If there’s one thing that can drag down your entire look, it’s eyes that seem dull and tired. Bright eyes are key because they make you appear younger, alert and refreshed.

While there is a multitude of factors that could contribute to this problem, with the right makeup in your bag and tricks up your sleeve, you can cover up any flaws – from puffy bags to dark circles. Ready to step into the light?

Face the shadows
Dark circles are often unavoidable – especially as skin thins with age or when you simply haven’t gotten enough sleep. With a little concealer under your eyes and on your lids, though, you can completely camouflage them. Prevention magazine recommends choosing a concealer that’s two shades lighter than your skin and yellow based. A golden hue counteracts both the bluish tint of dark shadows and the redness of blood vessels. After applying it underneath your eyes, on the lids and in the corners, brush on a layer of finishing powder to make the concealer stay put.

Draw the line
Eyeliner can work wonders for opening your peepers – but it has to be the right hue. Makeup artist Mally Roncal told Oprah magazine that a bone-colored eye pencil is ideal for all skin tones. She recommended lining the corner of your eyes to make the whites seem brighter. PopSugar explained that a bright white can work for fairer skin, and advised outlining the lower lashes for a doe-eyed look. The source also emphasized that an iridescent shadow helps to keep your eyes looking alert when you’re rocking dramatic dark liner. Darker skin can get an eye-opening boost from a neutral shimmery shadow extending all the way up to the brows.

Raise a brow
Speaking of eyebrows, they can make a major difference in how bright your eyes look. Damone Roberts, a celebrity eyebrow artist, told Prevention magazine that over-plucked brows actually age you, while a bolder shape with a significant arch can give you a fresh faced, youthful appearance. She suggested using a specialized brush to apply brow powder in delicate strokes, working in the direction your hair naturally grows.

Another helpful tip is to dust a small amount of blush at the peak of your brows – the rosy tone will offer a radiant, alert effect and bring out the whites of your eyes.