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The question

How do I prevent makeup from collecting in the fine lines under my eyes over the course of the day?

The answer

I've got two reasons why this might be happening to you. One might be that you are applying too much product in one spot. If that's the case, you need to lighten your hand when applying concealer, foundation and powder to areas such as the eyes and around the mouth.

The other culprit may be unabsorbed oil or moisturizer underneath the eyes that's mixing with your makeup and leaving a big old mess. If that's the case, you might want to look into adopting a gel formula eye cream such as Skinceuticals AOX+ Eye Gel. This will help hydrate the area without the slick residue a heavier, more emollient-rich eye cream can leave behind.

Transient makeup happens to everyone (even us professionals), but you could try an eye shadow primer to help prevent the collecting and creasing of makeup from happening. By applying a primer such as Art Deco Eyeshadow Base before your makeup, you create a barrier that blocks natural oils from disturbing makeup. In the case of concealer underneath your eyes, a primer works here too, allowing the concealer to catch onto a less slippery surface and stopping eye cream or oil from penetrating through.

Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has appeared on CTV, Global TV and City. Follow her on Twitter: @baharniramwalla. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.

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