Certain beauty products — think NARS blush in Orgasm, Clinique's Black Honey lipstick — are so good, they're practically famous. And, while we do love so many of those well-known, well-loved products with a loyal following, we've been wondering why others have been quietly flying under the radar. With that in mind, meet our beauty series, Cult Classics, in which we'll introduce you to the products you really, truly should know about (and try, like, right now). They're not brand new, but trust us: They've got staying power.
I know everyone and their mother claims it's possible to become a morning person, but truth be told, I just don't think that's a thing. For as long as I can remember (yes, even before I started messing with coffee and other forms of caffeination), I've had issues with insomnia. As a result, I hate mornings more than I hate almost anything else.
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Unfortunately, since I sadly can't dictate that I get to sleep for my desired hours of 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. every night, a plan B is in order. And, my plan B has come to revolve around a two-step process I like to call "Wake The #$&! Up, Tara." First, I apply a de-puffing eye elixir to get rid of my ever-present under-eye bags. (FYI, this guy mimics the feeling of putting fresh cucumber slices on your lids, but without making you feel like you're making a salad on your face.) Next, I follow up with concealer on the inner corners of my eyes, underneath my lower lash lines, and at the outer corners. But, this is key: You must, must, must use an illuminating concealer to hide under-eye bags. A flat, matte concealer doesn't reflect light; it simply absorbs it and makes one's face look badly airbrushed. That's where this little tube of magic from Clarins comes into play: Its moisturizing and brightening properties know no bounds. A few tiny dabs ensure that I can emerge into the world every day not looking like a deranged mole.
Has this concealer made me like mornings more? No, not at all. But, I am a big believer in the adage of "fake it 'til you make it," which could essentially be this concealer's middle name. And, if you're a fellow hater of mornings, I think you should treat yo'self to a tube and fake it right along with me. Sound like a plan?
Clarins Instant Concealer, $30, available at Nordstrom.
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