If you were stranded on an island with only one beauty product, what would
it be? For me, hands down, I’d choose an eyelash curler. But I know that
many of you would choose concealer to cover those dark circles. Unfortunately, simply sleeping more doesn’t make ‘em go away, but concealer can do wonders.

Formula-wise, look for something creamy. Not runny (it won’t provide enough coverage), not cakey (it’ll just sit on top of your skin and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles). In terms of color, it really depends on the color of the circles you want to cover. If circles look a bit blue or purple, choose
a concealer with yellow undertones. If the shadows are brown or gray, find one that’s peachy.

So which comes first, foundation or concealer? Foundation, of course! Think about it: If you apply foundation after concealer, you just end up wiping it off. If you use concealer after foundation, you’ll end up using less product. (Be sure to prep the delicate eye area with some eye cream so the concealer doesn’t drag.) Using your ring finger—it exerts the least amount of pressure—pat a few dots of concealer from the tear duct out and pat with fingers until it melts into your skin. Whatever you do, don’t rub!

I like Maybelline’s Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer ($6.50; drugstore.com). It has fine light-reflecting pigments so it not only conceals darks circles, but brightens them as well. Good price, too.

So…what’s your desert island product?

SEE ALSO

Flattering fall jackets

Get the scoop on the skinny belt trend

Give yourself a virtual makeover

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

ShareThis