If you're fed up with the dark, purple circles underneath your eyes, getting more sleep may not be the solution, according to MayoClinic.com. Although inadequate sleep may make dark circles look more obvious, it doesn't generally cause circles underneath the eyes. If it's okay with your doctor, you can reduce the appearance of your dark purple circles at home by camouflaging the darkened area and eliminating the cause of the problem.
Step 1
Rinse out your sinuses with a salt water solution to reduce enlarged blood vessels that may be showing through the skin, recommends MayoClinic.com. Mix 1/4 tsp. sea salt with 2 cups of warm water in a bowl, then pour the solution into a clean, empty nasal spray bottle. Squirt the spray up each nostril, then blow your nose. Repeat several times throughout the day as needed to relieve congestion.
Step 2
Place a cold compress, like a wet washcloth or an icepack wrapped in a towel, on the skin under the eyes for 10 minutes. The cold temperature will constrict the blood vessels, temporarily hiding the dark purple circles.
Step 3
Dab a shimmering primer cream underneath the eyes to reflect light, says Ramy Gafni of Ramy Beauty Therapy in the article "How to Hide Dark Circles" in Marie Claire magazine.
Step 4
Apply a concealer with peach tones that is similar your skin color to the under-eye area to neutralize blue and purple tones underneath the eyes. Do not use a white or gray concealer, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Pat your face with a loose, translucent face powder to set the concealer and primer.
Step 6
Line only the upper lid of your eyes with a dark eyeliner to draw attention away from the dark circles, says Gafni.
Tips and Warnings
- Dark circles may appear underneath the eyes due to a cold or allergies.
- Avoid using products that contain salicylic or glycolic acid near the eye area, because they may cause swelling and irritation.
Things You'll Need
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- Bowl
- Washcloth
- Icepack
- Towel
- Shimmering primer cream
- Peach-colored concealer
- Translucent face powder
- Dark eyeliner
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