When time permits, her Super Pal stops and checks out what's being offered. Because it's no secret, she knows that she could use a little help in that department. And she often makes purchases, with high hopes that she's found the illusive product that will lessen or cover the darkness under her eyes. This has left her with a drawer full of barely used concealers, light diffusing wands, solutions dispensed via a roller ball and a keen awareness of what works and what doesn't – knowledge which she's happy to share with Super Pals everywhere.

Too light is never right. It's like a reverse raccoon look, but in her case with the actual raccoon eyes peeking through from underneath. After a color selection has been made, whether by herself or the makeup artist behind the counter, she tries it on one eye and one that's a shade darker on the other. Usually it's the darker one that does the best job of concealing rather than highlighting the problem.

Sometimes the thickest formulation isn't the best. The whole idea behind a concealer's ability to cover an imperfection is that it has a thicker consistency and is much more pigmented than a foundation, but the attributes that help it conceal can also make it cake, flake and find its way into crow's feet or even the inner corners of the eye by the end of the day. That's why for even stubborn darkness, it pays to try one of the lighter light diffusing products on the market, like Trish McEvoy's Flawless Concealer which has just the right mix of diffusion and cover in an easy to use wand.

When re-application throughout the day is necessary, either remove all traces of the first round and begin again, or use something with a creamy consistency that allows for touch ups. Bobbi Brown's Tinted Eye Brightener is perfect for this, as is Chantecaille's Bio Lift Concealer, which comes with a core of eye cream in its center, adding the additional punch of treatment along with concealment. Both contain ingredients that either diffuse or help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Surprisingly, a quick sweep of mineral powder can do a lot to conceal as well. Bare Escentuals Multi-Tasking Minerals SPF 20 is a tried and true afternoon pick-me-up, and the new Powderflage Light Diffusing Powder from Benefit Cosmetics is quickly becoming indispensable.

And when her friend is faced with a jam-packed day with no time to touch up, or she's heading to a spinning class, Revlon ColorStay Concealer is what she reaches for. This one blends beautifully and then stays put all day, at a price that doesn't make her wince.

But the one thing that goes on before concealer, no matter what the circumstances are is Ceramic Eye Smoother from PerriconeMD. It miraculously smoothes and brightens the area and keeps the skin around her eyes hydrated all day long.

Girlawhirl Giveaway: Powderflage Powder Concealer from Benefit is part of this week's Girlawhirl Giveaway! You're already registered if you've signed up once and have a girlawhirl login. Not registered? sign up.