Over brunch one Sunday, a friend of mine complained to me that she had bags under her eyes that she never had before and was freaking out. I told her that she has never been 35 before. Listen up ladies, you are not alone. As we age bags, dark circles and puffiness are part of life and a lot of you, like my friend, are in a panic. Take it easy. There are many products and tricks out there that can diminish these signs of aging, but loving your face and celebrating all the gorgeous things about you instead of focusing only on the negative will make you feel beautiful no matter what time has in store.

Bags and puffiness can be treated with firming creams applied before bedtime and before makeup. The trick is to apply a light layer of the cream right on top of the swollen area so the rest of the under eye does not become dehydrated. These anti-puffing creams usually tighten the skin, lessening the appearance of the dreaded bags. I like to store this type of cream in the fridge. The cooling sensation eases a bit of the puffiness. Also, drink plenty of water. To conceal this with makeup try applying a bit of a brightening stick concealer directly into the dark crease and then blend on a bit of darker foundation on top of the raised puffy area.

Dark circles plague many of us and there are two types. One type is caused by thinning of the skin under the eye, showing veins lying under the surface and causing the under eye area to appear bluish, this is my category. The other type is dark pigmentation under the eye that tends to be hereditary. For the first category there is not much you can do in terms of creams, but concealing with makeup is pretty easy. Just apply foundation as usual then go over the bluish area with a light sheer concealer to bounce light from this area. Some concealers have light reflecting pigments that act like tiny mirrors to lessen the tired look. For deep dark under eye circles you can use fade creams designed for the eye area. They usually contain vitamin K and should be applied every night. For day, use a thicker concealer than those mentioned above, but with a very light hand. I like to use waterproof formulas that stay put all day without seeping into fine lines. Simply pat on over your foundation with your ring finger, concentrating only on darkest under eye area.

After you have concealed your under eye “baggage” you have to let it go. Draw attention to another great feature instead like your lips. See, you are beautiful!

1. Freeze 24/7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum. The best firming cream I have ever used. Available at www.freeze247.com
2. Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue. This cream helps fade really dark under eye circles with vitamins and botanicals. Available at www.sephora.com
3. Benefit's Eye Bright. One of my all-time favorites, this pencil is a fast way to brighten under eye circles and look well rested. I use it every day. Available at www.benefitcosmetics.com
4. Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Under Eye Concealer. This is for women with very dark circles that other concealers won't hide. This will last all day and night. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com
5. Maybelline Shiny-Licious Lip Gloss. This super pearly gloss comes in great colors and really stays put. Very high-end quality with a low-end price. Available at drugstores everywhere.
6. Guerlain Divinora Cupidon Lip Pencil. This shimmering light pencil makes lips look lush when applied on the cupid's bow and under the lower lips. A great full-lip trick. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com
7. Body And Soul 4-Play Lip Balms. Better than a balm, almost like a gloss. These are super smooth and perfect for a no-fuss lip. Available at www.bodyandsoul.com
8. Jouer Cosmetics. A newcomer to the market, this line offers light sheer and easy creams for the lips, face and eyes. They can all attach to each other, keeping your makeup bag organized and clutter free. My favorites are the "Highlighter" and the "All Over" colors. I use them for my day makeup routine. Available at www.jouercosmetics.com
9. Ted Gibson Individual Color Shampoos and Conditioners. Make your hair sparkle and shine with these unique formulas created to boost your hair color. Available at www.tedgibsonbeauty.com
10. Ted Gibson Hair Sheets. These are amazing hair treatment sheets that soothe and replenish dry and damaged hair. So just slip one into your bag for moments of frizz. Great for plane travel, they won't make you toss these when you go through security. Available at www.tedgibsonbeauty.com

Have a question you want Carmindy to answer? Email her at newsletter@carmindy.com

Heather O'Reilly from Houston Texas writes:
Carmindy help! I can't find a foundation that matches my skin tone and it's making me crazy. Can you help?

Carmindy:
Some women have very unique skin tones that basic foundation colors won't match. In this case visit a makeup counter that specializes in custom blending foundations so you'll get the perfect shade guaranteed. Some companies that custom blend are Makeup Forever and Prescriptives.

Chandra Montgomery from Charlotte North Carolina writes:
Where can I purchase that little lash curler I have seen you use on "What Not To Wear"?

Carmindy:
This little curler is perfect for women with small eyes or shaky hands. It was designed to curl just the outer lashes but you can curl small sections at a time across your entire lash line, making it easier and safer to control. I know 3 companies that offer it: Preo, Japonesque and Tweezerman.

Kerry Smith from Phoenix, Arizona writes:
Can a woman in her early 40's wear eye shadow under her lower lashes?

Carmindy:
Yes. Smudging on a little eye shadow under your lower lashes is a great way to make the eyes appear bigger and is less harsh looking than eye liner. The key is to choose a shade a bit lighter than your eyeliner for a soft look. The only time you should not wear it there is if your eyes tend to droop downward, in which case using eye shadow on the upper lid is best.