Whether they’re stress-induced, or simply an unfortunate result of genetics, nobody likes the look of dark circles under their eyes. Luckily, as one of the many college girls who suffer from hereditary dark circles, I’ve had 21 years to perfect my techniques for reducing, treating, and hiding dark under-eye circles. Read on if you’d like to learn from my experience and finally free yourself from embarrassing dark circles.

Step 1: Prevent

Some people are naturally prone to dark circles under their eyes. The skin under eyes is naturally thin, and if your blood vessels just happen to be close to the surface, they show through creating the dark, purple-y circles that appear on everyone else after an all-night cram session. However, even if you do have this genetic predisposition to dark circles, there are still things you can do to reduce their appearance. First, getting enough sleep is a must. If you’re not getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night, or if your sleep is interrupted, it can make the appearance of dark circles worse. The same goes for dehydration. Follow our guide on how to drink more water and I’m sure you’ll notice at least some reduction in the appearance of your dark circles. One last thing, dark circles can sometimes be more prominent during that time of the month. Getting enough sleep, water, and proper nutrition is especially important during your period, so make sure to take care of yourself in order to keep the dark circles away.

Step 2: Reduce

If you have taken the steps above (or not) and still have dark circles, a simple at-home trick can help ease them slightly. Either brew some tea, or slice some cucumber, and place the cooled tea bags or slices on your eyes for 5-10 minutes. The water content in the cucumber and the caffeine in the tea are absorbed into the delicate skin around your eye and help to smooth and thicken the skin slightly to reduce the appearance of the dark circles.

 

Step 3: Cover

Sometimes all the prevention and reduction in the world isn’t enough and that’s when it’s time to turn to a girl’s best friend: makeup. First, take a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin and mix it with a drop of your normal foundation. Using your ring finger, gently pat the concealer under the eye, along the sides, and above. Next, apply your foundation as you normally would. To finish, take a second concealer, this one half a shade darker than your skin tone, and again mix it with the foundation. Apply it as you did the first concealer. If you like, top everything off with a light pressed or loose powder to keep it all in place and keep your dark circles hidden all day long.


CoverGirl Simply Ageless Corrector, Benefit Erase Paste and Hello Flawless Powder

What Do You Think?

Do you ever get dark circles? What are your tips for preventing, reducing, or covering them? Leave me a comment, and let me know!

5 Comments

  1. avatar Maria Gmoz says:

    I really like DermalMD Under eye circles Serum. I found it at there site also but this is a better price. My dermatologist recommended this brand. I use the day and night cream also. I have used a lot of different eye creams and really find this to be as good if not better than some more expensive brands. I tend to have fairly dry skin but especially around my eyes.

  2. avatar Bindu says:

    THEY R VERY HELPFUL.

  3. avatar Rhea says:

    I love benefits erase paste! it works especially good for around the eyes because it brightens too! :)

  4. avatar Kaleigh says:

    It doesn’t really matter, although most herbal teas don’t have caffeine. I would suggest green tea, if you’ve got it, because it contains a naturally occuring form of caffeine, as well as antioxidants :)

  5. avatar Jessica says:

    Thanks for the tips! Does it matter what kind of tea you use?

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