Guest post: How to cover dark circles by Elle Sees

1. Brighten–First, let’s brighten the area underneath eyes. I like to use a liquid or creamy brightener, like the Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles from Maybelline. I apply it in an upside-down triangle from underneath my eyes to a little less than halfway down my cheeks. Blend it in using clean fingers, a face brush, or dampened makeup sponge. Also Try: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Pen ($), MAC Primed for Perfection ($$), YSL Touche Eclat ($$$)
2. Correct–For many, brightening will suffice, but not me! It’s time to get serious and do some color correction. This is a crucial step is covering those circles. You’ll want a corrector in a salmon, peach, or orange shade, depending on your skin tone. These look like concealers, but will be in the colors mentioned previously. The one pictured is from Pixi Beauty, available at Target, and is great for pale-light skin tones. To use, simply apply on the dark circle and blend to counteract the color. Also Try: Bobbi Brown (huge range of shades $$), Eva Pearl ($$), Bare Minerals ($$), Benefit Erase Paste ($$)
3. Conceal--Next, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone or only a shade lighter. This will be applied on and a little around the dark circle area. It should be blended well to hide the corrector and should blend in with your skin tone. I like Bare Minerals ($$), MAC ($$), Revlon ($), Ben Nye ($-$$)
4. Set–If you have oily or combo skin, you’ll definitely want to set all of that work, using a loose powder, like one from Laura Mercier ($$). Dust a small amount amount under eyes to set. I like placing a layer of tissue or napkin under my eyes and dusting the powder on top of that. Sounds crazy but it works. Also Try: ELF HD ($), Maybelline Mineral Powder ($), Ben Nye ($), NARS ($$)

Tips:

• Don’t forget the inner corners of eyes near the top of the nose–those can be dark too!
• I don’t recommend yellow to brighten unless you have a very dark complexion.
• If you’re going to be around flash photography, skip any HD powders. These photograph well as long as there is no flash involved!