Lose the under eye bags
BY Nicola Conville Freelance Journalist
Whether partying or pigmentation is your problem, we've got the solution to get rid of those tell-tale dark circles
Sick of looking tired all the time? Try our five-step guide to brightening up sunken, puffy peepers.
Diagnose the problem
Dark under-eye circles are caused by a number of different factors, so it's important to work out what's behind yours so you know how best to tackle the problem. Dark circles are usually caused by one of the following: deep-set eyes, where shadowing contributes to the dark colour underneath; ageing skin; pigmentation or lifestyle factors.
The big cover-up
"Concealer is the one product I can't live without," says make-up artist Bobbi Brown. "It can make dark circles disappear. It can make you look as if you've had eight hours' sleep when you've only had five. It can instantly brighten your face and lift your mood."
Concealers are a fast, easy way to deal with dark circles, but they mask the problem rather than treat it. Look for concealers with yellow undertones, which counteract the bluish hue common in under-eye circles. If you have pale skin, a porcelain-toned concealer is best.
Choose a concealer that's specifically made for the under-eye. Under-eye concealers are different to those for blemishes or redness, Brown says. "They are creamier and lighter than the skin tone," she explains. Choose a concealer that's one to two tones lighter than your foundation.
Lotions and potions
Many creams and gels promise to alleviate under-eye circles. Because the skin around the eyes is so delicate, you need products that are specifically tailored to this area. Herbal types will like Pod Puraceuticals Liquid Eyelift, which is free of chemical nasties and contains an all-in-one triple peptide that tightens, moisturises and protects the skin.
For an intense treatment, try Cosmedicine's Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers, which softens the appearance of dark circles, helps conceal flaws and protects against free radical damage. Glam party girls might be best-suited to Benefit Ooh La Lift, a light pink balm that has light-reflecting pigments that give eyes a brightening boost. Also remember to invest in a gentle eye make-up remover to whisk away eye shadow and mascara at the end of the day.
Been having too many late nights? Ducking off to the vending machine for snacks instead of upping your fruit and vegetable intake? Inadequate sleep and nutritional deficiencies can cause vasculature inflammation, where the blood vessels beneath the thin under-eye skin become enlarged. So ditch the cigarettes, cut down on alcohol, drinks lots of water and eat healthily. And don't forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
The delicate nature of the under-eye area makes it tricky to treat, says Dr Peter Bakaric, from the Collagen Face Centre in Sydney, but there are options available. Again, the treatment depends on what's causing the problem. "If there is a depression or tear duct crease, it can be treated with fillers, which basically follow the inferior orbital bony rim of the eye," he says. If pigmentation is causing the problem, laser may be an option, but be careful as the skin in this area is very thin. Lastly, if there is a lot of loose, baggy skin, or fat bags under the eye, surgery can help. However, be aware that after surgery the darkness may be increased, he says.