I’ve always lucked out when it comes to skin. I very rarely break out, and as long as I’m eating well and the weather is mild, my complexion teeters somewhere between oily and dry. However, getting rid of dark circles under my eyes is something that's always tripped me up. Luckily, there are plenty of hacks for dark under-eye circles that make it easy to camouflage a late night.
Even if I drink my usual 80 ounces of water and get my full eight hours of sleep, getting rid of dark circles and puffiness is a regular morning struggle. It’s apparently a pretty common problem across the board, with causes ranging everywhere from lack of sleep, too much stress, and allergies, to excess salt consumption, high cortisol levels, and genetics. Regardless of the cause, though, the effect is the same: The blood vessels that sit right below the skin’s surface are visible, and as a result, your eyes look puffy, darker, and tired.
Thankfully, a good combination of effective stimulating ingredients and the right concealers can help you brighten the under-eye area, both for short- and long-term purposes. Here’s a list of the best (and predominantly natural) solutions, so you can look refreshed and rested when you wake up, even when you might not feel it.
Wake Your Eyes Up With Caffeine
Organic Caffeine Whip, $20, Amazon
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up for your eyes, try giving your under-eyes the same thing you drink every morning: caffeine! This caffeine-packed under-eye treatment is made with organic ingredients that are primarily from food sources, like acai berry, blueberry, pomegranate, sea buckthorn, and green tea, all of which work to replenish skin and reduce damage done from UV rays over time. It uses wild-crafted vanilla bean and coffee extracts to give your skin the extra jolt of energy it needs to overcome dark circles and puffiness. Reviewers say it’s super thick and rich, and a little goes a very long way, but try this once, and you’ll never go without it again.
Aloe & Witch Hazel Naturally Nourish Delicate Eye Area
Life Essentials Eye Cream , $19, Amazon
When it comes to eye-related skincare products, it’s really all about the ingredients. This Life Essentials eye cream is made with 100 percent natural and organic ingredients, such as aloe, witch hazel, coconut oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, lemongrass, and licorice, creating a solution that’s incredible at reducing inflammation and soothing dark under-eye circles. Even those with the most sensitive skin types have reported no irritation whatsoever, and reviewers love it because of the creamy-smooth consistency and pleasing smell.
Reduce Inflammation With Sulfur
TreeActiv Anti Acne & Rosacea Sulfur Mask , $16, Amazon
Sulfur is an awesome ingredient to have in your beauty cabinet because it’s exceptionally effective when it comes to reducing inflammation and swelling. TreeActiv's sulfur mask contains the perfect amount of sulfur to heal skin and reduce puffiness, as well as other soothing ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and detoxifying bentonite clay. It’s ultra-moisturizing and effective, it has a subtle lemon scent, and it'll last you quite a long time. It’s also very helpful when it comes to acne and breakouts, and because it’s a natural solution, those with sensitive skin can use it, too.
Tone And Soothe With Rosewater
Skin Daily Solutions Rosewater , $14, Amazon
Most toners contain alcohol as an astringent, and while it’s effective when it comes to tightening pores and soothing inflammation, it’s tough on skin because of how drying it is. Rosewater is an all-natural alternative that’s loaded with antioxidants and various vitamins to soothe tired skin, stop inflammation, tone uneven coloration, and reduce puffiness. This particular rosewater contains absolutely nothing except 100 percent pure Lebanese rose distillate, which makes it an awesome solution for under-eye circles. It’s minimally processed and comes in a glass, amber-colored bottle to keep the rosewater fresh and nourishing. Reviewers absolutely love how it smells, how hydrating it is, and how effectively it tones and soothes. Some say it might just be the one-stop shop as far as natural remedies.
Cool Your Under-Eye Area With Vitamin C
Body Merry Eye Gel , $15, Amazon
Some people prefer gels over creams, as gels tend to have a particularly cooling sensation when applied under the eye. Body Merry's eye gel is formulated with 10 percent vitamin C for an instantly energized look, as well as aloe vera, which is known to soothe and plump damaged or tired skin. It’s great for hydration, de-puffing, and fighting wrinkles, and because it goes on smooth and absorbs quickly, it’s a great option for anyone who plans on applying concealer afterwards, as it won’t affect the texture or coloration at all. Reviewers use it all around their eyes, from crow’s feet to eyelids, and have had spectacular results.
Rehydrate Skin Under Eyes With Vitamin E
Evolve Natural Vitamin E Eye Cream , $45, Amazon
Vitamin E is widely considered one of the best things for skin, as it’s both a nutrient and an antioxidant. Evolve's vitamin E eye cream has loads of it, in addition to skin-plumping and nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and jojoba oil. It’s entirely non-GMO (non genetically modified), chemical-free, and natural, and it’s ultra-hydrating and repairing when applied to the under-eye area. Reviewers say it instantly absorbs into skin, so no greasy residue is left behind, and some have seen glowing effects in as little as a few days.
Fix Discoloration And Puffiness With Rosehip and Primrose Oil
Spirit Naturals Dark Circle Under Eye Treatment , $22, Amazon
Evening primrose is especially effective when it comes to fixing redness and puffiness, and when combined with rosehip oil, which is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, these two make a great team. That’s why this formula makes for such a wonderful cream. It provides all the necessary building blocks for cell growth and stimulation, so dark circles, sagging, and puffing don’t stand a chance. The solution is powerful, yet gentle, as there are no chemicals used whatsoever. The consistency is thick and rich, too, but it absorbs quickly and easily.
Counteract Blue Tones With Yellows
Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Corrector And Concealer , $11, Amazon
Remember studying the color wheel in high school art? Opposing colors cancel each other out, which is why yellow concealer is a perfect match if you have stubborn, dark-blue circles. This Physicians Formula yellow-toned concealer comes with two connected rollers: one yellow, to counteract any under-eye darkness, and one medium, for touch-ups and blending. The rollers themselves are stainless steel to cool and decrease inflammation, and reviewers say that this stick firmed, corrected, lightened, and brightened, and now they’ll never be found without it.
Moisturize And Cover With Natural Ingredients
Studio Mineral Makeup Bright Eyes , $15, Amazon
For a professional-grade under-eye concealer and primer made from non-irritating, natural ingredients, turn to one with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil. This creamy highlighter has all of the above — plus, its pink color helps to hide dark circles and moisturize as it covers. It dramatically lightens and brightens under-eyes to help you look awake and refreshed, and reviewers say it’s non-irritating, very effective, and good for many, many uses. Plus, you can apply the shade with anything from a professional brush to your ring finger.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (9)
