Ask Bella: Will Eye Cream Help Keep My Concealer in Place?

Have you ever wondered if an eye cream has powers beyond plumping and dark circle reduction? A reader posed just that question, asking:

I recently went to replenish some of my basics — moisturiser, eyeliner, concealer, etc. A saleswoman asked if I had any questions and I did; I can never seem to make my concealer stay put! She said I needed to start using an eye cream and that it would make my concealer stay. I know there are many benefits for using eye cream, but is this one of them? Or was she just trying to make a sale?

For our advice, just keep reading . . .Since skin surrounding the eyes is typically one of the first places to show wrinkles and dark circles, adding hydration to the area through the use of an eye cream can never hurt, particularly for those who experience crepiness with their makeup. I can tell that my concealer lasts longer when my skin is fully-hydrated; it's also applies a lot more evenly. If you're looking to test the waters, Natio Renew Radiance Eye Cream ($16.95) is great for the budget-conscious, and if money is no object then I'd highly recommend both Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate ($135) and Estée Lauder Time Zone Anti-Line/Wrinkle Eye Cream ($88).

However, if you decide to forgo the eye cream, a great tip for keeping your concealer from slipping comes from Bobbi Brown: Set your concealer with a yellow-based loose powder to prevent it from heading south. Try Bobbi Brown Loose Powder ($65) which is available in a variety of yellow-based shades.

Stockists: Bobbi Brown (1800 061 326), Lancôme (02 9931 8888), Natio (03 9415 9911).