Concealer & Flash Photography

Under-eye concealer and flash photography are not always compatible bedfellows, as Eva Longoria discovered recently when she was snapped by Paparazzi in LA. I don’t have permission to post the images in question here, but click on the above link to see what I’m talking about. Essentially, her under-eye area looks ghostly-white in contrast to the rest of her face.

I’m not convinced that there wasn’t a bit of photoshop used to enhance this glare, as Eva Longoria’s make-up is normally flawless, whereas tabloids and paparazzi are unscrupulous. But, my purpose for highlighting (if you pardon the pun) this story today is that this is a common make-up misdemeanour. I know, because I was a serial offender! I look like a raccoon in many college photos, thanks to liberal use of YSL Touche Éclat (pictured below) in the early 00s!

This under-eye glare is caused by under-eye concealers and powders that contain “light-reflective particles” (YSL Touche Éclat is a common culprit). Light reflective particles are brilliant say for someone with mature skin or dark circles under their eyes. They act like tiny little mirrors that reflect natural light, thereby making the skin look fresh, youthful and radiant. Great in day-light; however, not so great on camera. You see, when the concealer or powder is exposed to the extreme light of flash photography, it’s almost like you have placed a giant mirror under your eyes. The flash bounces harshly off the light reflective particles, thereby making your under-eyes look scarily white in photographs.

So, how can you avoid this. Well, the main thing is to choose concealers and powders that don’t contain titanium dioxide (the light-reflecting ingredient). A quick trick is to avoid labels that contain words such as “brightening”, “luminous”, “radiant”, light-reflecting” etc. Apply your concealer on top of your foundation, blend well, and set with a matte powder. If you are particularly worried, you can use a mattifying / clarifying primer underneath your make-up. Finally, if you are going to an event where there will be lots of cameras, you may wish to choose a slightly darker shade of concealer than normal (but NOT darker than your foundation).

Now, if only I could figure out a way that we can all look like Eva Longoria!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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