True story: I'm a celebrity makeup artist (yes, Kiernan Shipka is one of my clients). Perhaps more importantly, though, I'm a proud woman of color. But that wasn't always the case—especially when I was entering an industry that tends to cater to a definition of white, porcelain beauty. But the great thing about makeup is that there really can be something for everyone, it just takes a little extra know-how. And now, after a few years in the industry, I like to think I've got a handle on what works for the Middle Eastern and South Asian girls (like me) who just can't seem to find that right foundation shade, or don't know how to get rid of those pesky dark spots.

Sometimes life is just plain easier when you know that someone's going through the same things you are—pretty hurts, right? That's why I thought it'd be fun to outline the seven common problems that only we Middle Eastern girls would understand. And, of course—I would hate to leave out any South Asian girls who feel our pain. Read on to learn more about what they are and exactly how to solve them.

1. We just need more when it comes to the under eyes.

The number one concern I hear about from girls who are from either Middle Eastern or South Asian decent is that, no matter what, they have dark eye circles. You've probably found that no matter how much you sleep or how much concealer you apply, you just can't get rid of the darkness. Alternatively, it's hard to know when you've applied too much concealer—you want to look rested and bright, not cakey. For many girls from this part of the world, it's just a part of how our skin is made up. Seriously, I've even seen that happiest, most well-rested 6-year-olds were just born with those little dark rings.

First things first: Accept that they will never truly go away. Second, you have to look at them differently. Most people might be able to combat an under eye circle with one product, but I recommend a trio of circle-busting goodies. And, as always, it begins with skin care. I like using an under eye brightener like Renée Rouleau's to begin. I let that sink into the skin, then I use a hybrid of two concealers: a liquid and a stick. Let the liquid do most of your dirty work (I love NARS Radiant Creamy) and then erase any existing shadows with a stick concealer and your finger. Oh, and also, forget that rule about picking a concealer lighter than your foundation shade. Pick one that matches your skin exactly, or else you'll end up totally ashy.

** 2. Foundations don't address our undertones.**

Especially as a makeup artist, this one can be so tough. I can't remember how many times a medium shade looked perfect in the bottle, but when I got home and applied it in the mirror, I looked like I had gotten sick from eating too much potato salad at a picnic. Whether you're alabaster or the deepest of cocoa, you have to choose a foundation that not only matches your hue, but also takes your undertone into consideration. Anything pinky (mostly everything on the market) will make us look off and ill, not bright and flawless. Most likely you have green, gold, yellow, or olive in your skin. The brands I find that work best with our special skin tones are NARS, Smashbox, Armani, Bobbi Brown, and Covergirl!