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Dark circles

Q: My wedding is next week and due to all the last-minute planning and worry, I've not been able to get much sleep. I'm concerned that by the time the wedding gets here, I'll have dark circles under my eyes! What can I do to cover them up?

A: Dark circles can be one of the worst tricks that sleeplessness and stress can play on your face. With a wedding, or any other special occasion on the horizon, it's important to allow yourself time to de-stress and relax before going to sleep.

Spending time alone, even if it is only 10 to 15 minutes, doing something you enjoy, such as reading a book, painting, or taking a bubble bath, can greatly reduce the anxiety that often keeps a bride-to-be awake at night.

However, if this is not an option, or if your schedule doesn't allow for you to take time for yourself, here is a surefire cosmetic remedy for those nagging dark circles under your eyes. You will need: a foundation the same color as your skin, a foundation two shades lighter than your skin, loose powder, and a sponge/foundation brush.

Starting with a clean face, use your ring finger to gently pat the lighter foundation on your eyelid and under-eye area, being sure to cover both the darker area and the area approximately one-fourth inch outside of that.

Be sure to bring that lighter foundation out across your cheekbones towards your hairline to add height to your bone structure. Once you've applied a generous amount of lighter foundation to this area, gently cover the remaining area in your regular toned foundation. Blend gently using a sponge or foundation brush and powder.

For more severe under-eye circles, try using an even lighter foundation. I've found that a light foundation application as described above can do wonders for even the most casual look. As always, experiment until you feel comfortable with your work.

Ann Marie is a Chicago based makeup artist specializing in theater and fashion productions.

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