Fashion
7 Hacks To Get Rid Of Dark Circles And Bags Under Your Eyes
Whether you had a long night out with a few of your friends, you had to pull an all-nighter, or the neighbors kept you up with their excessive noise, the last thing you want is last night's exhaustion making an appearance on your face. When it comes to looking tired, nothing screams sleep-deprived like some pesky under eye circles. Puffy, dark, and sometimes droopy, under eye circles are the tell-tale sign that you are in desperate need of some shut eye.
"Dark under eye circles are really a combination of sun damage and blood flow from capillaries in this area," says dermatologist Dr. David Bank.
If you woke up with your eyes looking like you haven't slept a wink, try one of these hacks to improve the look of your skin and look rested in no time.
Image: Antonioguillem/Fotolia
Take A Claritin
Taking an antihistamine can help shrink the blood vessels that have swollen underneath your eyes. ”Even if you don’t have allergies, it keeps swelling down and circulation moving, to prevent puffiness and dark circles before they even begin,” says beauty expert Julie Ricevuto.
Try: Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy Tablet, $26, Amazon
Image: Getty Images
Double Up On The Pillows
Sleeping on two pillows each night is a simple way to prevent under eye circles before they actually happen. “By lifting the head, fluid accumulation is minimized in the head region, in particular around the eyes, and flows more south towards the hips and feet,” says dermatologist Dr. Fayne L. Frey.
Try: Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow, $28, Amazon
Image: Fotolia
Whip Out The Concealer
If all else fails, there’s always trusty old makeup to help unsightly circles underneath your eyes. “Dot the under-eye area with yellow-based concealer on the dark circle and follow with foundation and powder,” says Dr. Bank. “Center a dot of shadow slightly lighter than the shade you use on your upper lid to subtly “open” the eye and distract attention from dark circles.
Try: NYX Cosmetics Concealer Wand in Yellow, $4.99, Amazon
Image: Fotolia
Almond Oil
Almond oil contains vitamin A, the antioxidant also found in retinoids, which are often used to treat under eye circles. As an anti-inflammatory, almond oil helps moisturize and soften the skin. Just use a few drops and massage directly onto the skin for best results.
Try: NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Moisturizing Oil, $11, Amazon
Image: Fotolia
Apply Black Tea
Brew a strong, caffeinated black tea and leave it in the refrigerator to get cold, applying it to your eyes with a cotton compress. “The caffeine will help with circulation and inflammation in the area that makes the small blood capillaries show through the skin, giving the skin that bluish color,” says esthetician Grace Gutierrez.
Try: Stash Premium English Breakfast Tea, $15.99, Amazon
Image: Fotolia
Cucumber
Though it may look funny, placing chilled cucumber over your eyes can actually help reduce swelling and soothe your skin. “The anti-inflammatory properties of the cucumber work great for dark circles,” says Gutierrez.
Also consider: Caswell-Massey Cucumber Eye Pads, $10.69, Amazon
Image: Getty Images
Aloe Vera
“Keep an aloe vera leaf in the freezer, slice open and apply the gel to fingertips,” says facialist Cecilia Wong. “Massage the gel under the eyes gently for a few minutes. Aloe acts as an anti-inflammatory and the massage helps reduce swelling as well as improves circulation around the tender eye area.”
Try: The Body Shop Aloe Vera Eye Defense, $17, Amazon
Image: Fotolia
