We can’t always get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, but we can at least see like us. Sure, you’ve probably used various skincare methods and makeup to conceal your tired under-eyes, but celebrities seem to have found the holy grail when it comes to brightening their complexion. Over the years, Martha Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Meghan Markle and more have all revealed that they use the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Awakening Concealer Click Pen.
Nordstrom
With just a few swipes, it can look like you slept all night.
$40 at Nordstrom
Available in 14 shades, the concealer contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, vitamin E to brighten it, and Moroccan calendula extract to soothe the skin. This makes it particularly suitable for applying to fine lines and wrinkles as it won’t dry out and settle, which could make these blemishes even more visible.
The applicator is nice too. It’s a soft brush – just pump the bottom to apply the formula to it and lightly brush it onto your skin. You can use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a fluffier brush to blend it in.
Stewart’s makeup artist reportedly dabs the pencil’s brightening formula under her eyes, but says you can use it anywhere. Case in point: In a video for Vogue, Lopez calls it a “great little pencil” for contouring and brightening and paints a little of it on her nose.
However, it is important to note that this is not a new product. In fact, it first came onto the market in 1992! Ten years ago, when Markle was filming Suitsshe told Birchbox in an interview that she applies concealer to the inner corners of her eyes. “This trick is especially good when we’re shooting at 3 a.m. and I need to look wide awake and alert,” she said.
Although countless new concealers have been released over the years, YSL’s is a classic that stands the test of time. Celebrities aren’t the only fans. Thousands of shoppers at Nordstrom, Sephora, Macy’s and others give it five stars. It has a cult-like following.
“I have sensitive skin and this is the only under-eye concealer that has worked for me,” said one Nordstrom customer who says she’s been using it for years. “It goes on silky and smooth – I love it!”
“It’s the only product that doesn’t settle under my eyes, so it’s the only product I use as an under-eye concealer,” another shared. “It completely covers my dark circles and brightens my under-eye area, making it look bright and awake.”
“The best lightener on the market,” said one loyal fan. “I’ve tried others and always come back to this one. Lesson learned! No deviating this time.”
“I apply a light line under each eye every day. I bought this last year and it still works perfectly!” said another. “Every makeup box needs one of these!”
Of course, if you’re looking for a way to brighten your under-eye area and other dark spots, from acne scars to melasma, the tried-and-tested YSL Touche Éclat All Over Awakening Concealer is worth a try. Hey, if it’s good enough to make celebs look camera-ready, it’s probably good enough to make you look office-ready at 9 a.m. on a busy Monday
Nordstrom
Press the bottom of the stick to dispense the concealer onto the soft brush, then sweep it onto wherever your skin needs some brightening.
$40 at Nordstrom
Of course, if you don’t want to spend money like Stewart or Lopez, there’s also Amazon’s #1 Concealer, which has a similar stick style, has over 147,000 rave reviews, and costs less than $10.
Amazon
This popular concealer from Maybelline comes in a variety of shades. Simply twist the stick to dispense product into the sponge-like applicator on top and apply to the desired area.
In addition to Amazon fans, Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards called it “such a great concealer” in an Amazon Live shopping video.
$8 on Amazon
The reviews cited above reflect the most current versions at the time of publication.