Dark circles under the eyes can be a result of environmental factors and genetics. The circles are caused when blood accumulates under the tissue-thin skin under your eyes, appearing as a dark circle. A few small adjustments throughout your day can prevent and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around your eyes.
Get Enough Sleep
Your body rejuvenates and repairs itself while you sleep, so not getting enough rest leads to tired-looking skin. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule--go to bed at around the same time every night, and wake up at the same time each morning. Allow yourself eight hours of sleep each night. Avoid caffeine for at least six hours before bedtime, and refrain from exercising for a few hours before you go to sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, taking a warm bath right before bed may help you fall asleep more quickly.
Drink Lots of Water
Dehydration is a primary cause of dark circles under the eyes. Both caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you to exacerbate this effect. To stay properly hydrated, you need to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. To help reach this quota, carry around a water bottle with you all day, and take frequent water breaks at work. Staying hydrated will improve the overall appearance of your skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Additionally, staying hydrated will prevent you from retaining water and reduce puffiness around your eyes.
Cover Your Dark Circles
If you have hereditary dark circles, it is unlikely that staying hydrated and getting enough sleep will make your circles completely disappear. You can cover your under eye circles with concealer, and appear more alert by using highlighter. Choose a concealer shade with a yellow undertone to counter-act the blue shade of the dark circles. Use your finger to gently pat the concealer onto the dark circle, and blend to avoid harsh lines. Once concealer has been applied, apply a small amount of liquid highlighter and blend over the concealer. The highlighter will reflect light to reduce the appearance of dark circles and visibly perk up your skin.
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