Dark circles can make you look tired and sickly, but are actually caused by a number of different factors, including heredity, dehydration and allergies. Fortunately, you can hide them instantly by using makeup, creams, and natural remedies.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Put your makeup on
Step 1. Choose the right concealer
Look for a product one or two tones lighter than your skin. Now all correctors are specially formulated to cover discoloration. Therefore, choose one that is moist enough, which does not create imperfections under the eyes and does not accumulate in the folds.
Step 2. Choose the right color
Usually, dark circles are bluish or purplish, so you need to tackle them by using a yellow concealer. Rely on a color palette to determine which shade could neutralize the color of your dark circles.
Step 3. Apply concealer under the eyes
Put it just above the dark circles by drawing a semicircular stripe from the inside of the eye outwards. Gently pat it over this area using your fingers or a soft brush, then blend it with your fingertips or a damp sponge.
The best way to apply the concealer on darker areas is to draw two inverted triangles that start at the temple and end towards the inner corner of the eye. Blend them for a more natural look
Step 4. Cover the concealer with the powder
Powder is a cosmetic that allows you to fix concealer, foundation and other make-up on your face. Using a triangular sponge, dab it under your eyes to spread it out evenly.
Step 5. Use a dark eye pencil
It will hide dark circles giving your eyes greater brightness and vividness. Swipe it on both the upper and lower lids, then add a little dark blue eyeliner to the outer corner of the upper lid.
Step 6. Use a waterproof mascara
In this way, you will be sure that you do not leave any spots under the eyes accentuating the dark circles. Choose a dark color and apply two strokes to the upper lashes.
Step 7. Use a pen highlighter
Adds shine to the complexion, reviving its appearance. Apply it under the eyes to reduce dark circles. Brush it gently and blend it with the rest of the makeup using your fingertips.
Method 2 of 5: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply a cold pack
It will help to narrow the subocular blood vessels which promote the formation of bags and dark circles. Dip a towel in cold water or use the back of a frozen spoon. Lie down and hold it over your closed eyes for about 15 minutes. Repeat the treatment 3-4 times a day to start seeing results.
Step 2. Use the cucumber slices
They have several healing properties, including a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. If you want to use them on the eyes, put a cucumber in the fridge and let it cool thoroughly, then cut it into slices about 1.3 cm high. Lie with your head back and place a slice over each eye. Keep them for 10-15 minutes, then remove them.
Alternatively, you can use a juicer to get the juice out of it. Pour it on a cotton ball and apply it to your eyes
Step 3. Try mint leaves
Mash them until they form a paste, then add the juice of half a lemon. Apply the mixture under the eyes. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with cold water. Repeat the treatment twice a day.
Step 4. Use the green tea bags
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help counteract the appearance of bags and dark circles. Infuse two sachets in hot water for 5 minutes, then take them out and put them in the freezer to cool properly. Lie down and rest them on your eyes, leaving them on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Step 5. Use the neti lota
It is an object that looks a lot like a small teapot. It is used to spray the nasal septum with saline water. Create a mixture of warm distilled water and sea salt (avoid the iodized one): you just need half a teaspoon of salt for every half liter of water. Tilt your head sideways and pour the solution into one nostril letting it drain out of the other.
Follow the instructions in the package carefully
Step 6. Try other natural remedies
There are multiple remedies and recipes that use natural ingredients to fight dark circles. Search on the Internet. Here are some examples:
- Chamomile;
- Almond oil;
- Arnica;
- Rose water;
- Avocado.
Step 7. Massage the area by applying gentle pressure
A gentle massage with upward circular movements can help the fluid responsible for dark circles escape from the tear ducts. This method could alleviate the discoloration and subocular swelling.
Method 3 of 5: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Get enough sleep
There are numerous causes behind dark circles and one of these is lack of sleep. Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to reduce this blemish and improve your overall health.
- Try to change your position. If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, gravity could cause fluid to accumulate under your eyes, causing dark circles to appear. Instead, try lying on your back. If you happen to toss and turn in bed, try to maintain this position by blocking your body with a few pillows.
- Place an extra pillow or two under your head to prevent fluid build-up in the sub-ocular area.
Step 2. Keep allergies under control
Seasonal allergies (such as pollen), dust and animal hair allergies can promote swelling and dark shading of the eyes and sub-ocular area. Take medications to relieve symptoms or stay as far away from allergens as possible.
Dark circles are a common symptom in various ailments and can indicate sensitivity or allergy to some food. Usually, food allergens are wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, and sugar. Try eliminating them from your diet
Step 3. Eat healthy, especially vitamin-rich foods
Dark circles may indicate deficiencies in certain vitamins, such as calcium, iron, vitamins A, E and B12, and antioxidants. Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables and foods rich in these vitamins. Also try decreasing your salt intake.
Step 4. Avoid alcohol
It can dehydrate and thin the skin, so reduce your intake to lessen swelling and dark sub-ocular marks.
Step 5. Don't smoke
Smoking hinders the production of collagen favoring the premature appearance of wrinkles and thinning of the skin, consequently accentuating dark circles. Do not smoke and do not go to places where it is allowed to do so.
Step 6. Always apply sunscreen
First of all it will help you prevent dark circles and, in addition, it will prevent them from darkening further. Apply it about 15 minutes before going out and use it every two hours if you are away from home.
Also wear sunglasses when you go out so you don't squint and protect your eyesight
Method 4 of 5: Using Face Creams
Step 1. Apply retinol
It stimulates the production of collagen helping to strengthen the skin under the eyes and reducing the signs of dark circles. You can find it in cream in perfumeries, at a price that can vary from € 8 to € 50-60 (or even more). Apply it every day, morning and evening. Dab the cream around the eyes, then spread it until it is absorbed.
Retinol is not an immediate effect solution. According to experts, it could take up to 12 weeks before starting to produce noticeable results
Step 2. Ask the dermatologist to prescribe a stronger cream
Ask him if he can recommend one containing vitamin A and retinoic acid to temporarily increase blood circulation in the affected area and compact the skin in the subocular region, decreasing the signs of dark circles.
Step 3. Use a lightening cream
Choose a product with lightening properties, such as soy or citrus. Applied regularly, it is able to lighten discolorations and even spots caused by the sun.
- Do not use lotions containing lightening chemicals, such as hydroquinone, as they are too aggressive for the delicate skin around the eyes.
- These creams also take some time to produce visible results, as long as 6 weeks.
Method 5 of 5: Try Dermatological Procedures
Step 1. Try laser therapy
Attacks the fatty deposits under the eyes, causing them to break and making the skin smoother and even clearer. Usually, it is performed by the dermatologist.
Step 2. Try the lightening chemical peel
It is performed by the dermatologist and consists of applying chemical agents to the skin that act on a wide range of skin imperfections. In fact, it exfoliates the upper layer, uncovering the lower, healthier one. Since the skin of the subocular region is very thin and sensitive, it is preferable to undergo a light treatment based on glycolic acid or an alpha-hydroxide acid.
Step 3. Learn about high intensity pulsed light
This treatment uses high intensity light waves to target the subocular skin, destroying fat deposits and smoothing it.
While it is effective, it takes time and money. It is very likely that you will have to undergo several sessions to get the desired results
Step 4. Learn about surgical alternatives
Surgery should be the last resort and certainly not an immediate solution. In these cases, the surgery carried out by a plastic surgeon consists in removing the subocular fat deposits, decreasing the dark effect.
