Dark circles are a b*tch.
The right clothes can hide a multitude and a tight pony can temporarily lift sagging skin but when it comes to the eyes, show’s over. We’re not going to wax about ways to prevent the sombre shadows (they might be at an acute stage now), so here’s our prescription.
Choose from one of our home hacks, hydrate, then hide the evidence.
Grab a cuppa
Your best Pekoe has a dual purpose when it comes to circle camouflage. Sip the antioxidant-rich brew for a quick pick-me-up, then place the cooled bags on puffy peepers. The tea’s caffeine content will work to shrink swelling and reduce inflammation.
Supermodel secret
Kate Moss dunks her face in a bowl of iced water to wake up sleepy skin. Restrict the freeze facial to the ocular area with a cold face cloth and some ice cubes. The cooling sensation instantly constricts blood vessels and tightens skin, while imparting a temporary glow.
Chill out
Irritated eyes are the ultimate accessory to the blackout blinds underneath. Ensure red undertones don’t feature when the curtains are drawn by treating burning eyeballs to the soothing and capillary cauterising properties of cucumber slices. Its water plumping prowess helps, but its circulatory skill comes courtesy of vitamin K.
Plants vs. Zombies
Yes we feel like the latter but a smidge of Aloe Vera can remedy the situation. Keep the plant on your bathroom sill, snip a tip, then using your ring finger, sweep the quick soaking gel in circles around the eye socket. The massage benefits are second only to the moisturising thrill.
Cutlery commandos
Store a stash of teaspoons in the fridge for eye emergencies. Like little cosmetic soldiers, they'll battle bloated pockets with ease. Position and gently press on the skin below the eyes, continuing until the metal has warmed and the windows to your soul look that bit brighter.
Gotta roll with it
Cool applicators trump warm fingertips every time. Choose a tube of eye cream with an enhanced tip - Olay, Trilogy and Simple offer something for all budgets and derma desires. The rotating metal ball dispenses a double whammy, draining lymphatic tissue and hydrating crepey skin in one fell swoop.
Change direction
Hands up, we’ve been doing it wrong the whole time. To put an end to exaggeration, don't dot or draw directly on the circle, instead trace a reverse triangle shape under the eyes. Starting at the outer corner, work across to half way down the nose, lightly filling in the entire area. Pat gently for a smooth finish and true optical illusion.
