9 Tricks For Brightening Under-Eye Circles

I am not a morning person. My jeans never feel as comfortable as my pajamas, and my showers never feel as warm as my bed. That being said, my morning make-up routine is my centering exercise for the day. It’s how I get my head on straight, and if all goes well, I find myself in a pretty good mindset from then-on. If all goes poorly, I’m about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You can see why I have a pretty rough relationship with my under-eye circles.

Dark circles under your eyes can happen for a whole multitude of different reasons; maybe it’s heredity, drooping proteins, exhaustion, poor diet, or hormonal imbalances. Maybe that last tequila shot was particularly convincing when it told you that, yes, of course you should stay out until 2 a.m. on a Wednesday. Perhaps you’re just prone to them, and they’re there even if you drink your weight in water and get a full night’s rest. I get it.

To all of the above, I’ve been there, and I’ve done that. Dark circles are hard to cover and even harder to prevent. Thankfully, from rose water to setting powder, there are tons of tricks you can use to erase all signs of the dreaded under-eye.

1. Rinse With This 100-Percent Pure Rose Water

Premium Rose Water, $16, Amazon

This 100-percent pure rose distillate will soothe irritation and reduce swelling in the undereye region as well as replenish moisture that’s been stripped away by tap water chemicals. (Chlorine and fluoride can dry out your face, leaving it puffy.) When you have such sensitive skin that mere tap water is enough to agitate it, it's time to switch to this rose water.

2. Prep With This Organic Eye Gel

OZ Naturals Eye Gel, $17, Amazon

OZ Naturals Eye Gel is the all-natural treatment that uses organic ingredients like aloe and vegetable glycerin to sooth redness, puffiness, and wrinkles. If you’ve got that slight raccoon look going on in the morning, you shouldn’t even think about applying a moisturizer before you apply this eye gel. It's an essential step because the gel rejuvenates and plumps up the blood vessels that cause the darkness in the first place.

3. Moisturize With Probiotic Technology

Burt’s Bees Eye Cream, $12, Amazon

Burt’s Bees is known for their chapstick, but this line of intensely hydrating eye cream is formulated specifically with clary sage and probiotic technology to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Your under-eye area is prime real estate for cake-y makeup, and if the skin isn’t moisturized properly, people’s thoughts will go straight from, “Wow, that girl had a rough night,” to “Wow, that girl’s trying really hard to cover up the fact that she had a rough night.”

4. Don't Just Conceal: Decrease Puffiness And Correct Color, Too

Physicicans Formula Dark Circle Corrector, $9, Amazon

This hypoallergenic anti-aging concealer is specifically made for under-eye circles, which means its yellowish color counteracts the blue from your agitated blood vessels. Its stainless steel roller applicator improves poor microcirculation, while its cool finish decreases puffiness. A few swipes go a long way, and blending is seamless and easy.

5. Blend With This Under-Eye Concealer Brush

Beauty Junkees Concealer Brush, $10, Amazon

This concealer brush has a flat top for maximum blending with a small head for applying coverage to all the nooks and crannies of your under-eye. This is a small area you’re working with, and a shot of makeup to the eyeball is never particularly fun, so you’ll want to use the brush fit for the job. (Bigger ones, while suited for full-face coverage, won’t be able to blend as well as a brush that’s made specifically for this delicate area.) Apply in a triangular shape for ultimate coverage.

6. Set Concealer With This Subtle Shimmer Powder

e.l.f Undereye Concealer Setting Powder, $6, Amazon

This setting powder is made specifically for under your eyes, and reviewers say that it’s the perfect mix of shimmery and subtle — protecting without collecting into wrinkles and fine lines. Natural skin oils and concealer don’t always mix, and halfway through the day, you might just find that your coverage has now sagged down as far as your chin. For these instances, this setting powder is the way to go.

7. Fluff Your Under-Eyes With This Collagen Mask

Purederm Collagen Eye Zone Mask, $6, Amazon

Collagen is the filler in your skin that keeps it firm, which is why you should make this under-eye collagen mask part of your daily routine. Enriched with vitamin E, green tea extract and tropical fruits, these daily sheets reverse aging and even out under-eye skin tones.

8. Treat Your Under-Eye Area to Restorative Tea (Without The Bags)

Cucumber Tea Soothing Eye Gel, $19, Amazon

This evening under-eye gel combines the benefits of green tea with the convenience of a gel. It’s rich with antioxidants, soothes puffiness, and awakens the eye area to keep you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (minus the bushy tail). After all, everyone’s heard of the tea-bag-under-the-eye trick, but in actuality, it’s not the neatest activity in the world.

9. Apply This Protein-Restoring Serum Before Bed

Eye Zone Treatment Under Eye Serum, $19, Amazon

Lastly, this top-quality serum before bed can make all the difference in the morning. Eye Zone Treatment Under Eye Serum is a great option for sensitive skin, and restores key proteins to your under-eye area while you sleep. Serums are great because they provide all the hydrating qualities of a moisturizer without the greasy feeling that sometimes accompanies them.


Images: Fotolio (1); Amazon (9)