GASP!!! An alternative to "Well Rested"

I had this question posted as a comment, and I've actually gotten the same query more than once. Instead of just responding to the comment, I decided it was new-post-worthy. Look out!

Here's the conundrum:

I need to change the concealer I'm using to tackle the lovely genetic dark circles that seem determined to hang out under my eyes. I have very thin, translucent skin and the concealers I've tried just aren't hacking it. I still look tired even when I'm not. Got any suggestions?!

Here's my suggestion, which, let's be honest, is usually correct. But we can talk about my ego problems later:

While I've always been a huge fan of Bare Minerals "Well Rested" mineral powder concealer, it seems not to work as well for folks with thinner undereye skin.  So I got all detective at Sephora and went investigatin'.  My super duper find? Laura Mercier "Undercover Pot" concealer. It's great because it's basically a 3-part concealer in one little pot. The top of the container is home to two cream concealers: a thinner cream, and a thicker, more yellow-toned version of the first.

Use the thinner, peachier-toned cream for undereye circles, being careful not to create that 'reverse raccoon-eye' effect where you make a bright circle directly under your eyes. To avoid this, blend the concealer lower, working it into the sides of your nose and even partly onto your upper cheek. After applying the cream (with a concealer brush; see previous post on brushes), unscrew the bottom of the pot for a surprise. I love surprises!! This smart little product hides a thin powder in the bottom that you will want to use to sweep over your cream concealer. This sets the cream and also keeps it from settling into creases.

Now what to do with that thicker, more yellow cream? That stuff is awesome for red spots and blemishes. It's too thick and yellow for dark circles (tends to make them look blue), but it's perfect for a pesky zitty zit zit.

One more thing:  obviously, this product comes in multiple shades.  They are named by numbers (1,2,3,etc. in order of darkness).  Be sure to test on your skin or consult with someone at Sephora or the makeup counter to find your perfect match.  Now go out into the world looking awake and refreshed!





 Check out my new little happy.  Two cream concealers on top, and then.....wait for it....a surprise finishing powder on the bottom!

Click here to buy this super duper concealer at Sephora online

Addendum to the hairspray entry....

To clarify, I'm not pregnant.  After reading my comment about Rachel Zoe and her hairspray habits while 'with child,' I realized it might have been misleading.  No lil' Sammons cooking in this oven yet!

Also, as a side note, my sweet hippie cousin in Portland (that's right, Molly; I called you a hippie.  Love you!) wrote me an email about the dangers of hairspray and other chemicals when used by expectant mothers.  While I have plenty of friends and family who haven't changed their beauty routines and have had healthy kids, Molly is right that I should at least point out that it might not work for everyone.  Here are some links to check out on the topic.  Just to be frank, however, I probably won't be one of those people who chills out on the hairspray and perfume when I'm a mommy-to-be.  I'm just too vain.  But hey, you never know!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1088255/Pregnant-women-exposed-hairspray-double-chances-genital-defect-boys.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Health/story?id=6309940&page=1

Validation via Bravo TV

So I'm watching The Rachel Zoe Project the other day (OBsessed, by the way), and there's a segment of the show where she's having her hair guy perfect her 'do.  What does he pull out and spray all over her locks?  L'Oreal Elnett hairspray!  I also thought it was hilarious (and possibly perfect foreshadowing of my future) when her husband begs her to stop using it while pregnant.  As a woman after my own heart, she refuses to give up her beauty must-have.  I mean, pregnant women have been dousing their hair in chemicals for years; how bad can it be??

Anywho, shout out to my mom for introducing me to this product years ago, and now it's practically famous!  I get requests for hairspray recommendations all the time, and I've yet to find one that is better than this miracle in an aerosol can.  You guys know how I roll by now:  I've tried every spray on the market, from grocery store shelves to salon-only buys, and Elnett is my jam.

This product is only available at Target for around $15-20.  I prefer the 'max hold' -- it's not sticky or too strong.  The beauty of this spray is that it gives you a good hold but allows your hair to maintain its natural movement.  You can actually run a brush through it after you spray!  Amazeballs.  Once again, you're all welcome.

Here's a link to buy at Target online --- looks like it's cheaper than in the store!