Sometimes I feel like I deserve to win the gold medal…for dark circles. The little purple half moons beneath my eyes are like the Michael Phelps-es of the dark circle world. They’re overachievers. I’m serious. They’re very good at what they do.
MAC Pro Longwear can’t defeat them outright, but it has slowed them down. It’s been my jam for the past few months, but I’ve been wanting to find a cruelty-free option, which is why I was hoping the new Josie Maran Argan Blend Concealer ($28) would rock my world.
This creamy new concealer comes in three colors — light, medium and dark. I have the medium one, which goes by the name Suede. It’s a pretty good fit for my tan skin (I’m an NC35 in MAC foundation).
The compact actually comes with two products — a salmon shade and a darker yellow-based beige. I’ve been applying a layer of the salmon shade first, which acts like a color corrector, canceling out most of the purple in my circles (like a color corrector), and then add the yellow-based concealer on top.
Both of them are easy to apply and blend, stay put all day long, and thankfully manage to steer clear of my fine lines.
No concealer beneath the eye on the right; Argan Blend Concealer in Suede beneath the eye on the left
Some creamy concealers can look really obvious and cakey on my skin, but not this combo. I think it’s hard to tell it’s on from more than a couple feet away.
Argan Blend Concealer provides medium coverage, so it’ll be great when I’ve gotten a good night’s sleep (SWEET JOY!), but it probably won’t be buff enough for me after a sleepless night.
I think it’s a great lil’ concealer, especially if you only need sheer-to-medium coverage, and want it from a product that’s also cruelty-free.
PRICE: $28; available in three shades
AVAILABILITY: Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
You know you’re a crazy cat lady when…
You’re thrilled when you find clothes and shoes in colors that match your cat — like these new platform sandals.
Do you ever do that? Please say yes so I feel like less of a freak. 🙂
I hope the rest of your Monday went well. I’m about to make din-din. Tonight it’s grilled salmon, a light tomato salad and rice (YUM!).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
It looks good, but I have also been cursed with dark circles and I don’t know if the coverage will cut it for me. However, I’m always searching for a new and improved under eye concealer, so I may check it out!
I understand the matching compulsion. I’m always really happy when furnishings match my cats. For example, I have new carpet, and it looks great with Tigger’s fur!
Have you tried MAC Pro Longwear yet? That layered on top of Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener is the jam!
This reminds me a lot of Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage!
Yeah, kinda! Do you use that? I’ve tried it a few times and for me it was just okay.
No, I don’t. I’ve been wanting to buy it though, after trying it out once. However, my skin doesn’t really need it right now – luckily!
Lucky indeed! Well, at least you already have a product in mind! That’s always helpful.
I was really thinking about snagging one of these babies out yesterday when I visited my local Sephora, but I still have three concealers, so I let go of them. I love how smooth it goes on the skin!!
Talking about cat ladies; my aunt has about 30 cats in the Philippines. She talks to each one of them and babies them, so I don’t think you’re so bad… yet ;-P
Wow… that’s a LOT of cats!
Love the shoes!
They are surprisingly really comfy. At first I wasn’t going to get them but then figured I might as well since they were half off at Marshall’s. I can’t wait for spring/summer so I can wear them! My toes are tired of being oppressed, LOL.
This concealer looks good, but if that’s medium, I’m guessing the light will be too dark for me. I’ll take a look next time I’m at Sephora though. I’m always looking for cruelty-free and more “natural” make-up options that perform well.
As for the cat matching, my cat is an orange tabby and my husband has strawberry blond hair, so I like to call them my orange boys. We got the cat after the husband and I had been dating for a couple of years, so at least I matched my cat to my husband and not the other way around! 🙂
Aww! That story is too cute. 🙂 What’s your orange tabby boy’s name? Is he a chunky monkey like Tabs?
His name is Leo, both after lions and my favorite children’s book author/illustrator Leo Leonni. He tends toward the chunky side, but last time we took him to the vet, the vet said he was only 1 pound overweight so we consider that quite an achievement.
That is quite an achievement. When I took Tabs to the vet I asked if he needed to lose weight and the vet said, “Well, he’s not obese.” I like to think of him as big-boned.
I bet Leo and your hubby take some snazzy pictures together. It’s nice to have your cat match your sweetie. 🙂
My guess is you’ll be staying with Pro Longwear? I’m still rocking that Photo Op-Pro Longwear combo you posted about months ago, don’t know if anything can beat it! But one of my friends recommended trying the Cover FX line – have you tried anything from it?
Yeah, for most everything. On those rare days when the purple isn’t too purple I plan to bust this bad boy out!
Ooh, you know what takes that combo to the next level? A light dusting of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder buffed on with a MAC 224.
This is a bit off topic, but what’s that on your lips? It looks FAB. <3
Also, one more question (sorry!), I was under the impression that all Estee Lauder brands WERE cruelty free. Was I wrong about that?
I’m not sure about the various brands, so you might want to check with Estee Lauder customer service to confirm.
Estee Lauder says they are. I know a lot of ingredients are tested prior to the cosmetic companies using them, but the finished products are said to be cruelty free. Unless Karen knows something we dont?
That’s Laura Mercier Ruby Glaze. Here’s the review:
Take an Early Spring Break Down the Laura Mercier Silk Road
I’ve been looking for a good concealer, so I’ll definitely check this out the next time I’m in Sephora.
Your dinner sounds amazing. Does Tabs go crazy when you cook salmon? My cat (who is technically my brother’s cat now) goes nuts with either fish or pork.
Surprisingly fish doesn’t do it for him — he’s all about sliced turkey and cheese! The moment he hears the cold cuts drawer open I swear he appears in the kitchen out of nowhere like a kitty ninja. 🙂
Aw, you know you will always belong to your cat. He’s merely enjoying an extended vacay with your bro.
I was wondering about this concealer so thanks chick!
Love the new shoes! Tabs is a great colour inspiration!
You’re welcome! How’s your dark circle situation? I hope you’re one of those lucky girls whose circles aren’t too bad!
They’re not too bad, but as I’m getting older they are getting a tad darker. I use the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector #1, but not every day. Only when I’m extra tired do I have too.
I haven’t tried that concealer yet. I take it it’s for light coverage?
I matched my shoes to my cat.
I mean my cat to my shoes, darnit! Oh well, it was funny before I butchered it. 🙂
LOL, no worries! 😀
I too suffer dark under eye circles and I’m constantly on the lookout for a holy grail concealer.So far I’ve had the most success with Eve Pearl’s salmon concealer , I have two tan/dark and medium/ tan and between the two I get good results.I always finish with Laura Mercier secret brightening powder to set it.
I’ve heard good things about that Eve Pearl product. Have you ever tried MAC Pro Longwear? It rocks.
This looks really nice. Lately I’ve been loving a new concealer I got from Tarte, Amazonian Clay Calming concealer. Right now it’s only available on QVC. It’s really nice, full coverage but not heavy, and it comes in a nice easy stick form.
I’m constantly obsessing over what colors “go well” with Missy when she’s lounging on various surfaces in the house. I even take into consider her “coloring” when picking out different colored toys for her. Do you think we have a little bit of a problem?
Good to know about the Tarte concealer. I’ll look it up!
And LOL… that thought has crossed my mind with Tabs’ toys. I tend to get him brightly colored feathered things. The colors pop against his fur. 😉
First time I wore the Tarte concealer, several people I know commented how it looked like I got a good night’s sleep, which I hadn’t, so I think that speaks volumes!
Oh, that’s when you KNOW it’s really working. Okay, I’ll see if I can track it down…
The finish looks so natural! Probably not pigmented enough to cut it for my dark circles though. I lovee those shoes, and your dinner sounds yummy and nutritious!
The shoes are surprisingly really comfy for heels. 🙂
I have been using Benefit Erase Paste in Medium. I’m pretty light, so I was surprised when I was recommended medium, but it does match nicely once I pat it in.
I’ve been adding the dual ended highlighting pencil by Smashbox to brighten up the corners a little more.
I was thinking about trying the Tarte concealer but decided it was too hard to match colors online, so I’m waiting until it shows up in a store.
Maybe I’ll have to check this one out now too.
It’s a pretty great concealer if medium coverage is all you need! The pans are big too, which is nice.
Hey Karen 🙂
I wouldnt mind trying this concealer, i love how its quite a decent amount in the compact! hate when they only put a tiny bit in
I just recently purchased the MAC pro longwear one, and it seemed GREAT the first few times i used it but then i noticed it wasnt really doing much, maybe cos i was getting less sleep…
Can i suggest u ( and everyone else lol ) go 2 a SheerCover counter and buy their concealer PLEEEAAASSSEEE!!! hehe…its fantastic its so creamy and its sooo pigmented, but still so thin, its one of if not the BEST ive tried! But still i always buy new ones 2 try every now and then cos i love trying new makeup 😛
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the rec. Mineral makeup sometimes makes me nervous (it’s broken me out before), but I’ll dig around the website a bit. Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Ive tried heaps of mineral brands and same with me some have broken me out, but sheercover never has, dont know y! i think cos most the mineral makeup companies actually have Talc in them which clogs, sheer cover is 100% zinc minerals i think thats prob y i dont have probs with it 🙂
Hopefully u wont have probs either 🙂
Love the shoes, they’re beautiful!
Thanks, Gio! Have a great day!
I hate to argue with one of my all time fave beauty bloggers, but your dark circles are so not noticeable!!! I would never have seen a slightly darker area if you hadn’t pointed out that no concealer was on. I guess your complexion also makes it less noticeable then …..let’s say ….. mine!
Seriously, Check out my recent foundation posts. People think I am terminally I’ll from how bad they look!
Moving on, this product looks very cool! Wish we could get it in Australia.
I guess it depends on who you’re talking too, LOL! I notice ’em every day…
shoe love again! 🙂
the concealer seems promising …. 🙂
You know I’m all about the accessories. 🙂
im going to meet the bestie and her kiddos on thurs afternoon — hopefully, some shoe love will find its way to me then!
Oh that sounds like fun! Is this the bestie who just had the baby?
The duo colour looks good! I’ve always been rather scared of salmon pink concealers before, which was why I went against a MUA’s recommendation at Benefit and got the Boiing instead of Erase Paste. However, if it neutralises the purple, I may just have to check out the pink based ones!
They’re really handy. If this one isn’t enough for you check out Bobbi Brown’s Color Corrector in Peach. It blocks out everything!
There are definitely days when I’m a little puffy and dark but I’m still planning to try the Pro Longwear/Photo Op combo (if I ever pick up Pro Longwear!).
The JM looks like it’s doing the trick for you, though. And I have to agree with Kimmi – I didn’t notice any darkness on the right, until I read the caption. 🙂
That combo RULES! Seriously, try it!
And LOL… yeah, that picture shows the circles after seven hours of sleep. You should see them on two or three.
I can sympathize because the Hubs always has dark, puffy eyes. The poor guy just doesn’t sleep well. I’m lucky that way, though I don’t always get to sleep as long as I’d like! 🙂
Aww, poor hubby! I have a guy friend who called me up a few months ago asking about dark circles… I told him that either he needed more sleep or some MAC Pro Longwear concealer!
Hi Karen,
I’m super pale and have pronounced bluish-purple under eye circles (always have). I’ve just recently found my ultimate regimen:
1. Use a salmon color corrector (I use the one in the Napoleon Perdis NP Set concealer kit from Target).
2. Use Urban Decay original Primer Potion
3. Use a creamy concealer to match your skin tone.
Here’s the technique:
1. Lay down color corrector first – don’t blend. Just cover the blue circles with the salmon color. Do both eyes.
2. Swipe the UDPP applicator lightly across the tip of your ring finger to get a small amount of product. Then tap this over the salmon, pushing it in a little. If you have too much on your finger, go ahead and do the other eye. Otherwise, swipe again and do it.
(3. You might as well prime your eyelids while you’ve got the UDPP out!)
4. Dot the cream concealer under each eye and using the same ring finger, gently tap the concealer in until it’s blended.
Serious perfection that lasts all day, the likes of which I have never seen until now.
Awesome, that’s for sharing that with me, Neena! I’ll give it a try. 😀
NeenaJ, thank you! I tried out your UDPP tip with Benefit’s Erase Paste and Boi-ing for steps 1 and 3–it worked great! I have really dark inherited circles under my eyes and this seriously helped way more than just concealer. You’re awesome!
(Erase Paste isn’t exactly a salmon-toned corrector, I think, but I’m so pale and yellow-toned, it seems to work that way for me.)
…guess I’m going to have to buy the full size UD primer potion now. =D
LOL I have. I have done that for eye shadows too. Like I found a peach that was really close to my cat Tazzer’s spots and I had to find a gray to go with it (Tazz is grey and orange- so beautiful).
Gray and orange tabbies are the best. 😉
Hi Karen,
I will have to check this out. Right now I’ve been using the Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener and Cle de Peu…but I still see some purple so maybe I need a corrector. Thanks for the wonderful reviews!
You’re welcome, Tzu! Have a great day.
Our dark circles could have a death match. I think mine might have yours beat! lol
Ha, you should see them on two hours of sleep! They’re a force to be reckoned with.
Karen,
Girl your undereye circles and mine must be related! I have so many concealers it’s riculous because I get ’em covered up and then the fine lines show through. Next time I’m at Sephora I will have to give this a whirl. I am addicted to a site called apartmenttherapy.com they have really cool decor and home design ideas. That site and casasugar.com are my go-to’s for when I want to remake my place. Both have really good furniture ideas!!! Their partner sites are awesome too!!!
Thanks for the site recs, Tania. I need the help! I’m totally clueless when it comes to home design…
My mom uses the Josie Maran argan oil as her daily moisturizer and swears but it so I’m curious to try some of the makeup products but this might be too light a coverage for my dark circles!
Love the shoes!
Check out her lipglosses, Caitlin! They’re great.
Looooove those shoes! And the concealor looks like it works really well!
It really does. It’s got a very weightless look to it that’s very natural-looking!
Thanks for this, I’ve really fallen in love with her brand and will use this to replace what I’m using once it’s out, especially considering it’s not meant for under the eye! 🙂
What other items from JM do you like, Trude?
My cat is black but she has serious allergies and has been bald for 6 months now…. nothing to match her with LOL!
Anyhow — I really want this concealer now. I have slight under eye circles but nothing serious yet. I currently use MAC’s studio finish and its a slight bit cakey for me. I do like the way it performs when I’m having a bad eye day though.
xoxo!
Aww, poor kitty! She must be cold. Do you put sweaters on her?
I’ll go to Sephora later this week and check this out. I have trouble finding a concealer tough enough to cover my raccoon undereye circles, and not settle into the fine lines under my eyes. Right now I am using Amazing Cosmetics Concealer.
I’ve heard good things about that concealer. I’ve played with it in store but can’t seem to find a color that works for me…
Anywho, tell the kitties hello for me!
They say hello to you too! 🙂
I’m such a fan (read Stan) of Josie Maran products, and this one may be the replacement for my oh so obvious MAC NW45 concealer, especially since I just use it on a few dark spots on my face.