Tired Eyes? These Two Affordable Concealers Are My Secret Weapons

Another Affordable & Effective Under-Eye Concealer I’ve Recently Tried

I’ve always been a fan of E.L.F. makeup products—they’re affordable, reliable, and get the job done without any fuss. A few years back, I even wrote about their Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter, which I still think is a fantastic little product.

To be honest, I’m not a big makeup person. My daily routine is simple: a touch of under-eye concealer, a hint of blush, lip gloss occasionally, mascara, and eyeshadow on special occasions. That’s pretty much it. I don’t wear foundation, and I rarely go on makeup shopping sprees. I’ll use the same few products until they’re finished, then restock only when necessary.

Recently, it was time to replace my concealer, and I decided to try something new: the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer. Since it’s budget-friendly, I figured I might as well give it a try.

Why I Still Love the E.L.F. Concealer

The E.L.F. under-eye concealer is a go-to for a reason. It’s light, easy to apply, and it doesn’t sit heavy on the skin. It brightens up tired eyes, smooths things out a bit, and gives a nice, clean look without being overdone. If you’re like me and prefer a natural, minimal makeup vibe, it’s perfect.

My Recent Find: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind

Now, about this Maybelline Concealer—I was genuinely impressed. It features a soft, cushiony sponge tip that makes application super easy. 

You just twist the top, and the product flows into the sponge. Dab it under your eyes, around the corners, or even on your lids if needed. It blends well, doesn’t settle into creases, and has a smooth finish.

For someone who sticks to just a few products and likes things to be quick and effortless, this one fits right in. It’s affordable, effective, and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a layer of product.

Both Products Are Worth Having

Now I have two favorite under-eye concealers—and I’m not usually someone who keeps multiple options on hand. Both the E.L.F. and Maybelline concealers are budget-friendly, easy to use, and deliver real results. 

If you’re in the market for a new concealer or just want to try something different without breaking the bank, give the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind a shot.

It may become one of your everyday go-to products, like it has for me.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Best, Most Attractive Sunscreen Makeup for Mature Skin

If you have followed my posts here on Review This Reviews or on social media, you know that I am a 70-year-old woman who became a serious skincare enthusiast at age 65. Using a great anti-aging skincare routine consistently has helped me turn back the clock and look much younger than my chronological age. It has also helped me combat those pesky age spots AKA sun spots AKA hyperpigmentation that are the late-blooming results of having spent too many years unprotected by sunscreen.

Today, I know that daily sunscreen application, regardless of the weather, is the most important step in my skincare routine. As a result, I have a few favorite sunscreens to choose from, depending on my mood and my activities for the day. In general, I prefer tinted mineral sunscreens and rarely feel the need to wear foundation.

For everyday wear, I tend to gravitate toward Undefined Beauty's R&R Sun Serum, which is a sheer, liquid, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a lovely serum texture and SPF 50 PA++++ sun protection, as well as skincare ingredients like Niacinamide. I use the Light/Neutral shade, which is nearly invisible on my skin after I rub it in and has zero white cast. Alternatively, I use DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46, a moisturizing tinted sunscreen with a mix of both chemical and physical sun filters and a choice of a dewy or matte finish (I prefer the dewy version), among a few other favorite sunscreens.

However, if I want to look a bit more polished and plan to wear a bit of makeup, I most often reach for my Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+, which is a tinted mineral sunscreen and foundation hybrid that provides lightweight complexion coverage and a natural-looking satin finish. It costs a bit more than drugstore foundations with SPF, but provides much better sun protection and has additional anti-aging skincare benefits while giving a beautiful skin-like finish that is especially flattering to mature complexions.

IMPORTANT! When using most foundations with SPF, the amount of product you would need to apply to get the stated SPF protection would result in a very thick, cakey application, which is why most sunscreen foundations actually don't provide enough sun protection. They are also difficult to reapply during the day, which is important if you are going to be outdoors or by a sunny window.

FUN FACT: Toty is actress Sofia Vergara's skincare and sunscreen brand. The products are manufactured in Spain in a lab that is known for its extremely high quality skincare and sunscreen products.

Note: I am an Amazon Associates and a ShopMy affiliate partner. If you purchase anything through the product links in this review, I may earn a small commission.

Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ Review

The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ is a next-generation complexion perfecter that combines makeup, skincare, and sun protection in one sleek compact. Designed for mature and sensitive skin, this luxurious CC compact delivers soft-focus, skin-blurring coverage with hydrating, anti-aging ingredients and powerful SPF 50+ defense.

Next-Generation Makeup: A Flawless, Second-Skin Finish

Unlike traditional CC creams or powder foundations, the Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact features tone-adapting pigments for a natural, velvety-satin finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.

• Soft-focus, skin-blurring coverage minimizes pores and imperfections
• Lightweight yet buildable for a fresh, natural look
• Tone-adapting pigments ensure a seamless shade match
• Available in 15 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones
• Long-lasting wear that holds up throughout the day

When I want to look a bit more polished and put on a little makeup, I use Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ to even out my complexion a bit while providing mineral sunscreen coverage

Find Your Perfect Shade Easily

With 15 tone-adapting shades, this CC compact makes it effortless to find your match. Note: Not all the shades are available on Amazon, so you may prefer to purchase your Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ on the Toty website. Use Toty’s Shade Finder tool or upload a selfie on the Toty website to receive a personalized shade recommendation for the most natural, flawless finish.

Note: I find that this sunscreen is slightly darker and warmer than my complexion in the shade that was recommended for me, so although my complexion is light to light-medium and neutral, the shade 1C works best for me. 

Advanced SPF 50+ Protection: More Than Just Sunscreen

This 100% mineral SPF 50+ compact offers four levels of sun-aging defense:

• Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection to prevent premature aging
• Iron Oxides protect against Visible/Blue Light (from screens and indoor lighting)
• Antioxidants (PLE FERNBOOST) defend against oxidative stress and free radical damage
• Water & Sweat Resistant for 80 minutes, making it perfect for daily wear and reapplication

Unlike traditional sunscreens, this lightweight, non-greasy formula in a convenient compact allows for effortless on-the-go SPF re-application, helping you maintain youthful, healthy skin without disrupting your makeup.

Sun-Aging Defense Skincare: Nourish & Protect

This CC compact doesn’t just enhance your skin instantly—it actively improves skin health over time with powerful skincare ingredients:

• PLE FERNBOOST (a proprietary antioxidant blend) fights sun-induced aging
• Vitamin E provides deep hydration and shields against environmental damage
• Squalane replenishes moisture, keeping skin soft, supple, and youthful

Bonus Benefits: Clean, Clinically Tested, and Skin-Friendly

• Vegan & Cruelty-Free—no animal testing
• Dermatologist-Tested & Clinically Proven
• Non-Comedogenic—won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
• Suitable for Sensitive Skin—free of common irritants like gluten, nickel, parabens, lanolin, talc, and preservatives

Under the magnetic upper compartment that holds the mineral sunscreen foundation, there's a lower compartment with an applicator sponge, although I much prefer using the brush for a sheer application

Pro Application Tips & Recommended Add-Ons

Use as the last step of your skincare routine and the first step of your makeup routine. This compact keeps your makeup flawless and your SPF protection in action all day.

How to Apply for a Flawless, Protected Look:

1. Warm up the product by swirling the applicator sponge or, preferably, the Toty Illumina Brush into the sunscreen foundation in the Illumina CC Creamy Compact.
2. Apply evenly across the face using smooth strokes, blending into the skin for a seamless finish.
3. Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors or exposed to the sun. The sleek compact design makes it convenient to carry in your purse, backpack, or car for touch-ups throughout the day.

Recommended Add-Ons for a Perfect Finish:

Toty Illumina Brush (affiliate link)

The compact comes with a sponge applicator, but I find that the sunscreen makeup applies heavier than I would like with the sponge. For a more natural finish, I highly recommend getting the optional Toty Illumina Brush!

• Designed for precision application, angled for easy blending
• Soft, dense bristles ensure a streak-free, airbrushed finish
• Works perfectly with the Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ to create a flawless yet natural, skin-like texture

Toty Rosita Storage Pouch (affiliate link)

• Chic, very lightweight, and functional for carrying your essentials
• The perfect size for carrying the CC Compact and Illumina Brush for touch-ups on the go
• Stylish storage in a light peach fabric with rose gold-tone metallic accents makes it a luxe addition to your beauty arsenal

Always Divina Set (affiliate link)

Get everything you need to stay sun protected on the go with the Toty Always Divina Set, which includes:

• The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact in your choice of 15 tone-adapting shades
• The Toty Illumina Brush for a seamless, airbrushed application
• The Toty Rosita Zippered Storage Pouch to keep everything organized and ready for touch-ups on the go

This set is perfect for anyone who wants all three products in one convenient bundle.

My Toty Always Divina Set with the sunscreen makeup compact, brush, and pouch

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ is the ultimate hybrid of skincare, sun protection, and complexion perfection. If you want flawless, radiant skin with anti-aging benefits, this is one of the best sunscreen makeup compacts on the market.

In an independent 28-day consumer study of 87 women aged 18-65 (phototype I to VI):

• 98% said they were satisfied with how long it lasted on their skin
• 95% were satisfied with the product overall
• 92% agreed that pores, imperfections, and dark spots were visibly diminished

Pros:

• Soft-focus, blurring effect for a youthful look
• Long-lasting, lightweight coverage (98% of users agreed!)
• High SPF 50+ protection with iron oxides for blue light defense
• Water & sweat resistant (80 min)—great for all-day wear
• Infused with antioxidants & skincare ingredients
• Available in 15 adaptable shades for a natural, seamless match
• Easy shade matching with the Toty Shade Finder tool
• The Always Divina Set provides a complete, effortless beauty routine

Cons:

• Best applied with the Illumina Brush, which is sold separately unless purchased in the Always Divina Set.
• Might need to try more than one shade to find your perfect match.
• Natural Satin Finish may not appeal to women who prefer a glowy complexion product. For them, Toty Illumina Mineral Glow SPF 50+.

Who Should Try It?

• Women over 40 looking for a hydrating, natural-finish foundation with SPF
• Anyone with sensitive skin, rosacea, or mature skin concerns
• Those who want a long-wearing, breathable formula with anti-aging benefits

For the best experience, grab the Always Divina Set to get everything you need for a flawless, protected complexion in one go!




The Best, Most Attractive Sunscreen Makeup for Mature Skin by Margaret Schindel

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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving

Who doesn't like to be pampered with a special gift they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, especially during the holidays or for another special occasion?

Whether you have nearly finished your holiday shopping or are just getting started, you can order these these beauty gifts and have them delivered quickly. I've included gifts at a variety of price ranges in this review, from stocking stuffers to splurges.

Happy gift-giving!

Note: I am an Amazon Associates and a ShopMy affiliate partner. If you purchase anything through the product links in this review, I may earn a small commission.

Beauty Gifts Under $25

These inexpensive gifts pack a big punch for their low price tags. They're perfect stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your list or anyone who could use a bit of pampering.

NISHEL Large Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag for Women

The Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag is far and away the best bag of its kind I have ever owned, and I have tried a lot of different brands and models over the years. It holds a LOT of products, from shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, razor, etc., to sunscreen, skincare and makeup — enough for quite a long trip, if desired — while keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible throughout your stay. 

Despite how much it holds, it folds and zips up into a compact size with convenient carrying handles. 

I wrote an in-depth product review of the Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag last year that includes photos of how I pack mine so you can see just how much it holds and how you might want to organize yours. Also, although it is marketed as a women's travel toiletry bag, it would also be great for men who like to travel with more toiletries than can comfortably fit in a traditional Dopp Kit style bag.

NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag

The NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag is for women who travel with a lot of makeup and prefer a train case style bag.

This large-capacity makeup bag measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 7 inches and has both top and bottom makeup storage compartments with a capacious center section with elastic straps that can accommodate even large fluffy makeup brushes easily. 

The large main section can hold bottles, tubes, compacts, palettes, etc., and includes a removable divider that you can position as desired (or omit). The top section, inside the lid, is a shallow zippered compartment that's perfect for a larger makeup palette. 

Like the travel toiletry bag, the outer shell is a soft, smooth, quilted microfiber material that is both attractive and easy to clean.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades

This Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is absolutely stunning and is an incredible bargain. It contains 12 extremely wearable, neutral eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes that would be flattering on any eye color or skin tone.

The matte shadows could be used alone for an extremely subtle, conservative look, or can be paired with the metallic shimmer shades for a fancier evening or special occasion makeup look.

Maybelline is known for high-quality, highly pigmented makeup at very affordable prices. This would be great for anyone from a teen to a senior who enjoys "putting on a face."

Note: Although this eyeshadow palette comes with two double-ended sponge applicators, I would highly recommend giving your gift recipient a set of good makeup brushes if they don't already own some.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette

This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette is another terrific choice with 16 high-quality eyeshadow shades to suit any eye color or complexion. The highly pigmented shadows include a mix of safari-inspired neutral browns in a range of finishes, from matte and satin to shimmery and metallic shades. 

The colors in this palette were curated by makeup professionals in Los Angeles. It is recommended to apply these shadows over an eyeshadow primer for the best color payoff.

NYX eyeshadows are now vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with 30% recycled materials.

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils

These Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Shower Bombs with Essential Oils are the perfect, affordable way to pamper someone who doesn't love makeup or skincare but loves a warm, relaxing shower. They will make the lucky recipient feel like they have escaped to a relaxing spa for a while, in the comfort of their own home.

This set of six shower steamers comes beautifully gift boxed for easy gift giving. The six scents in the green box, which come from fragrant essential oils, are eucalyptus, green tea, jasmine, rose, lemongrass, and lavender in the green box. If you choose the blue box, your giftee will receive eucalyptus, peppermint, green tea, lemongrass, salvia, and tea tree. The pink box contains rose, gardenia, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and jasmine to make your recipient feel relaxed, restored, and well rested.

These shower steamers are a cinch to use. Let your gift recipient know to unwrap one, place it in the corner of their shower away from the water stream, and allow the steam activate the fragrance from the essential oils.

Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit, 6 Travel Size Products

This Burt's Bees Tips & Toes Kit makes a wonderful, unisex stocking stuffer. It's a nicely boxed set of five travel-size products and a sixth, full-size product that would also be great for a purse, gym bag or briefcase:

• A tube of Honey & Grapeseed Nourishing Hand Cream
• A tin of Almond & Milk Hand Cream
• A tin of Hand Salve
• A tin of Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
• A tube of Coconut Oil & Soap Bark Softening Food Cream
• A tube of Pomegranate Moisturizing Lip Balm

This would make a great gift for anyone of any age, especially during the cold winter months.

Beauty Gifts Under $50

These affordable gifts are sure to please.

Jenny Patinkin makes my absolute favorite makeup brush cleaners. 

As I have explained in previous reviews about washing makeup on brushes, keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is essential for many reasons, including optimal performance and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria between your brushes, your makeup, and your skin.

I use the Jenny Patinkin Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean my makeup brushes in just seconds after each use. Then, either once a week (if I'm wearing makeup most days) or every other week, I wash them properly with the Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap.

With these two products, I am able to care for even my most expensive makeup brushes effectively yet gently. The set of both products would make a fabulous gift for any makeup wearer!

Body & Earth Ocean Gift Basket - 7-Piece Bath and Body Gift Set

This Body & Earth 7-Piece Ocean Gift Basket Set consists of a reusable bathtub-shaped "basket" filled with 6 luxurious ocean-scented bath and body products:

• Bath Salts
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Bar Soap
• Scented Glass Votive Candle

Your gift recipients will think of you fondly as they luxuriate in a bubble bath or fragrant shower, and their skin will be silky soft thanks to the body lotion.

The contents are beautifully packaged in an aqua blue and white pattern reminiscent of ocean waves. This gift looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag would suggest!

9-Piece Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Gift Basket Set

An even more luxurious set is the 9-Piece Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Gift Basket Set from LOVERY.

This set features vanilla and coconut-scented bath and body products enriched with moisturizing vitamin E oil and shea butter packed inside a ribbon-tied 9.5-inch tall, 4.5-inch square gift basket.

Because the scent isn't particularly masculine or feminine, this would make a great gift for men as well as women.

This set includes:

• Bath Oil
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Scrub
• Bath Salts
• 2 Bath Bombs
• Bath Towel
• Reusable Decorative Basket

Real Techniques 9 -Piece Au Naturale Makeup Brush Set

For the woman (or girl) who doesn't have a good set of makeup brushes, the Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set would be a great starter set or a nice but inexpensive upgrade (if she's just using whatever cheap brushes or applicators come with her makeup). It would also make a great second set to keep in a gym bag.

This set of cruelty-free, vegan makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes includes:

• Ultimate Powder Brush
• Light Layers Complexion Brush
• Perfecting Prime Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Precision Fan Brush
• Full Coverage Brush
• Shading Brush
• Defining Crease Brush
• Flat Liner Brush

The brushes have sturdy aluminum ferrules and custom-cut UltraPlush synthetic bristles that apply and blend makeup beautifully.

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads

The DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask with Jojoba Beads is one of my favorite face masks. It's a great way to get a spa-like facial-treatment affordably, in the comfort of your own home.

This mask uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. It reduces the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrates the skin, cleanses impurities, and gently exfoliates the dead surface layer of the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Key skin-loving ingredients include pumpkin, jojoba oil beads, kaolin clay, vitamin E, peptides, ceramides, enzymes, and colloidal silver.

You can read more about this outstanding rejuvenating face mask in my detailed product review that explains why it's The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin.

Beauty Gifts Over $50

I have a large collection of high-quality makeup brushes, but I still had to buy this adorable Jenny Patinkin Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set.

This tiny pink zippered pouch holds 6 mini makeup brushes that feature full-size vegan, synthetic bristle brush heads on palm-size weighted handles that give them the same balance as full-length brushes without the size. 

The brushes in this set are:

• Complexion
• Powder/Blush
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Crease
• Smudge

Jenny Patinkin claims that her brushes have 2.5x the number of bristles as other brushes. I'm not sure which brushes she's comparing them to, but her brushes definitely have ultra-fine bristles and a luxurious feel and deliver an extremely smooth makeup application.

This mini but mighty set is perfect for an avid makeup lover who appreciates good quality makeup brushes. Even if your gift recipient already has a good set of brushes, she will love this mini makeup brush set for her purse, car, desk, gym bag, or carry-on bag.

By now you know that I feel strongly about the importance of good quality makeup brushes for a beautiful, seamless, professional-looking makeup application.

BK BEAUTY x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brush Set - Vol. 1 (7-Pc Set)

 Although it took me many years to bite the bullet and invest in a really good set, I finally did. In fact, I have become a bit of a high-end makeup brush collector by now. I wish I had made the investment sooner, as the positive difference in my makeup application when using good brushes is really noticeable. Of course, it's also important to learn good application techniques, but with the right tools, it's so much easier.

My very favorite makeup brushes of all time are this set of BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brushes Vol. 1. Nikki is an incredibly talented makeup artist with a long list of celebrity clients and her work is amazing. The collab she did with one of my favorite brush companies, BK Beauty, to create this 7-piece set of professional makeup brushes is simply superb.

The set includes:

• The N14 Petite Precision Multitasker — ideal for small areas
• The tapered N15 Precision Medium Powder brush — perfect for blending, bronzer, and contouring
• The N16 Pro Concealer brush — its triangular tip allows for precise concealer application
• The N17 Multi-Pro Face brush — an ingenious, dual-sided brush with lighter bristles on one side for creams and liquids and darker bristles on the other side for powders
• The N11 Ultimate Angle brush — lets you create a winged liner look effortlessly with a single stroke
• The N12 Ultimate Smudger — designed for blending pencil liner, smudging, and defining eyes and lips
• The N13 Precision Pro Blender — ideal for deep-set, mature, and small eyes (which I really appreciate).

All seven brushes are multitaskers that make them worth their weight in gold for anyone who loves a beautiful, professional-looking makeup application. In fact, pro makeup artists love this set!

Although it's definitely a splurge, any serious beauty lover would adore getting this fabulous set and its complementary companion, the BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Brush Set Vol. 2, which has eight of the most unusual and ingenious multi-tasking makeup brushes on the market.

I hope this review of the best beauty gifts for last-minute gift giving helps you find the perfect gifts for people on your list!

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving by Margaret Schindel

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