To Hide 'Em
If you have scatter zits, under-eye circles, and some shine, you need medium coverage. It consists of:
· Yellow-based concealer
· Oil-free base that matches skin
· Oil-control powder
Apply foundation and blend with a cosmetic sponge. Dab concealer on trouble spots, then use powder to cover shiny areas like forehead, nose, and chin.
Cover dark circles up with a light colored concealer. The concealer should be a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone to compensate for the darkness. Plus, the light color will reflect natural light and diminish the shadow. The creamier the consistency, the better--you don't want it to be thick and cakey. Blot on the concealer--rubbing it in might irritate sensitive skin--then top it off with your usual foundation. If you're an allergy sufferer, an over-the-counter anti-histamine may help reduce swelling and shadows.
The form of makeup your need depends on what you’ve got to cover. If you’re trying to hide under-eye circles: Those dark circles that pop up when you’re sleep-deprived or stressed–or that you were just born with–can do a disappearing act with the right concealer. Run for cover with a creamy, lightweight formula; it will blend well on delicate under-eye skin. A perfect product won’t cover anything unless it’s applied right. Dab dots of creamy concealer beneath your eye. Then blend from the inside out with your ring finger. It’s the weakest, and the least likely to tug on skin. Plus, the heat from your hand will help smooth the makeup into your skin. Then, dust lightly with translucent powder to prevent creasing.
Fatigue, poor circulation and genetics are just a few reasons why we get under-eye circles. Prep the delicate skin around your eyes by thoroughly blending eye cream into the area. Using a medium flat brush, apply concealer — be sure to get the area at the inner corner of your eye, where it meets your nose. Choose a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone or one with a yellow hue to counteract the blueness. Consider a concealer that contains light-diffusing pigments for an eye-brightening effect. For targeted long-term treatment, try using an eye serum.
Use a light dusting of pressed powder on the T-zone and under eyes. Then take an under-eye concealer and knock out any dark circles. If it’s something from a pot, use a brush, then pat in with fingertips–the warmth from your fingers gives a clean application. Apply from the inside of the bridge of your nose just past the corner of your inner eye. Then dust with a pressed powder that matches your foundation. To wake up eyes, drop a touch of highlighter in the center of the eyelid and blend around the entire lid and brow bone.
Apply your concealer around the whole eye area (lash line to brow bone, also if you want). Next, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. Then apply a dark liner to your upper lash line and add your favorite eyeshadow to your lids. Lastly, curl your lashes and apply mascara only to the upper lashes. Using mascara to the lower lashes will draw attention to the puffiness and bags.
If your eyes look tired, get a cotton swab and apply a dot of neutral-toned shimmery powder onto the inner corners of the eyes. This will visibly lift lids that look droopy and make eyes appear larger.