The Common Concealer Mistake You're Making

We've all been there — you pulled an all-nighter, had a long week, or are just plain exhausted. To overcompensate, you slather on concealer, but it still looks like you need a nap. I hate to break it to you, but you're likely committing the one thing you shouldn't do with concealer.

When it comes to dark circles and tired eyes, more concealer is not always better. Makeup lives and dies by one rule: Light reveals and darkness conceals. So slathering on a concealer that is two shades lighter than your skin isn't the best way to combat dark circles. In fact, it's the best way to highlight them and draw even more attention. Instead, combat redness and darkness with all that knowledge you gained in art class.

For blue, gray unde-reye circles, opt for a concealer on the opposite side of the color wheel. Peach works great for fair skin tones, while orange is better for medium to deep skin. After you cancel out the dark color, you can then brighten with your typical concealer.

Below are some of the best orange-based concealers for purple, blue, and black under-eye circles. You can dab them on with clean fingers, a brush, or sponge and set them with powder.

1. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $35, Laura Mercier

Dab the orange on the darkest spots, and blend the lighter concealer on top.

2. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, $48, Kevyn Naucoin

Peachy tones blend well on fair skin. A little goes a long way when you use the right shade!

3. Makeup Geek Eve Pearl Dual Salmon Concealer

Dual Salmon Concealer, $39, Eve Pearl

For sheerer coverage, dip your brush into water before grabbing product and applying.

4. MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Powder Compact

MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Powder Compact, $27, Nordstrom

This concealing trick doesn't just work for under-eyes. Cover bruises and any discoloration with orange, peach, or salmon-colored products.

5. Bobbi Brown Corrector

Bobbi Brown Corrector, $27, Nordstrom

This corrector comes in 21 shades of pink, peach and orange so any skin tone can find the perfect shade.

6. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Wipeout Color-Correcting Palette

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Wipeout Color-Correcting Palette, $45, Sephora

No matter how desperate your color issue is, this palette can help. Use the green to cancel out red and irritated eyes from allergies.

Images: Isla Murray/Bustle; Courtesy of Brands