"Somewhere along the line, a trend started that involved the use of very light concealer around the eyes," says Jessup, "but all that does is make puffy tired eyes look puffier and more tired, by drawing attention to them."

To do it right, apply a darker concealer to puffy areas to reduce their appearance, then use a concealer in the same shade as your foundation to blend in the darker circles.

Dressing the Part

Of course, once you're made up to perfection, you've still got one more thing on your to-do list: getting dressed. But if you follow a few rules of classic style, it's easy to look chic quick -- even if you've got a few pounds to lose.

7. From basic to beautiful. Tall or short, fat or thin, all our experts say nothing is safer -- or more glamorous -- than the little black dress. But to turn it into a festive fashion statement, fashionistas say, turn to "of the moment" accessories. Among the biggest trends this year are short capes, shrugs, and evening wraps in faux fur, velvet, and sparkly knits.

"Not only are they instant 'now', but they can also cover up many trouble spots, like upper arms, or even a bulging midriff," says Nathan Cooper, executive editor of Life and Style Weekly.

The only caveat for wearing these shoulder-covering wraps, he says, is to keep your skirt narrow rather than full to get a balanced look.

8. Accentuate the positive. If you want to detract from figure flaws, Kramer says, be sure to choose clothing that plays up your assets.

"If you have great shoulders, choose an off-the-shoulder style; if you're got great legs, choose a short red skirt, but wear it with a black top to help detract from your hips or tummy area," says Kramer.

The eye always goes straight to color, Kramer says, so use it to bring attention where you want it.

9. The power of the pin. Cooper suggests pulling the same tomfoolery with jewelry, using the new brooch/pin sensation not only to focus attention where you want it, but to add a quick hit of glamour to any outfit.

"If you're in your office wearing a dark suit, just pin on a couple of very sparkly brooches and you can make your outfit cocktail-ready in no time," he says. He advises bypassing the standard one-pin-on-the-lapel look, and instead opting for a cluster of three -- two smaller pins and one dominant one nearer the shoulder.

"Or try them in unexpected places like at your waist, where the pin covers a belt buckle, or use it to close a cardigan or to give a new look to a plain black silk clutch bag," says Cooper.