Beaut.ie How to: Apply Under-Eye Concealer

We had a great discussion about our favourite concealers the other day, but a few people did admit to finding it difficult to apply under-eye concealer well. I've had a few hit-and-miss efforts in this area myself before finally settling on the best method, so I thought I'd share a few tips.

- Firstly, what type of concealer is best for this area? I like a creamy or liquid formula, as it is so easy to blend on the skin. This will help achieve smooth, even finish and also means you won't have to pull the delicate skin around the eye too much. I also like a formula with light-reflecting properties, which helps brighten the eye area.

- The next decision to make is the tool to use. Concealer brushes are great, particularly if you're applying from a pot or jar. A brush with synthetic taklon bristles is best for blending the concealer without soaking up all the product. Look for one with a smallish, flat head, so it's easy to use in hard-to-reach areas like the inside corners of the eyes. However, I also find fingertips are perfect for blending, as the warmth helps to melt the concealer into the skin.

- My next tip was what really helped me to apply concealer well - take a step back from the mirror. It might seem counter-intuitive, but this helps you to judge where you need the concealer. For most of us, the area we want to conceal will be the shadow or circle below the eye. To help you find this area, feel for the bottom of the eye socket, to the side of the nose. Now simply dot the concealer along the socket line and then gently blend it in by patting it in with your fingertip or with short brush strokes if using a brush. Don't be tempted to take the concealer all the way up to the lower lashline, as it's not generally needed there and is less likely to sink into fine lines if you keep it down lower. Resist the temptation to use too much product as well - this will help prevent the concealer from caking or gathering in fine lines. Once you've finished one eye, take a look in the mirror to compare the concealed side to the unconcealed. The side with concealer should look much brighter.

- If you find the area right in the corner either side of your nose is also dark, apply one dot of concealer to it and gently pat it in. Again this will brighten the area and really bring emphasis to your eyes, making you look much more awake.

- After blending the concealer, set it with a very light dusting of powder, either pressed on with a puff or sponge or gently applied with the tip of a powder brush or a larger eye shadow brush.