How to: conceal under-eye bags

Q) “I constantly have bags under my eyes and can’t seem to get rid of them. I always look tired, my eyes are sensitive and my make-up seems to hurt them. I wear make-up everyday and I don’t want go without it. What can I do?” – Susan, NSW

A) “If you are finding eye make-up is causing irritation around the eye I would recommend seeing a dermatologist and having an allergy test as it may be a particular ingredient or formulation that is causing the problem.

There are some great eye creams on the market that contain caffeine. Caffeine is wonderful for the sensitive eye area as it is calming and helps reduce puffiness. Also look for eye creams that contain cucumber or chamomile as this can also help with dark circles and puffiness. There are a couple of great tricks I often use when I want to brighten and enliven the eye area: one is to put a little ivory or vanilla coloured eyeshadow around the inner corner of the eye and the other is to apply a white or creamy coloured eye liner in the inner waterline of the eye. To help cover any darkness around the eye choose an under-eye concealer with a warm peach undertone as this will knock back any blueness that shows through the delicate skin around the eye.”

– Nicola Burford, freelance make-up artist

Eye creams that contain caffeine:

Garnier Skin Naturals Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll-On

Ultraceuticals Ultra Moisturiser Eye Cream

Gatineau Paris Electelle Eye Treatment Cream

Eye creams that contain cucumber:

Biore Rejuvenate Cooling Eye Gel

Eminence Organic Skin Care Cucumber Eye Gel

NIVEA Visage Aqua Sensation Anti Shadow Eye Cream

Eye creams that contain chamomile:

A’kin Ginkgo & Chamomile Revitalising Eye Night Creme

Tabu Hydrating Eye Cream

Decleor Paris Harmonie Soothing Eye Contour Gel