To banish undereye circles, it's important to know the cause of them. Poor circulation from lack of sleep, stress, caffeine, and/or alcohol is typically to blame, but this isn't the only culprit. In some cases, hyper-pigmentation around the eye area is hereditary, a condition that's especially common with darker skin tones. And if puffiness is present, circles could be due to water retention or allergies. Decode your bags by pressing a finger lightly under the eye. If the darkened skin momentarily brightens poor circulation, water retention, or allergies are to blame; if skin tone remains the same, it's hyper-pigmented.
For hyper-pigmentation, there are a variety of laser treatments available. Before you go this route, however, try an eye cream with lightening agents such as kojic acid and hydroquinone. There are non-invasive antidotes for puffy peepers as well. Try sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated to aid in lymphatic drainage of water and toxins. Or if you notice that your eyes only flare up during allergy season and in certain environmental conditions, consult an allergist about taking an antihistamine to reduce inflammation.
Undereye bags that are simply the result of your lifestyle and poor circulation can generally be reduced with the application of a cold compressthink refrigerated spoons, chilled cotton balls soaked in witch hazel or lavender, and cool tea bags. Eye creams are, of course, also welcome: Look for ones that contain vitamin K to increase circulation and lighten the eye area (one to try: Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream). And if dealing with darker circles, employ an eye-brightening cream like Borba HD Illuminating Eye Specialist, which is pumped with light-diffusing particles.