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Tending to one's under eyes, especially when dealing with both some puffiness, some loss of volume and subtle shadows (but not dark circles per se), is a complicated affair. Luckily no wrinkles yet. I want something light, thinly creamy, non detectable in the natural light of day that would rather brighten than create an opaque layer of concealing. These latter types of products tend to sit like wet cement on the pavement and I don't want that effect on my skin anywhere, not just under the eyes. On the other hand highlighters are by nature meant to draw attention to the places they're put on, right?
In the past I had great results with the light "pen" highlighters by Guerlain called Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator (mimicking YSL Touche Eclat in concept).
But not having purchased either in years, I wonder if they keep the same consistency of quality and effectiveness now that time has elapsed. The click-pen mechanism is supremely practical, negating the need for separate brushes and it keeps the formula moist and protected at all times: only the product needed comes into contact with air as you pump as you go along your merry way. They do come in pricey for the quantity though.
If you have experience with either lately, let me know in the comments.
I have also heard good things about Catrice Eye Brightener Instant Awake directly from makeup artists. The Instant Awake name is calling like a siren, who doesn't want something like that? I wonder whether it would mean that it's more for dark circles though than overall rejuvenation of the under eye area.
This is a creamy product in a pot, so it should probably require a special brush to apply, kept for this purpose especially. Which brings me to another question: would a concealer brush be too dense for it? would it need a fluffier eyeshadow blender brush? Or a sponge applicator to thin it out? Your input is very much appreciated here too.
My latest purchase was MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter pen in shade Bright Forecast. I got it because it promised (in a very promising video) to brighten, colour correct and generally give a rested appearence. It was a whooping 29 euro plus shipping in the local market and I can't say I'm 29 euros satisfied with what it delivers. It's nice enough to use, a creamy consistency etc, but it does set a bit thick and the peach hue does not do anything in terms of colour correcting. It's just like a warmer version of my own skin. So you have a ballpark on how I'm going about it.
Tempalia suggests the following alternatives in pen highlighters for under eyes and strategic places on the face (quoting her verbatim below with brands available in my EU market), so let me know if you have experienced any of them:
- Dior (Sun Beam may be comparable to Bright Forecast; Roseglow to Radiant Rose)
- Givenchy (Moon Light seems most comparable to Radiant Rose)
- Guerlain (nothing seems comparable in color–these are skintone shades)
- Sephora (#01 seems like Radiant Rose, #02 seems like Light Boost; #06 seems like Bright Forecast)
- YSL (Light Peach seems comparable to Bright Forecast, Luminous Ivory to Light Boost, and Luminous Radiance to Radiant Rose)
