Nothing is worse than to be greeted in the mirror with dark circles under the eyes. Whether you are preparing for a big presentation or just a trip to the grocery store, finding bags under your eyes is no way to start the day. But what can you do about it? Well there may not be an instant cure for this frustrating condition, but there are plenty of things you can do to conceal the issue enough to go about your day.
-Reduce the Swelling
Dark circles under the eyes are actually a sign of tissue swelling. This means that one of the first solutions you should try is a cold compress. Beauty supply stores offer a number of compresses that are designed specifically for the eye sockets. If you don't have time to run to the store, try using cold cucumbers or damp cotton balls. This strategy works best first thing in the morning when the swelling is the worst.
-Improve Circulation
Once you have addressed the swelling issue, it is time to focus your efforts on improving blood flow to the region. The shades of blue and gray that make up the dark circles are a result of poor circulation. Relieving swelling will help, but you may need to try other things to get the blood flowing again. The best solution is to rest damp tea bags on the area. The caffeine in the tea will help to open the blood vessels of the skin and draw circulation back to the area.
-Cover Up
Of course you will also need a little makeup magic to complete your one hour dark circle treatment. Start with a fine line of foundation to reduce the contrast of your makeup. Using a long bristle brush, apply a small amount of yellow-based concealer. Yellow works best since it lightens dark circles to a more natural tone. You should always warm the concealer on the back of your hand to improve texture and conserve product. The final step is to add another fine layer of foundation to complete the finish.
Dark circles can spring out of nowhere, but that doesn't mean they have to ruin your day. By following the guidelines above, you can turn a stressful morning into relief in less than an hour. The key is to attack the dark circles at their source. By reducing swelling around the eyes and improving circulation, you can help the skin to naturally heal itself. Add a little makeup to cover up the remaining effects and you should be ready for a bright day free from dark circles!
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