Shadow play

Shadows under the eyes are often hereditary and can make us look tired. But, with the right products and a few make-up tricks, you can conceal them. Here's how:

Rule one: the colour
Under-eye concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your foundation to blend in correctly with your skin. Test it on the inner corner of the eye.

• Fair skin types: ivory with pinky tones
• Medium skin types: ivory with yellow tones
• Dark skin types: golden with peach tones

"The key is to find the correct colour," says make-up artist Chris King. "Shop with just foundation on when buying a concealer and check it in daylight," suggests make-up artist Lucy Baldock.

Rule two: the application
Apply concealer after foundation. With your ring finger (it gives just the right amount of pressure), gently blend from the inner corner of the eye, outwards. Next, use a make-up sponge to apply a small amount of fine loose powder, and brush away excess with an eyeshadow brush.

Use under-eye concealer sparingly, focusing on the dark spot in the inner corner of the eye, where much of the dark shadow comes from.

Rule three: the choices
Under-eye concealers fall into two categories: sheer and illuminating (more liquid formulas in pen-style brush applicators), or matt (more heavily pigmented formulas, usually found in a compact or pot). What's best for you? "Anything with illuminating properties will accentuate lines," explains Chris King. "This type of concealer is best for younger skins that don't have much to cover. Anyone with serious dark circles and fine lines should use a matt concealer for more coverage."

Colour code

• Dark skin types: medium brown to dark chocolate.
  Try: The Body Shop Eye Colour in 32 and 07, $17.95 each.

• Medium skin types: taupe to medium brown.
  Try: Eles Mineral Shadow in Clay Earth and Bronzite, $24, each.

• Pale skin types: ivory to taupe.
  Try: MAC Eye Shadow in Brulé and Wedge, $32, each.

Beauty editor's tip
Apply powder only once and it will set the concealer to last all day long. Don't re-apply your powder or it will look dry and caked.