How do I apply concealer under my eyes without looking like a raccoon?
—Danielle, Long Island, New York

I see you've been rassling with that most unruly beast in cosmetics. Concealer is not easily tamed, no matter how fluffy your brushes, how ninja your makeup skills, how professional your formula. It isn't like blush or lipgloss, where you can just put it on and go skipping out into the sunshine. You have to face it down and show it who's boss. Here's how:

1.  "Everyone should wear eye cream," New York makeup artist Lyn Lynch says simply—and it's true! Even the best concealers can cake and wrinkle without a decent moisture base underneath. Your StyleSpy adores Lancôme's Renergie. Lynch also recommends Prevage, Caudalíe or Ole Henriksen.
   
   
2. Have the right tool in hand. I've had good luck with sponges, but they can be too big to get into the inner-eye area. So, Lynch suggests using a small, flat brush. "Don't use a wiping motion with it," she warns. "You are not blending like it is foundation."
   
   
3. Work with a formula that isn't too thick or too watery, and apply only to the dark areas. Lynch's absolute favorite is called Amazing Concealer, a brand so good she uses it herself, every day. "You press it into the skin with the brush until it's blended," Lynch says. "Follow with your finger. The heat from your finger will help melt it into the skin." Backup options: Stila's Perfecting Concealer or TheBalm's Time Balm, shown above.
   
   
4. Set it with the proper powder. "Nothing with too much talc," Lynch says. Like Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder, which is very fine-milled. Another fave is Mineral Veil from Bare Minerals.

Having conquered the monster, reward yourself. Give yourself a big hug. Just don't touch your face.

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