Sometimes, there’s just no amount of makeup or cover up that can help brighten the area.
Don’t give up hope! There are things you can do to help the situation, and many of them are simple DIY tricks to make those circles appear brighter or to help fight puffiness. But first, let’s take a quick look at some potential causes of this issue…
What Causes Dark Circles and Bags Under Eyes?
A variety of factors can lead to undesirable dark circles under eyes. These can range from melanin issues to allergies, and more. Certain skin conditions or vascular issues can lead to, or exacerbate, under eye circles.
Seven DIY Eye Tricks for Bags and Dark Circles Under Eyes
1. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can lead to, or worsen, dark circles under your eyes. It’s important to get plenty of quality sleep nightly. A lack of sleep can also lead to drooping or swollen eyelids, red eyes, and even paler skin, making wrinkles and lines around your eyes appear more prominent.2 So, bottom line, make sure that you are getting enough sleep if you’re dealing with annoying circles under your eyes.
2. Use the Right Topical Products
Using the right topical products can help to improve the look of dark circles. It’s important to moisturize your skin (even around your eyes) and to wear sunscreen. But you can also find eye creams, gels, and other topical products aimed at helping with this issue. Research has shown that products made to brighten the eye area with caffeine, vitamin K, and emu oil may help improve the appearance of dark circles under eyes.3
It’s a great idea to talk to a dermatologist or esthetician about the best products for your age and skin type. And remember to do a skin patch test with any new topical products. Put a small amount on the inside of your wrist, and monitor the area for 24 hours.
3. DIY Topical Applications
Another great option that can be considered a “quick fix” is to use cold compresses or other topical “masks” for your eyes. These can include aloe vera, cucumber slices, cool rags, cold spoons, and even tea bags.
This method is more ideal for tackling the swelling that can often come along with dark circles. Icing and/or using cold compresses is known to reduce puffiness in the eye area.
Place your cucumber slices, damp rag, damp tea bags, or spoons in the freezer for about an hour, and then apply to eyes for about 30 minutes.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important for eye health for many reasons. The water content of your eyes is high. They also have their own unique system for regulation of fluid. Because of this, hydration levels affect a variety of processes in the eyes.5
So, make sure you stay well-hydrated. If you think you might have a condition causing eye dryness, talk with your doctor.
5. Fake It With Makeup
Cover up, and other kinds of makeup, can be a great way to deal with dark circles. There are tons of quality products and under eye concealers out there. It’s just a matter of finding the best one for you.
Aside from using cover up to hide the darkness under your eyes, you can also focus on enhancing other areas of your face with makeup to draw attention away from the problem. Think about a bold, dramatic lip, or some bright blush to make those cheekbones pop. You could even take the focus away from your face entirely with an unusual hairstyle, or a flashy outfit.
Many women also like to wear fake lashes to help with the issue. While this can seem counterintuitive, because it draws attention to your eyes, it can help to bring to focus to those luscious eyelashes instead of the dark circles. Try wearing them on only the top lashes to draw less attention to the area below your eyes.
6. Wear a Smile
One of the best DIY tips anyone can give to help draw attention away from those dark rings is to wear a smile.
In fact, smiling faces are rated as more attractive, and they’re perceived as holding more positive personality traits.6 Eye contact is also important. So, don’t avoid it just because you think your eyes don’t look “nice.” Putting on your best attitude, and sharing genuine smiles (with eye contact), could be the best “cover up” for those dark circles.
7. Know When to Talk to Your Doctor
Dark circles under eyes can actually be a sign of something more serious. If you are experiencing issues with chronic bags and dark circles, then talk with your doctor. There are a lot of factors and potential underlying causes of this condition.7 And your eyes are probably one of the last areas of your body that you want to neglect!
Say Bye Bye to Dark Circles Under Eyes!
If you’re battling dark circles and bags under eyes, you are certainly not alone. Keep up with healthy DIY habits to keep the problem at bay, keep your best makeup handy (particularly cover up), and make sure that you share this issue with your doctor if it becomes particularly troubling.
Most of all, remember that confidence is key. You notice all of your “imperfections” much more than anyone else ever does or will.
