How to Conceal Anything

The first time I used this, I got one of those great 'You look super well-rested' compliments—that alone was enough to make me loyal."

Olivia Villanti, associate online fashion editor

Bye Bye Under Eye on the sides of my nose and on my chin completely takes away the red."

Andrea Linett, creative director

… And for breakouts, Fresh Umbrian Clay is amazing."

Andrea Linett, creative director

"Believe it or not, these two powders are a brilliant substitute for concealer: Sweep the white in the inner corners of the eyes and at the browbones with an eyeshadow brush—then mix the gold with the white and dust under eyes and across cheekbones. It sounds crazy, but it's really pretty."

—Dick Page, Shiseido Makeup artistic director

Nothing's better than Benefit Erase Paste: Instead of circles, I have small dark spots under my eyes that make me look like I haven't slept in months. Erase Paste is perfect to dab on directly, leaving the rest of the area alone."

Susan Linney, research chief

… And a little Cargo Eye Lighter on my inner lids leaves me looking awake and alert."

Susan Linney, research chief

I use Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer—but for dark circles. It's a big fat crayon that goes on light and is virtually idiot-proof."

Regan Solmo, managing editor

"Make sure to use formulas with built-in hydrating ingredients—they keep concealer from looking heavy or cakey. And not only can you blend better and create a smooth, natural finish, but the added moisture is good for your skin."

—Pat McGrath, Cover Girl creative design director

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer fights breakouts while covering them. I dot the pen a few times on redness and a little outside the red and then blot with my finger."

Jacqueline Nasser, online fashion editor

… Under my eyes, I use this five-shade palette."

Jacqueline Nasser, online fashion editor

Foundation as concealer works for darker skin: MAC Studio Fix in the winter, Maybelline mineral liquid for summer. Sometimes I combine the two."

Ericka Goodman, associate credits editor

"Do a one-two punch: First, apply a light, pink-based concealer to neutralize green or blue tones; it'll brighten. Layer a yellow-toned concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation over the top to cover remaining darkness. Blend, then set with sheer, loose yellow-toned powder."

—Bobbi Brown, founder, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

To cover anything invisibly, I dab on Smashbox primer, then Bobbi Brown Corrector (previous slide), then Sheer Cover concealer."

Rebecca Aronson, associate accessories editor

… The primer makes it so the other two don't gather in the little wrinkles under my eyes."

Rebecca Aronson, associate accessories editor

Mister Light is somehow super simple and professional-grade all at once—equally fantastic for blemishes and undereye circles. And when I want to look particularly young and happy, I put a little at the outer corners of my eyes. With the barest bit of glimmer, it miraculously brightens my entire face."

Meredith Kahn Rollins, executive editor

This is great for covering zits, as it doesn't move. I use a tiny concealer brush from MAC and dust on translucent powder to set."

Eleanor Strauss, senior fashion editor

"Highlighting your browbones takes the attention away from beneath your eyes; it immediately wakes you up."

—Joanna Schlip, Physicians Formula celebrity makeup artist

Depending on the tanness level of my skin, I mix two different shades of Trish McEvoy concealer. And I once got a makeup lesson from Trish herself: She taught me to use only my ring finger—never your pointer—to dab, dot, and blend."

Elizabeth Wallace, deputy editor