Be gone dark circles!

What causes dark circles?

Ladies, are you confused by how to cover dark circles under your eyes? I'm not surprised if you are. One minute we're bulk-buying YSL's Touche Eclat lest, heaven forbid, we ever run out. The next we're bombarded with images of celebs who've suffered make-up mishap #12: Reverse Panda Eye Syndrome* (be wary of over-zealous application of the wonder pen!)

There's one clear distinction which needs to be made here. Allow me to enlighten you...

YSL's Touche Eclat  is a highlighter pen. This means it reflects light (the best example of this is seen in flash photography when the flash bounces unflatteringly off the product leaving you with a stark, and very white under eye area). Highlighter pens are not correctors, and for as much as the clever marketing will convince you otherwise, if you have dark circles, these types of pens will not cover them.

Dark circles? You need a corrector.

What you need is a corrector. Correctors are matte and brightly coloured like blushers (think peach/bisque). They work by cancelling out the blue which comes from the veins which run under your eyes.

Corrector shade guide:
Pale skin = peach/bisque
Indian skin = orange
Black skin = reddy-brown

The Make-up Debate recommends:
1. Bobbi Brown Corrector (£17).
2. Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit (£23; Winner of 'Best Concealer', Red Best of Beauty 2012 and ELLE Beauty Awards 2011).


The Make-up Debate's 5 Step Guide to covering dark circles!

You won't find a better concealer kit (Bobbi Brown, £23)

Step 1:  First prepare the under-eye area with a light, hydrating eye-cream.

Step 2: Next, press a little corrector into dark/discoloured areas using your ring finger (or a brush).

Step 3: Apply a skin-toned concealer over the top of the corrector. Concealers should be creamy in consistency (beware concealers that have dried out). Blend by dabbing with your finger until the corrector is covered.

Step 4: Add a little highlight to the corner of your eyes (but be careful not to overload your under-eye area with too much product) Tip: Alternatively you can miss out Step 2 and go straight to Step 3 - the highlighter pen - but take note; highlighters are sheer, not matte, so watch that the corrector doesn't show through.

Step 5: For a long-lasting finish, set with a light dusting of loose or pressed powder.

Let me know if this works for you!

* the image of Eva here was apparently as a result of Make-up Forever's High Definition powder and not Touche Eclat but both products produce a similar effect.