How to Cover a Hickey

To quote the immortal lyricists of Def Leppard, love bites — and sometimes it leaves a mark. With Valentine's Day coming up, it seemed like the right time to revisit that teenage rite of passage: the hickey. My friend recently got one from a makeout sesh and was none too happy about it, which inspired me to pass along some nibble-hiding makeup tips. (Because really, a hickey is hardly a classy look.) Just read more.

• Go green: To counterbalance the red or purple tones of a hickey, a green or yellow corrector is your best bet. Try Physicians Formula Cover in Green ($5.50) or Physicians Formula Cover in Yellow ($5.50). Then, over the corrector, pat on a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. Keep in mind that using too much product will only draw attention to the area. A foundation or concealer brush will help you to blend the edges more evenly, and in turn, your coverup work will be less noticeable.
• What if the hickey starts to turn yellow?: As the hickey heals, you might notice a yellow or green cast. In that instance opt for a concealer with pinkish undertones.
• Finishing touches: In a pinch, dot on and blend in eye shadow in a shade lighter than your skin tone to set your makeup. But for a more reasonable option, dust on some translucent powder to finish off — and keep a scarf handy, just in case.