Make Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes Vanish

One of the most searched beauty questions of 2014 was “How do I get rid of bags under my eyes?” Clearly it’s a problem. So, here’s how to decode your under eye issues and remedy the problem fast!

WHY DO WE GET THEM?
The skin under your eyes is thinner and much more delicate than other areas of your face. As we’re always blinking, moving our eyes and often squinting, our eyes are much more susceptible to getting wrinkles early on.  Poor circulation from lack of sleek, stress, caffeine, too much salt and alcohol can cause puffy eyes, but genetics and allergies are causes we have less control over!

PUFFY, DARK EYES
As swelling is often caused by water retention, try minimising your salt intake and avoiding alcohol. Sleeping on your back with an extra pillow can help drain water and reduce puffiness.

WRINKLES
As we get older our skin loses elasticity so it’s vital that we use an eye cream or serum to firm, lift and smooth over wrinkles. Avoid crow’s-feet by applying a SPF to your eye area and always wear sunglasses when outdoors to avoid squinting. Your eyes will thank you.

COOL DOWN
A quick fix for getting rid of puffy, dark eyes is to cool them right down. Soak a teaspoon in ice water and then hold the back of the spoon against your eyes with a little pressure. Or, try chilling black or green tea bags and holding them against your under-eye area – the combination of cold and caffeine will shrink the blood vessels. 

Tip – opt for an eye cream with a cool metal roller ball, and store it in the fridge!

REMOVE MAKEUP
Make sure you always remove eye makeup before bed, to avoid rubbing your eyes and waking up with puffiness.

CONCEAL
Brighten dark circles with a concealer that’s lighter than your complexion. If you’re bags are bluish in colour, neutralize them with a yellow-toned concealer. If your bags are brown or yellowish in colour, opt for a peachy tone.

USE A BRUSH
When you apply eye cream use your ring finger for a gentle application. But, when applying concealer be sure to use a brush. A flat, but firm, brush will ensure you don’t cake concealer into fine wrinkles. 

Words by: Photographs by: Thinkstock