As you guys can probably imagine, my life has been pretty hectic: I’m always on-the-go, rushing between the office, appointments, and trying to spend every minute I can with my family. As a result, it often means my beauty sleep takes a serious hit. Admittedly, I’ve never been a great sleeper, and dark circles have always been a beauty issue of mine, which means I’ve learned almost every trick in the book: from how to prevent them with natural remedies to how to conceal them with makeup. So I thought I’d pass on all of my tips and tricks; even if you’ve been up all night – working, studying, babysitting, partying – whatever! No one will be able to tell you missed a minute of beauty sleep. Here’s everything you need to know:

What Causes Dark Circles

Dark circles are a result of two things: genetics and lifestyle choices. In the case of genetics, it can be caused by a type of hyperpigmentation in your skin (aka an overproduction of melanin, which is what gives your skin its color). Genetically, some people typically have thinner skin here (it’s usually 0.5mm, whereas the rest of your body is 2mm), which makes blood pooling in this area more obvious, which can be down to poor circulation. Lifestyle choices can also contribute, so because of thin skin, when your veins become dilated, they expand, and this makes them look darker. There are a number of reasons why your veins may become dilated – not enough sleep, stress, dehydration, dietary factors, even allergies. To work out the main culprit behind your dark circles, gently pinch the skin and lift it off the surface. If the skin remains brown, it is hyperpigmentation, and you can consult your derm for the best treatments. It could be to do with lifestyle choices, in which case I have plenty of tips on how you can easily get rid of dark circles.

How To Prevent Dark Circles From Forming

1. Sleep well

I know this may sound super simple, but this sleeping hack can make a huge difference. When your pillows are too flat, all of the blood will collect around your eye area, so to help drain the blood and to make sure it doesn’t pool overnight, sleep on your back with an extra pillow. I also like to take a digital detox two hours before I go to sleep (although I admit, this doesn’t happen often enough), to limit my blue light exposure, and if I do have to be on my phone, I set it to nighttime mode. It takes a while to get used to at first, but it’ll make such a difference to your sleep quality, I swear.

2. Cut back on salt

As you guys probably know, sodium aka salt causes your body to retain water, but it can actually cause puffiness in your eyes as well. Cutting back on sodium will help combat puffy eyes, so you appear less tired.

3. Stay hydrated

If your body is dehydrated, it tries to compensate for the lack of hydration by retaining as much water as possible, resulting in puffiness and under-eye bags. This is why making sure you drink the recommended amount of water is super important, as it not only keeps your skin looking good, but it’ll keep dark under eyes at bay. I keep a bottle of water on my desk at all times as you’re supposed to drink a half a gallon (2 liters) of water a day.

How to get rid of dark circles

Sweet Almond oil: There are so many amazing natural remedies for dark circles but I’ve got to admit I think Sweet Almond Oil is my fav. It’s rich in Vitamin E and K, both of which will brighten the undereye and help de-clot the blocked veins as it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce any morning swelling. All you need to do is gently pat in a drop of sweet almond oil under your eye using your fourth finger. If you do this every night, you should be able to notice a difference in a few weeks.

Potato: This is a really great remedy for dark circles as potatoes are super cheap and easy to get hold of. Not only do potatoes contain both vitamin A and C, which brighten and hydrate, but they also contain starch and other enzymes which will help get rid of dark circles. For a quick and easy DIY, I like to combine the potato juice with a little honey, which will make the application easier, while the honey will also work to hydrate the under-eye area. Once applied, leave on for 30 minutes, before wiping it away with a damp cloth. You’ll notice results within a couple of weeks if you do this every day.

Green Tea: Green tea is packed with caffeine, which can help to shrink the blood vessels in your under eyes, reducing inflammation in the veins and skin. The tannins in the tea will also restrict the blood capillaries, improving the appearance of dark circles. Some people simply like to place green tea bags under their eyes, but I find the method of mixing brewed green tea leaves with a little Vaseline to be really effective and easy. Try, Green Tea EYES by ToGoSpa – The Dark Circle Warrior – 3 Treatments, $15. Taurine and Green Tea Extract promote circulation for an extra tingly sensation. Specifically targets dark circles!  

Ice: To reduce swelling and to efficiently drain the blood from your under eyes, apply something cool. By cooling this area, the blood vessels will constrict – we use anything we have in our fridge, from cucumber slices to a cold spoon. Jade rollers are also amazing at depuffing, and you can store yours in the fridge for a quick de-puff in the mornings. Over the years, I have been using Ice Water EYES by ToGoSpa – The De-Puffer, $ 15.00, these collagen eye pads moisturize, plump and add nutrients to the delicate under-eye zone, creating a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. Also, EYES collagen gel masks are micro-infused with a combination of hyaluronic acid, natural high-density marine collagen, enzymes, amino acids, natural marine minerals, trace elements, proteins and vitamins C & E.

Try It!

I’m obsessed with the Knours Knows Sweet Enough Rescue Mask Set, $25, which is perfect to use during your period, when both body and mind are weary, or whenever skin needs a treat, this mask is formulated with restoring and hydrating honey extract – the best remedy for skin’s worst week. Like a boost of energy, the mask instantly revitalizes and rejuvenates tired skin. Also, I love Knours Knows One Perfect Cream, $48.00, this is a multi-tasking moisturizer that brightens and hydrates skin while providing age-defying benefits, leaving complexion dewy and perfectly prepped for makeup. Ideal for addressing multiple skin concerns at once, the at-home beauty treatment is the one and only moisturizer skin will need. The Double Duty Mist, $36, is good too. A customizable toner with two layers that transforms to address complexion needs. The bottom layer contains aloe vera water and MultiEx BSASM Plus® to calm and soothe; the top layer features jojoba oil and botanical extracts to deeply nourish and moisturize. Its packed with botanicals to immediately lift, brighten, and depuff the under eye area. They’re quite pricey, but are the best!

How to conceal dark circles:

Color correct: When it comes to concealing dark circles, you can balance them out by using opposite shades that will ‘cancel’ the color. It’s all about finding the right tone to color correct the particular shade of your dark circles. If your under eyes have a red or pink undertone, you should neutralize the area with a concealer with a yellow undertone, whereas if your dark circles have a blue or grey tint, you should use a peachy concealer to counteract the undertones.

Conceal: Naturally, concealer is the easiest way to say bye Felicia to dark circles. I prefer a full coverage formula, and then I like to bake the area to add extra brightening and ensure the concealer stays in place all day and doesn’t settle into fine lines.

Let me know if there are any other beauty topics you’d like me to write about in the comments below.

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.