7 Tips & Tricks for Diminishing Dark Circles and Puffiness
Ahhh, Dark Circles and Puffiness. I am writing this post on a Monday, so as you can imagine, I am feeling (rightfully) inspired to share some of my favorite dark spot and puffiness-reducing tips and tricks with you! Whether you’re experiencing them after an evening of restless sleep, or waking up with them on the regular, rest assured that there are some fabulous (and fast acting) ways to brighten and rejuvenate your eyes for a beautiful, and more “awake”, appearance.
My Number 1 Arsenal: A Good Night’s Rest. If you find that your dark circles and puffiness are always worse after a night of poor sleep, welcome to the majority! There is a reason why they call it “Beauty Rest”, and your eyes are typically the first part of your face to show when you have not gotten enough of it. Always strive to get your 8 hours in, even if this means moving your schedule around! If you are having trouble falling asleep, try trading your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a good, old-fashioned book. Your technological devices may be nice to use in the evening time, but they also use blue lights that have been shown to make it more difficult to wind down for bed, which could mean less hours of sleep.
My Number 2 Arsenal: A Good Eye Cream. I have tried hundreds of eye creams, and loved many. When it comes to getting rid of dark circles and puffiness, stat, I have learned that regardless of any method you choose, a trusted eye cream always comes in clutch! My long-time go-to has been HydroPeptide’s Eye Authority, and I can confidently recommend Rhonda Allison’s Eye Revitalizer and Image Skincare’s ILUMA Brightening Eye Cream for those with slightly different wants/needs/budgets. Remember, the best way to combat dark circles and puffiness is to prevent them; and these products do a great job of delivering both fast-acting and long-term results.
My Number 3 Arsenal: Drink More Water. I know this sounds totally cliché, but drinking water really is essential in keeping your eyes (and overall complexion) looking healthy, and supple. While water retention can contribute to puffiness, drinking lots of water will ensure you are getting positive hydration (flushing out any salt-induced water retention while keeping your skin supple). If a healthy internal system isn’t reason enough to get your 8+ glasses each day, think about how much good it can do for your skin!
My Number 4 Arsenal: Caffeinated Tea Bags. If you love a morning cup of coffee, or tea, you will understand this method. The caffeine in the tea bag (combined with the natural antioxidants and nutrients found in the tea) is a great way to soothe and energize the eye area, all at the same time. I recommend soaking the tea bags in warm/hot water for about 2-5 minutes, then moving them over to the fridge to cool off. Once they are comfortably cold, place them over your eyes for 5 minutes, and voila, beautiful, energize eyes. Bare in mind: drinkable teas are not studied to be safe for the sensitive skin around your eyes, so it is always important to exercise caution when using them. While they might work wonders for some, everyone’s skin is different, so don’t be afraid to consult your friendly dermatologist or esthetician on this one. A good rule of thumb is to choose quality, start very slow (leave it on for a fraction of the time), and if you wouldn’t drink it (and love it), you shouldn’t be using it on your eyes!
My Number 5 Arsenal: Cold Spoons or Beauty Globes. I would be honestly surprised if you hadn’t heard this tip, but I can tell you that it has been around for so long with good reason. I personally love using Beauty Globes. They are pretty and luxurious, and really do help to take puffiness down around the eye area. However, if you are in a time crunch, on vacation, or simply do not want to invest in a pair of Beauty Globes, a pair of cold spoons will do the trick! You can simply place your spoons in the fridge for a few minutes (allow them to get comfortable cold, but not freezing), then place them on your eyes for around 5 minutes. Pro Tip: Gently apply a layer of your favorite eye cream before holding the spoons over your eyes.
My Number 6 Arsenal: Sliced Strawberries. When you think of puffy eyes, you probably think of chilled cucumber slices. And while cucumber slices are fabulous and refreshing, I have totally fallen in love with chilled strawberry slices for soothing fine lines and dark circles. Strawberries are rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acids (commonly referred to as AHAs), which help to deliver anti-aging benefits to your eyes while reducing puffiness. While you are chopping your strawberries, don’t be afraid to cut a few extra to snack on after your eye treatment!
My Number 7 Arsenal: A Trusted Concealer. If you do not already have a trusted concealer in your arsenal, now is the perfect time to grab one! While a good concealer might not necessarily fix your dark circle and puffiness problem (though bear in mind, some formulas do include ingredients that can help with this), it is the quickest way to brighten up the eye area in a pinch. You can use these everyday, or as needed. I always like to keep one on-hand, and one in my makeup bag at home!
So there you have it, my seven favorite tips and tricks for diminishing dark circles and puffiness. I’m curious; do you have any beauty rituals to keep dark circles and puffiness at bay?