Dark Circle Rx
I can’t tell you how many people ask me what they can do to help their dark circles…it’s almost at every wedding or makeup job anymore. As a sufferer of these pesty circles myself, I’ve always done my research and personally tried several products to help eliminate them. Although dark circles can’t be cured 100%, there are ways to minimize them for sure. The first step is figuring out the source of the dark circles, it could be one thing or a mixture of many things combined. Also remember that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on the entire body, so it makes sense that this area naturally will need a little special attention.
HEREDITY ~ You can thank your parents partially for those dark circles because if you have them most likely it’s an inherited trait. I’ve acquired mine from my father, thanks dad 
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DIET & HYDRATION ~ A healthy diet and consuming enough water on a daily basis is not only important for your overall health, but for your dark circles. My chiropractor can tell immediately if I’m not drinking enough water by the darkness underneath my eyes. It can be a little rough drinking the suggested 8 glasses per day, but now with so many options including Life Water and Vitamin Water, it’s not so bad. Also make sure you’re getting enough Iron and Vitamin K which could be contributing factors.
FATIQUE ~ This seems to be the most obvious factor to me…if your not getting enough rest it will be written all over your face, literally. Even though it’s recommended that we get 8 hours of sleep, try to shoot for at least 6!
MEDICATIONS ~ If you are on any type of medication that causes your blood vessels to dilate, chances are you will experience an increase in dark circles.
AGE ~ Dark circles are likely to darken and become more noticeable with age. This is no surprise and makes sense since as we age our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner. Thinner skin = darker circles, blah.
THE GOOD NEWS … There are a few things you can immediately do to help improve your dark circles. Start with trying to maintain a healthy diet, keep well rested don’t forget to keep hydrated. Also know you can go to the professionals for some extra help if you need it although there are many options available in your drug-store or online. Below are a few creams and concealers that have worked for me and many of my clients…
Many of the eyecreams out now pay extra attention to adding brightners and illuminators which will help with the overall darkness of your undereye. One of my favorites is the Youngblood Eye Impact Quick Recovery Cream. I tried this as just a sample and could immediately notice a difference. What I love about Youngblood’s liquid products is their air-tight pumps so you get every single drop of product in the bottle. Another great one to try is Rodan + Fields Multi-Function Anti-Age Eyecream. It’s a little thicker but I loved this one especially for night time.
I also suggest the Youngblood Ultimate Concealers which are the perfect consistency in a concealer…not 
too creamy but enough hold to keep in place. They come in 5 shades from fair to deep. Both products are available on the Youngblood website which is www.ybskin.com. Another great option is from Bobbi Brown, her Creamy Concealer Kit is used by many of my clients, visit www.bobbibrown.com to learn more or to purchase. Obsessed Minerals also makes a great Salmon Concealer which is a little thicker and creamier to cover up even the darkest of circles. Visit the website at www.obsessedminerals.com.
Tips…
- When applying a concealer under your eye use your ring finger or a concealer brush…don’t forget about the inner corner of your eye since this is where people hold the most darkness.
- Stipple on the product (small patting movements) instead of going side to side - this will keep the produt in place.
- Set your concealer with a loose powder, I use a mineral makeup powder with a very small makeup brush.
- A good rule of thumb when applying a concealer is go a shade lighter if you will be applying a foundation over it.
- When applying an eye cream (especially at night) don’t go to far up to the lower lash line. Most products will heat up natrually from your skin temperature and going to close to the eye will allow the product to travel potentially into your eye…not good.
PS … Let’s not forget about puffiness either ~ any GEL based eye cream is great to keep in the fridge to reduce puffy eyes. I’m sure you have heard of the ol’ cucumber trick on the eyes. It’s not actually the cucumber that does the trick, it’s the coolness of the cucumber which will reduce the puffiness. If you have any tricks or products that you just love for your dark circles (or puffiness) please feel free to comment below and share! I am always on the hunt for products that work 
