Our Eyes, the most defining feature in our faces. The one feature poets composed rhymes about. Tons of makeup products are created and bought every single day to accentuate this tiny organ. And what is more astonishing is that the most popular plastic surgery operation in the world, with 1.43 million people getting it done in 2014, is blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery. So our talk today will be about eyes! To be more particular, I’m going to talk about dark circles, or its fancier name, periorbital dark circles.
As much eye problems exist in the world. I’m not complaining about buffed eyes, or dry under eyes, or wrinkle around the eyes. But dark under eye circles… Ufff, it has been my major skin problem ever since I could remember, I thought that when I will become a doctor, there will be a simple dark circles treatment that I just havent heard of it yet. But let us get to the real bottom of this.
First Of All, What Causes Dark Circles?
Forget what you have been told that the main causes are fatigue and lack of sleep. Yes, sure if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your eyes will look tired and puffy. But I’m someone who always oversleeps, but no matter how well rested I am, I never get rid of them. So, really what is the main reason? well, of course, you guessed it Genetics. Your parents are to blame. Ok, just kidding, but really thanks, dad. Being Mediterranean and having an olive skin undertone. I’m naturally more prone to have hyperpigmentation under my eyes.
Dark eye circles can also be a symptom of something more serious, like iron deficiency anemia. So if you think you might have this problem especially if you are under dietary restriction, or feeling tired or get some palpitations occasionally, you need to check with your doctor.Other common reasons are allergies, over-washing or rubbing your eyes.
So how to get rid of dark circles or how do we at least make them less “in your face”? Well, the web is filled with so many solutions. I’m going to talk about what I did, what worked and what failed.
Natural/ Home Remedies
I tried natural remedies to just test what people have been talking about? What I found out was:
The cucumber: I swear it is a complete myth, just eat it.
The turmeric mask: I tried it for about five days, it’s basically turmeric with honey or glycerin. I felt it kinda worked it just smoothes everything out.
The ice cubes: only reduces the puffiness, use all over your face if you want to depuff everything.
Products I tried
I tried some of the products that people recommended on the web for a long time to see the real effect of each product, here’s my verdict.
Kiehl’s’ Avocado cream: well this thing is really good, I’m not going to pretend that my circles vanished, no not even close. But it made my under eyes glow and very moisturized, so it eased out and smoothed the concealer application. So did it deliver what it says on the bottle which is hydration? yes, but I was just hoping for more since it was too good at moisturizing.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG: I used it daily at morning and night after cleansing. the effect of it as the ice cubes. Works for puffiness, but the pigmentation won’t be affected.
Retinol: they say that retinol lightens your under eyes, well let them say! For me, I used retinol religiously, but it really never worked for my circles.
Hydroquinone: I’ve never tried Hydroquinone products and really not planning to, I’m strongly against lighting products I think their disadvantages outweigh their advantages, so let’s just skip this one.
Products I haven’t Tried Yet (but still recommended)
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème: this one is formulated to help dark circles around the eyes. But I haven’t got a chance to try it yet.
Got an email as I’m writing this: Glossier just dropped out a new Eye+lip pluming cream called Bubblewrap. I now want to try how this product will moisturize these two areas and how it will be different from any other treatment cream.
Makeup
Ok let’s be honest, when I figured that my dark circles are because of my genetics, I relaxed. I’ve not obsessed anymore with buying expensive eye creams, and I’m now OK with the fact that I need concealer to hide these shadows more than something that will actually cure them! It may be the only makeup product that I will take with me to a deserted island.
I have tried the drugstore products like Bourjois and Rimmel, but when it comes to concealers, this is the place to splurge. I found that my answer in NARS creamy radiant concealer (If you are a concealer hater, you will find our review of it here). If you will get this one, make sure you Get a darker tone than your skin tone to avoid the greyish look. And if you want even more coverage use a dark shade with a light one.
So the bottom line is “know thy self”. What I mean to say, everyone’s body and skin are different. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa, but share your experience with us. I will try a new home remedy, product (surprise me!) at any given time.
