What Causes Dark Circles?
You want to learn how to treat dark circles under your eyes. Whether it’s from a late night, stress, or genetics, those pesky little shadows under the eyes can make us look more tired than we actually feel. If you’re constantly layering on concealer or wondering if there’s a real solution beyond getting more sleep, you’re in the right place. As a makeup artist and beauty educator, I’ve spent years helping clients troubleshoot their under-eye concerns. And trust me, while makeup can work wonders, nothing beats tackling the root of the problem. Let’s talk about why dark circles happen and, more importantly, how to treat them effectively so you can wake up looking refreshed, even on the days you don’t feel it.
First, let’s get to the bottom of why they show up in the first place. Dark circles aren’t always just about being tired — they can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics – If your parents have them, there’s a good chance you might, too. Some people naturally have thinner skin under the eyes, which makes veins and pigmentation more noticeable.
- Lack of Sleep – When you’re sleep-deprived, blood vessels dilate, leading to a darker appearance under the eyes.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can make your skin appear dull and hollow, which exaggerates shadows.
- Allergies & Sinus Issues – If you suffer from seasonal allergies or chronic congestion, you might notice more darkness and puffiness under your eyes.
- Aging & Skin Thinning – As we age, we lose collagen, making the skin under the eyes thinner and more prone to looking tired.
- Diet & Lifestyle – Too much salt, alcohol, or processed foods can lead to under-eye puffiness and discoloration.
So now that we know why they happen, let’s talk about exactly how to treat the dark circles under your eyes.
Best Skincare Treatments for Dark Circles
Find the Right Eye Cream
Not all eye creams are created equal. You need ingredients that target discoloration, puffiness, and hydration. Look for:
- Vitamin C – Helps brighten the skin and fade dark spots.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Keeps the under-eye area plump and hydrated.
- Caffeine – Reduces puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
- Peptides & Retinol – Boost collagen to firm and strengthen the skin over time.
Pro Tip: Apply your eye cream with a gentle tapping motion using your ring finger to avoid tugging at the delicate skin.
Quick Bonus: Check out this resource on perfecting under eye concealer for mature skin
Use Cold Therapy to Reduce Puffiness
A little chill can do wonders for tired eyes! Try:
- A cold jade roller or ice globes to refresh the skin.
- Chilled green tea bags — they contain caffeine to tighten and depuff.
- Metal spoons from the fridge — press them against your under-eyes for an instant cooling effect.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin looking fresh.
- Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.
- Use a moisturizing eye cream to prevent dryness and fine lines.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Prioritize Sleep
If you’re not getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night, start there.
- Try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow to prevent fluid buildup.
- Avoid blue light from screens before bed—it disrupts melatonin production.
Watch Your Diet
- Cut back on salty foods that cause water retention and puffiness.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the skin.
- Load up on antioxidants like berries, nuts, and leafy greens to support skin health.
Makeup Tricks to Instantly Combat Under-Eye Circles
Even with the best skincare routine, some mornings call for a little extra help from makeup. Here’s how to fake a full night’s sleep:
Use a Color Corrector
- Peach or orange correctors help cancel out blue/purple tones.
- Red or deep orange correctors work well on deeper skin tones.
Apply a Hydrating Concealer
- Pick a lightweight, creamy formula to avoid creasing.
- Apply in a triangle shape under your eyes to brighten the whole area.
- Blend with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural finish.
Set with a Light Dusting of Powder
- Use a finely milled translucent powder to lock in your concealer.
- Apply sparingly—too much powder can make the area look dry.
Eliminate Dark Circles: Brighter Eyes, More Confidence
Now you know how to treat those pesky dark circles under your eyes. By combining the right skincare, lifestyle habits, and makeup techniques, you can reduce their appearance and wake up looking refreshed every day. Be patient — great skin takes time, but the results are worth it.
Feel free to browse my Bellame Beauty boutique to learn more about all the incredible European Standard and K-Beauty formulas I love to use HERE.
Need help with a foundation shade match? Take my quiz here.
And for more beauty insights, follow me on my social medias
