Part 2 of a previous post

I realized after I provided you with all those lovely undereye concealers, I forgot to tell you the best way to apply them!

Well, as I see it, there are 2 great ways. You can either use your ring or pinky finger to dab and gently smooth the product under and around the eye area. DO NOT use your first or middle finger. They tend to pull at the skin. You don't need that.

My favorite way to apply my concealer is with a slightly fluffy brush. This creates almost an airbrushed look. I learned this trick on the reality show "Blush" and it's never failed me. My personal favorite brush to use is the one you see above. It's an E.L.F. brush and it's $1. It's meant to be used as a bronzer and/or blush brush. I think the size and shape are perfect for the undereye area. It spreads the product just right and I can honestly tell that I don't use nearly as much.

Give it a shot! See what you think!

Ask and ye shall receive

So, one of my international readers (yeah, I have international readers. I'm kind of a big deal) requested that I talk about undereye concealers. Sound familiar? Need some help in this arena, too? Well, here's what Too suggests!

First and foremost, let's make sure you are taking care of the delicate skin around the eye area. Please tell me you are moisturizing. At least at night, if not in the morning as well. If the skin around your eyes is dry and flaky, your concealer is going to look AWFUL. So, don't even bother to buy concealer if you're not going to take care of that skin. (Puts soapbox away now.)

If your problem is dark circles:

This is the most common reason to use concealer. Those lovely shadows that make you look exhausted and/or like someone just punched you in the face. Neither of which is exactly a photo friendly state of being. What you're going to want is a moderate to full coverage with maybe a hint of illumination to help mask the darkness. The illumination will help bounce the light off the area and make the circles less noticeable. You might like-

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer: This stuff comes in a ton of shades and is extremely light while providing SERIOUS coverage at the same time. It's kind of a miracle in a jar.

Smashbox High Definition Concealer: This stuff is made for HD cameras, so you know it's not joking around.

Almay Bright Eyes: This stuff is cool because it also doubles as an eyeshadow base. Definitely brightens the eye area.

Neutrogena Skin Soothing Under Eye Corrector: Mmm! Tiny light refractors in this stuff?? Talk about a neat trick to help you look awake and aware.

Cle de Peau Beaute or YSL Touche Eclat: If you suddenly won the lottery and were wondering what completely frivolous makeup you should buy, these would be the concealers. Every makeup artist in the industry RAVES about both of these. They are so creamy and moisturizing and yet cover like NOTHING else and do not move at all. They apparently also completely blend into your skin absolutely seamlessly!

If your problem is puffiness:

Concealer can also be your friend for this condition. It is important to make sure that you buy something that has ingredients that are soothing and de-puffing so that it can work on your eyes during the day. You might like:

Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer: This has aloe and green tea in it to work on those puffs while you wear it! It also has an SPF of 20 which is just an added bonus.

Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer: Contains loads of natural and botanical ingredients, including buckwheat wax which is supposed to reduce puffiness!

Tarte The Eraser Concealer: So many amazing, soothing, anti-inflammatory stuff in this one! This concealer is for my "green" girls.

Cover Girl and Olay Simply Ageless Concealer: This concealer works great for people with undereye puffs because it almost "floats" on top of the skin. Instead of settling into the lines around the puffs, this will remain on top and create the illusion of smoother undereyes.

Now, let's be honest. There are some of you who are like "Yeah, I just want something that's kind of an all-in-one. What can I just slap on?" Alright, I hear you. Here's what you need- Clinique's All About Eyes Concealer. The idea behind this stuff is that they mixed their best selling eye cream with a concealer!! WHAT?? That's just crazy talk!! It's oil free. It covers dark circles. It moisturizes. It disguises the puffs. And, it also won't settle into any fine lines. So there you go. There's your cheat version. You slackers. :)

Let me just say what I have said for years and would fly behind a plane if I could: EVERY WOMAN NEEDS CONCEALER. Whether they are a super model or a super mom. Find one that works for you and you'll be amazed at how much better you look!!!

I need my makeup to last all day! Help!

There are a lot of occasions when you're literally going to be out of your house ALL DAY. And, you need to look clean and polished all day. How can you make your makeup last?

The easiest answer for that is layering. Whate exactly do I mean? Well, you all know how much I love primer. Even if you're not going to use primer, make sure that you have a skin appropriate moisturizer on (oil absorbing, ultra moisturizing, etc.). Then, after the primer or moisturizer dries, apply your foundation and/or concealer.

When your face is nice and evenly covered, time to move onto your cheeks. This is one of my favorite tips- use either a cream blush or a cheek stain and blend into the apples of cheeks. When that is done, then lightly dust powder blush on top and along your cheekbone!

Same thing goes for eyes- you can either apply a very light layer of concealer or an eyelid primer to your lids to keep that eyeshadow firmly in place. And honestly, if you want mascara that's going to stick around all day, go for waterproof.