Cream that’s said to combat dark circles - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Cream that’s said to combat dark circles," takes us into the aisles of the beauty and skincare world. It's a straightforward, definition-style clue that relies on general knowledge of common cosmetic products. Let's break down how to solve it.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be dissected into a few key parts:

• "Cream...": This immediately signals we're looking for a type of topical product, likely for skincare. While the answer isn't technically a cream, it falls into the same general category. The constructor uses "cream" as a broad term for a cosmetic application.
• "...that's said to combat...": This is a subtle but important phrase. It points to the purpose of the product. The "said to" part cleverly mirrors the language of advertising, where benefits are often claimed rather than guaranteed.
• "...dark circles": This is the most specific part of the clue. It tells us exactly what problem the product addresses and, by extension, where on the body it's applied. Dark circles appear under the eyes.

Putting it all together, the clue is asking for a skincare product applied under the eyes to help with dark circles.

Thinking Approaches

A solver can approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "dark circles" is almost exclusively associated with the area under the eyes. Your first thought should be, "What products are made for the eyes?"
2. Brainstorming Products: Following that thought, you might list potential products: eye cream, concealer, eye serum, or eye gel.
3. Analyzing Word Form: The clue uses "Cream," but the answer might be a different form. The answer is a compound word. The first part identifies the body part, and the second describes the product's consistency. This structure helps narrow down the brainstormed list.
4. Using Crossings: If you're unsure which product it is, getting even one or two crossing letters will be a huge help. For example, if the answer is six letters long and ends in 'L', EYEGEL becomes a very likely candidate over EYECREAM.

Background Context

The market for skincare is vast, with countless products targeting very specific concerns. Products for the delicate skin around the eyes are a major category. While "eye cream" is a common term, eye gels have become popular as a lighter, often water-based alternative. Gels are frequently marketed for their cooling and de-puffing properties, which are thought to help with the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags. The clue's phrasing "said to combat" is a nod to the fact that the effectiveness of these products can vary widely and is often a matter of marketing claims.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of a modern, accessible puzzle entry. It doesn't require obscure trivia, just a basic familiarity with everyday products. By breaking down the clue into its core components—product type, purpose, and location—the solver can quickly arrive at the correct answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is a type of cosmetic or skincare product.
2. Hint 2: It's applied to a specific part of the face.
3. Hint 3: The name is a compound word describing its form and function.
4. Hint 4: It's a lighter alternative to a cream, often with a cooling effect.

The answer is EYEGEL.