Having tried to hide the black rings around my eyes with many more expensive products such as YSL Radiant Touch and Clinique's concealer, I still revert to my trusty old favourite of Rimmel's Hide The Blemish

As well as being excellent to use around the eyes I first used it for hiding those spots that always seem to appear at the worst possible time.

The packaging is cheap and cheerful. It is in a lipstick like container and the best way to apply it is with your finger! I don't use it straight from the stick as it tends to drag on your eyes ... and also could spread any infection from the spots that you are trying to hide. After all you don't want them to go forth and multiply do you. I did try a brush at one time but there's nothing like your good old fingers for maximum blending!

It comes in several shades and I tend to find the sand one being most effective around the eyes and a slightly darker one for hiding the zits (the shade depending on if I have been in the sun or not!) I find that when I use it under foundation it lasts the day at work. In hotter weather though it does tend to smudge fairly easily (but the same can be said for many of the prodicts I used while I worked abroad).

One of the ingredients included in the stick is lanolin. I may react to many things but am fortunate that lanolin isn't one of them. So be warned if you do have problems.

All in all it is effective around the eyes and as a concealer. It certainly is a bargain at around £2.40 (though I tend to buy a couple when there is a promotion on so that it makes it cheaper still). Another plus is that many of the major beauty chains and some supermarkets tend to stock it, making it easier to replenish supplies in emergencies.