use the colors in this palette but use eye lining brush. Habit I got into in the early days with the little red mabelline mascara compact that did double duty of mascara and liner (anyone remember that) When I have tried current eyeliners I don't seem to have the same control (but I think it is just me and my mind set). Even though I have enough eye color, I more than suspect I will break down at some point and try the Mineral Fusion colors....I can't help myself!

I don't use mascara for a bunch of reasons (glasses, refuse to use curler, eye irritation etc)

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I use Origins foundation as my concealer as I find it better not to try too hard to conceal to achieve a very natural look. I do have some of their concealer for rare times when I'm going to a special event or something and I might be photographed, etc. Applying it in a downward v shape from under the eye towards the cheek seems to help it look more natural than a semi-circle application. I prefer to use blush tones on my eyelids for a very natural look but still deeper and brighter than my real paler eyelid color. I use Aveda
petal essence™ face accents

and Bare Minerals blush - one is more of a barely there highlighter color and the other a range of colors I can mix with a big soft brush.

I like a deep plum eyeliner when I use one. I do not do tight lining but use a very soft pencil style liner that is not sharp because I prefer a thicker less precise look (more natural to my eye). I use brown mascara.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE eye make-up - wear it DAILY no matter what - but use only two products. I have big eyes, long lashes, and strong brows - so feel it's enough, (otherwise my make-up is wearing me, IYKWIM). No shadow or primer.

I use YSL blue mascara and Laura Mercier blue tightliner. (I also use Anastasia's brown brow pencil). I have green eyes, not blue.

Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara

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'Tightline' Cake Eyeliner

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#46 Push Eyeliner Brush

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Anastasia Beverly Hills 'Perfect' Brow Pencil

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Greenjeans

Veteran

This stuff is magic.

I tried it because I needed a sunscreen for the sensitive area around my eyes. I love it because it minimizes fine lines and has brightened up my whole eye area.

Reviva Labs Reviva Labs: Vitamin E Oil Stick, 0.12 oz

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Vix

Veteran

Hi Viva --

Just on the other side of the age line here but thought I'd answer. Esp as I have a lot of undereye dryness and sensitivity and products there tend to dry and/or irritate.

Not a big makeup person, so I like to use products rec'd by an eco beauty makeup artist who does a lot of bridal as well as editorial.

Shadow: Youngblood (also great for blushes, CC primer, and foundation)

Undereye: Ever Skin Daylight Treatment Concealer (I'm working off a sample, best I've found after testing way too many, but still a little drying in winter so I often stick with just my "brightening" UE moisturizer. All the usual "top picks" dried and/or caused irritation)

Liner: Not eco beauty but doesn't slide off my highly moisturized eyes: Kat Von D liners

For colors with brown eyes I'd work off the below:

-- COLORS: blues/purples/blue-greens; with your coloring you can probably go to warm greens. The cooler muted shades ("plum" "indigo" "slate" "deep lagoon" types of names] are better on me but I bet you can handle more brightness, too

-- NEUTRALS: greys, browns

chart from here: https://www.janeblundellart.co.....harts.html

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viva

Veteran

Wow - more great advice! Thanks for the Finds, Angie and Greenjeans! Tex, really appreciate the guidance on concealer application. And Vix, thanks for the color info - I will be studying. I’m very excited to pick up a few new things and play around.

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Sorry to be so late to the party, but Viva, what a great post! Up until my mid-30's I wore tons of eye make-up (hey, it was the 80's/'90's.) Now I don't wear too terribly much b/c I think it looks better and I've gotten a little lazy. But I'm kind of bored, so I'm reading all the replies with much interest.

In last month's Bazaar, I saw that highly glossy/shimmery shadows are a trend for the season. I know they say that sparkles can settle into fine lines, but I think with the SmashBox primer it could be okay. It seems like the "shine" could really brighten up the eye area, and it looks like you really only need one color (easy.) They showed a Stila Shimmer Glow Liquid Shadow in Cloud/lavender. The color would be AMAZING with your brown eyes!!

I'm terrible with concealer, but I've found Rodan & Fields eye cream to have a brightening effect.

Can't wait to hear what you come up with!

jmwolf

Mid-30s and I am moving away from shimmer and sparkle in my eye makeup, not that I ever wore much of it before but it just doesn't feel right to me these days. Yet I still see women of all ages wear a shimmery look quite well! So, it's not an age issue necessarily, it's what works for you own eyes and skin. Shimmer doesn't "read" well on me and my makeup ends up looking dusty, IYKWIM.

I'll second Jane's and others' recommendations of Laura Mercier concealer. The palettes with the dual tone, so easy to blend away dark circles. If your undereye is dry, I like a creamier concealer (LM also makes one, as well as Tarte maracuja oil concealer - so creamy and pigmented!) and you can use a bit of primer (under) or powder (over) to lightly set. Angie's tips for the blue toned eye makeup are great and, IME, will help make eyes look clearer and brighter - the same way a cool toned lip will make your teeth look whiter!

Helena

Veteran

Not much knowledge to add, as I am in the process of updating my eye makeup technique to accommodate my rapidly dropping hooded eyelids ... but in my searches, I did discover Wayne Goss, who you can find on YouTube, and I've found some good tips from him. Might be worth a search.

LaPed

Veteran

Not a big eye makeup person (have had bouts of eczema on my eyelids, so have to be careful what I put on/near them, and what I use to take it off). But chiming in to say that I really like the Mineral Fusion Concealer Duo that efbgen recommends. Very creamy, easy to apply and blend. I use it mostly to even out redness, but when I've used it on dark under-eye I was satisfied with the results.

Anonymous

I am 61 yo and will always wear eye makeup even if I skip my foundation. I have brown eyes and a light warm complexion.

First and foremost, use a great moisturizing eye cream. This will make sure your concealer will not cake.

Concealer:

Lancôme Effacernes Undereye Concealer - creamy and water proof. Lancome just came out with a newer concealer that I am tempted to try Teint Indole Ultra .

Eye Brows I use Anastasia brow wiz in taupe

Eye Liner: For most days I use Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in black (I feel that black makes your eyes "pop") for special occasions/evenings out I use Anastasia darkside waterproof eyeliner in black.

Eye Shadow: I use 2 colors from Bobby Brown : banana and heather. I also an eyeshadow palette from Laura Mercier https://www.lauramercier.com/e.....14919.html

I am on my 3rd palette - the colors are phenomenal! - Sateen, not shimmer and you can also use the darker colors to layer over your eyeliner to get eyes to pop even more (blends wonderfully!!!)

Sal

Veteran

I use

Estee Lauder Black Mascara (only one on me that does not smudge)
Usually charcoal liner smudged (or no liner)
Dark brown brow pencil
Eyeshadows - shades of taupe/grey/smudgy green/dirty pinks

I have been using Trinny London shadows "Wisdom" and "Chariot".

With your colouring I could see smudgy greens/olives being really nice on your eyes.

I have a strange mix of laziness and pickiness about my makeup which is not always a good combo!!

binkle

Veteran

I'm 59, with fair skin and hazel eyes. I always wear glasses, so don't feel super heavy eye makeup would work for me. My lids are pretty droopy, so I try to keep it light and "open."

For dark circles, I like Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Corrector. She also has Intensive Skin Serum Concealer. Both work nicely. It helps to dust some powder over concealer.

I don't like heavy eye shadows. I do like the current "holographic" effects - with a gentle hand.

I use a layer of Milk's Holographic Highlighting powder over the whole lid, then a layer of Stila eye shadow in Chinois over that. Chinois is a very basic matte light parchment. With the two layers, I think I get some of the holographic glimmer, but not too bold. Then Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst along the upper lid line, and smudge it - but not a heavy smokey look. I don't do the lower line. And then, just a bit of Milk Holographic Stick in Lavender (very very subtle) on the brow bone for a highlight. The Holographic Stick is also pretty cool if used on the top of the cheek bones to catch the light.

Joy

Veteran

I also have brown eyes but any brown eye make up I have tried, including brows, is all wrong and too reddish. Greys or taupes are much better. A while ago, Angie mentioned using white for tight lining. Even a little white brightens.

Colette

Veteran

I have super sensitive and dry skin so I have difficulty with a lot of products, that’s why I don’t wear a lot of make up, but I do wear it. I have to say that for my eyes, tight lining changed everything for me. I’m wondering why it doesn’t work for you? I had experimented with several products and just about gave up until I found Laura Mercier and her brush. Most days I just tightline the top and add mascara. Nothing on the bottom. If I’m going out somewhere I’ll actually be interacting with people I add a thin swipe of dark blue shadow along the lash line to add a more dramatic liner effect and do the BB trick and sweep the brush lightly on outer corner of the bottom. I use the LM brow mascara, but very sparingly. I also use the LM concealer for dark circles. I’ve learned a couple new makeup tricks from watching Trinny. She introduced a makeup line that you apply with your fingers. One of her dark circle tips is to take the concealer from dark the inner corner of the eye and go straight down, I’ve tried it with my LM concealer and it does seem to work. It also helps to just smoosh (technical term) the concealer down with your finger and let it melt in as opposed to brushing it. I generally don’t wear eye shadow but if I’m feeling like it, and I rarely do, I sweep some neutral color along the lid. This is also a tip from Trinny. And I’ve read a few articles that suggest as we get older, a sweep of shadow and mascara (or fake lashes) are all you need for eyes. But I’m not giving up my LM tightline any time soon.

Also, some friends love IT Bye Bye Under eye but I have not tried it.

'Tightline' Cake Eyeliner

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Secret Concealer

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Laura Mercier 'Brow Dimension' Fiber Infused Color Gel

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Laura Mercier Flat Eyeliner Brush

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Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour

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MAC COSMETICS MAC 266S Synthetic Small Angle Brush

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Gigi

Veteran

Lisa Eldridge recently had a video on natural-looking makeup, and she mentioned a product from Perricone MD called "No Eyeshadow Eyeshadow." I haven't tried it but thought it sounded interesting. Here is the link to Lisa's video (there is a list of products at the bottom): http://www.lisaeldridge.com/vi.....ryecGbMxzA

I like RMS un-cover-up for concealer. It is creamy but does not seem heavy. Concealers often settle in my fine lines, but this one is not too bad.

I like the idea of eye primer to help brighten the eye area. I just started using one, and I find it makes a big difference. I use Gabriel's eye primer (Gabriel is a natural brand), but I have also used the Wet 'n' Wild Photo Finish primer and found it to work really well.

As far as eyeliner goes, I wonder what would happen if you used navy eyeliner. I have brown eyes too and have heard that navy can really emphasize them. I haven't tried it myself yet.

viva

Veteran

Thank you all so much. Yesterday I went to the great makeup counters at our horrible Macys (!). I picked up Aquamarine's suggested navy Chanel pencil and then got waylaid at Bobbi Brown for the rest of the haul. I don't think that's a bad place to start this journey (especially since I use BB foundation (alternating with Laura Mercier) and have several of her lipsticks). But mostly, I couldn't bear Sephora yesterday -- just too much stuff, too many heavily madeup young men and women .... I needed a quiet "lady's makeup moment" in Macys. I am getting OLD.

For concealer, I am trying BB's instant full cover concealer, which I apply with a brush. It's a pretty thick concealer but applying with a brush makes it easy to keep the application light. I put a little on the back of my hand, dot the brush into it, and then lightly dot/sweep it over the dark circles (sweeping down, thank you Texstyle). The coverage is really great and looks natural. I think my other concealer is just too creamy for very dark days.

For eye shadow, I stuck to my norms of pinks and browns, this time going with BB's cream shadow sticks in both malted pink (lid) and vanilla (browline and corner of eye). Again, I'm using a brush to spread the color around. It's not terribly different from my last look although definitely a bit brighter and less dry - and these are moves in the right direction.

I've bookmarked this post for the future, though, because I don't think I am done exploring eye makeup. Sal, I'm definitely interested in exploring smudgy greens/olives next. Plus, I want to check out Trinny's line. And for all of you who mentioned the Nars concealer, it's my next one to try if the BB ends up being too thick/dry in the long run.

Colette: It's funny, I have the exact same Laura Mercier cake eyeliner (in Bleu Marine) that you and Angie do. I've had it for a couple of years! But I use it as for a going out look and apply it in a thicker line over my lashes (sort of a cat eye look, although not extended beyond my eyes). That's a fantastic product. I don't like the idea of anything near or on my eye rims, frankly. I don't like what it does to my eyes or how it feels, and it reminds me of how I wore makeup for a while in high school. I just prefer the other way of applying liner.

Thanks again everyone! I love all the wisdom in this place. And it's fun to see how many of us love makeup.

CHANEL LE CRAYON KHÔLIntense Eye Pencil

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Bobbi Brown Full Coverage/Face Touch-Up Brush

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Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer

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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

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gryffin

Veteran

Viva - late to the party but I did want to contribute. At 58 yo, I consider make up "corrective grooming." I have small deep set brown eyes. I use make up to achieve the no-make up look but balance and enhance my features. To that effect this is the list:

1. Sunscreen acts as primer - Neutrogena Sheer Zinc 50 (or the Pure and Free baby 60). I don't use chemical sunscreens

2. Bare Escentuals clear radiance to set sunscreen

3. BE rose radiance as blush

4. BE The Truth quad to literally act as "shadow and light" I imagine I am a "skull" how to I enhance features without being noticable

5. Cle de Peau - Ivory. The best concealer in the universe. Melts into skin, does not settle into lines, undetectable, and lasts forever. Makes it to the top of every beauty editors list for good reason. I am surprised no one else has mentioned. It's a cream that turns powdery but undetectable. Spendy but soooo worth it and lasts a long, long time

5. Benefit Gimme brow in medium/deep for my brown hair. Just a bit and comb through with a spooley brush so it enhances and polishes but is not evident

6. Three custom colors pencil in Navy. It's made to be used on the waterline. Line waterline outer third top, bottom waterline lightly, and upper lid tight line outer 3rd of lashes so it enhances and brightens but is not obvious.

7. BE flawless definition mascara (I'm so sorry they discontinued the espresso. I try and match the brown of my lashes. Not sure what I will use next

8. Burts bees peppermint orginal balm or Smiths original or minted rose for the barest hint of color.

That's my make up look that I wear every day.

Neutrogena Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Spf#50 Sunscreen 3 Ounce (88ml)

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Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow, The Truth, 0.17 Ounce

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Bare Escentuals bareMinerals All-Over Face Color Clear Radiance for Women, 0.03 Ounce

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Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Radiance - Rose

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Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara, Black, 0.33 Fluid Ounce

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Benefit Cosmetics Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow - medium/deep 0.1 oz

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Cle De Peau Cle De Peau Concealer, Ivory, 0.17 Ounce

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Rosebud Rosebud Lip Balm, Minted Rose, .8 Ounce

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Anonymous

woohoo- glad you had a somewhat successful outing of the quiet kind (I know what you mean about sephora- sometimes it can be overload). It is always fun to try new products- especially in early spring- gives you that new fresh feeling and look that breaks the winter trance.
Enjoy your new finds and HAPPY SPRING!!!

Colette

Veteran

I always need a quiet make up moment so I know what you mean. Glad you got things sorted. Sometimes you just need to dive in and refresh your make up just like we do with our clothes.

Anonymous

We absolutely need a quiet ladies makeup store. Sephora is a hot mess at the best of times. Our Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques come the closest - and the newly renovated ones are quite stunning. I get most of my stuff there now. I have those Bobbi sticks and use them from time to time. They don't seem to stay in one place on me as well as powder over primer does though. I'm not a huge tight-liner fan either - fyi.

Anonymous

Viva, thank you for starting this incredibly informative post.

I don't wear eye makeup in part because mascara irritates my eyes and I didn't realize how many other options there were!

It's so useful to have non salesperson feedback and from so many different perspectives.

Thank you again!

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