Getting rid of dark circles

Ugh ugh - this is where we start - some very sad looking eyes. One of the major problems you have is that your eyes are actually red which no amount of make up is going to help. So first things first, pop some eye drops in. Stay away from the gritty, sparkley stuff that's all for show and go for something like Boots Dry Eye Intensive Eye Drops which are safe for contact lens wearers too. This will moisturise your eye and help minimise the redness.

If you have the time to relax with some cucumber slices or cold teabags over your eyes (both need to be chilled to be effective - it's the cold taking down the puffiness), go for it. Another trick is to gently massage either side of your nose just on the inside of your eye. If you're doing it right, you'll feel a funny tingley sensation under your eye. You'll be helping some of the fluid drain away.

The next step is to cover up all that horrible grey colouring. Stay away from standard concealer sticks - they're rubbish and dry, and they simply don't work. You want something peachy or pinky coloured to cover up effectively. Remember, you're not actually going to see this - foundation goes over the top!

Boots No 7 Instant Radiance Concealer is brill for this. It comes in a funny clicky pen and it's liquid - you paint it on with a brush. Apply lots - you don't need to be too careful with the blending at this stage.

Once you've painted over all the grey, it's time to put on your foundation. You need to be careful when you're working round your eyes - you don't want to move the concealer that you've put on - so use a sponge and dab carefully.

Boots No 7 Lift and Luminate is a favourite for me - it really brightens your skin and seems to work well with the concealer. However, sometimes when I have really dark eye circles, I put that on and then blob some of the No 7 Beautifully Matte foundation on top under my eyes just for a bit of extra coverage as it's really thick without being cakey.

You're drinking water while you're doing this aren't you? Of course you are!!! Right, next?

A little tip I've picked up is to add a little illuminator under your eyes. Carefully dab this on as you don't want to wipe off what you've already done. There are loads of dedicated illuminators but I actually like Boots No 7 Instant Vitality Eye Roll On for this. It's got pearl in it, and it just adds a bit of reflection under your eyes which is really pretty. You have to dab it tho, don't roll it on as you'll end up shifting the rest of the make up you've put on.

Finish off with a sweep of powder to set everything in place and get rid of any nasty shine. I'm starting to sound like an advert for Boots, I'm not on commission I promise - but .. I do like their No 7 Translucent Loose Powder, it's not heavy or clumpy.

You're ready to add make up if you wear it. A little sparkley white eyeshadow just under your brows and on the inside of your eyelid (nearest your nose) can help lift tired eyes - try Boots 17 'Style Queen'. Stay away from shades that clash with red (assuming your eyes are still a bit that way!). Greens, browns and blues for example just seem to look terrible. A soft grey seems to work okay.

There's a tendancy to go a bit heavy when you're looking tired. Don't. When you wear a lot of black around your eyes, it'll just make you look more tired and worn. Keep it as light as possible with plenty of non-clumpy mascara (Max Factor Lash Extension Effect is great).

There you have it. These pics were genuinely taken over the space of about 10 minutes, using everything mentioned. Not bad, huh?

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