The Eyes Have It: Expert Eye Makeup Tricks

Brighten Up

Blend better.
Dark circles are mainly genetic, and camouflaging them can look cakey. The fix: Apply a thin layer of cover-up with a fluffy blending, not concealer, brush. "Its dome shape swirls on skin for an airbrushed finish," says Keri Blair, senior makeup artist for MAC in New York City. Do this after putting on foundation. "Base cushions concealer, so it slips on without tugging the delicate skin," Blair says.

To illuminate, blend Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Conceal & Brighten ($35, peterthomasroth.com) with the MAC #217 Blending Brush ($22.50, maccosmetics.com).

Brush on bronzer.
Our faces cast shadows, and the eyes are a prime location for them. "Apply bronzer to your hairline and cheekbones," recommends Jose Rivera, lead makeup artist for Sephora's Pro Beauty Team. "The contrast shifts light to the eye area, so it looks brighter."

Darac Beauty Feature Focus ($39.50, daracbeauty.com) pairs bronzing cream with highlighter, great for neutralizing the eyes' bluish inner corners.

Stop the itch.
Got allergies? "Frequent rubbing can break the fragile capillaries around the eyes, causing undereye circles," says Yael Halaas, MD, a plastic surgeon in New York City. An antihistamine can help solve the discoloration problem.