I have terrible under-eye circles.  It doesn’t matter how well rested or hydrated I am, they’re always with me.  And after a long night or a long week at work, I start to look like I’m wearing a football player’s eye black.  Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to help me cover my under-eye circles and look more awake.

Concealer. The biggest mistake women make with under-eye concealer is applying it only on the dark areas.  I apply mine in a modified triangle shape.  First, I apply Lancome’s Miracle Correcting Cushion Primer (any primer will do, I just like the hint of pink in this one for correcting the dark circles).  Second, I use Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in neutralizer to draw my triangle, patting it into the skin with my fingertip.  Finally, I set it all with Makeup Forever’s HD Pressed Powder.

Highlighter. This trick comes courtesy of Wayne Goss and The Cut, who made this handy two-minute video.  Applying your highlighter/brightener along the very top of your cheekbone (not under the eye!) lifts the eye and the face.  I also like to dab a bit in the hollow of my eye near the tear duct, and in a y-shape in between my brows.

Wayne uses Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Eye Brightener; I prefer BareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener.  For a drugstore product, Maybelline Lumi Highlighting Concealer.

Blush. When you’re trying to hide exhaustion, blush should be applied to the apples of your cheeks.  Where are your apples?  They’re here.  For blush, I like something fairly bright like Bobbi Brown’s Nectar blush, a mix of pink and coral.

Brow Filler.  Don’t neglect your eyebrows.  They frame the face and lift the look.  I’m using Benefit’s Ka-Brow, but the ybf Universal Brow Pencil is still a favorite.

Eyelashes.  Mascara is a must when you need a pick me up.  Only apply it to your top lashes, and make sure to give them a curl. I am still loving Armani’s Eyes to Kill mascara.  If you want something similar, I’m told Covergirl’s Clump Crusher mascara yields similar results.