How to cover up like a prof- with the best concealer

No matter how often we've used concealer to cover up dark undereye circles, it seems to look obvious or never stays put, which is why we consulted with a pro: internationally renowned makeup artist Francois Nars, author of the new how-to book Makeup Your Mind (PowerHouse, 2001). "Concealer is a must, particularly under the eyes," Nars explains. "Because the skin there is naturally more transparent and has a tendency to be bluish (thanks to blue veins beneath the skin), applying concealer is the only way to even out its color." TO COVER UP FLAWLESSLY * Choose the right shade (one shade lighter than your skin tone or foundation color). * Dot it on in a semicircle underneath the eyes, and blend using a small, flat nylon-bristled makeup brush. (Try Nars Flat Concealer Brush; $25; 888-903-NARS.) * Finish with a light dusting of sheer powder to help set it. One that works well is Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Sheer Powder ($38; 800-330-8497).


6 FLAWLESS COVERUPS
There are plenty of new, better-than-ever concealers to hide everything from embarrassing blemishes to undereye circles.

FOR BLEMISHES
The oil-free Bobbi Brown Blemish Cover Stick ($20; bobbibrown.com) contains botanicals like licorice and kaolin to reduce redness and absorb oil.

FOR UNDEREYE CIRCLES Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand ($9; at drugstores) contains light-reflecting particles to diffuse and soften the appearance of shadows.

FOR SKIN WITH FINE LINES Maybelline Smooth Result Concealer ($6.50; at drugstores) protects with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and SPF 18. There's also Almay Skin-Smoothing Concealer SPF 10 ($8; at drugstores), which contains the wrinkle-fighting plant derivative kinetin as well as cucumber, green tea and jojoba oil to soothe the skin.

FOR ANYWHERE COVERAGE L'Oreal Air Wear Long-Wearing Concealer
($10; at drugstores) glides on easily, stays put -- and feels light and natural. Or try M.A.C Select Cover-Up ($12.50; gloss.com), a medium-coverage concealer that hides just about anything.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
Valerie Latona "How to cover up like a pro - Look Great". Shape. FindArticles.com. 24 Jun, 2010. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_7_21/ai_82823055/