Whether you’re working late, giving into the ‘next episode’ temptation at 4 am, or simply feeling stressed, dark circles are likely to be your main bugbear. While dark circles can be a persistent concern, it's important to understand that they're often influenced by factors beyond our control (not just your Netflix binge!), such as genetics, aging, and allergies. While there's no guaranteed cure, many people find that a combination of lifestyle changes and targeted treatments can make a significant difference.
Lifestyle modifications, including getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding allergens, can play a crucial role in reducing the appearance of dark circles. Additionally, topical treatments like creams or serums containing ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or caffeine can help brighten the skin and diminish the visibility of dark circles. In some cases, more invasive procedures like laser therapy or filler injections might be considered. Ultimately, the aim is to minimize the appearance of dark circles rather than completely eliminating them.
Want a quick fix? Makeup—particularly concealer and colour correctors—are a must-have if you want to cover them up in the short term. Here’s a comprehensive guide to decoding your dark circles and our top product picks to help you.
Skincare
A pro tip to find out the potential cause of your dark circles is by performing the pinch test. To do this, gently lift the skin under your eyes in any area where you experience dark circles. If the skin returns to its original colour, the cause is skin thinness. This means your skincare routine needs some firming products. However, if a purple hue persists, the reason is most likely pigmentation. Below, we’ve mentioned some products that might be able to help.
Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream
Infused with Vitamin K, caffeine and additional actives like hyaluronic acid and zerumbone to hydrate and reduce hyperpigmentation, this eye cream promises to depuff and refresh your under-eyes. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula is just a bonus.
Pilgrim Squalane Roll On Under Eye Serum
This squalane, retinol and caffeine-infused under-eye roll-on targets the hyperpigmentation that might be causing dark circles. It also works hard to stimulate cell turnover by improving blood circulation and nourishing the skin.
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Dark Circle Eye Serum
With a triple roller applicator, The L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum promises to instantly depuff the eyes. Its 3% formula is a blend of Vitamin CG, niacinamide, and glycolic acid that tackles dark circles using a multi-pronged approach while keeping the delicateness of the under-eye skin in mind. This makes this product a great starting point for those new to under-eye skincare.
mCaffeine Green Tea Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
When you need a quick pick-me-up, the Green Tea Hydrogel Patches will refresh, revive, and restore your under-eyes. They soothe the skin, reduce puffiness, and lock in moisture all while relaxing you with a cooling sensation.
Makeup
Dark circles can be stubborn. And while you wait for your skincare products to work their magic, using colour correctors and concealers is the best option to instantly brighten the area. Remember—always apply moisturiser first to ensure the area is well-hydrated and less prone to drying or flaking.
Insight Cosmetics Pro Concealer Palette – Concealer
A colour corrector uses colour theory to neutralize the purple and blue tones of dark circles. Opt for a pink or peach-based colour corrector to cover the appearance of dark circles. While a pink corrector suits pale skin tones, a peach one complements darker ones. The Insight Cosmetics Pro Concealer palette includes every shade you need to spot-correct dark circles and other areas of concern.
KIKO Milano Full Coverage Concealer
The Kiko Milano Full Coverage Concealer is highly pigmented, lightweight, and long-lasting, making it a perfect addition to your beauty bag. It also features a sebum-absorbing formula, ideal for all skin types, including very oily skin.
Chambor Studio Pro Under Eye Eraser
If you prefer skincare-infused makeup, consider this concealer that contains jojoba, Vitamin C, sunflower seed oil, and acacia flower wax. This formula is creamy and easy to apply. As a bonus, it includes an in-built colour-correcting formula that helps erase dark circles and neutralize under-eye discolouration.
