The Lounge

Does any one know any ways to reduce black circles under the eyes. I get them really bad; if I even miss ANY sleep it looks like I've been punched.. when I am getting lots of sleep they are just kind of light purple/blue (still really bad since my skin is PALE).

I know its partly hereditary but I'm only 19 and neither of my parents got it this bad when they were my age.

i'm looking for external remedies that you've had results with (I've heard of various creams etc), or any other methods. I'd also be interested in hearing of any great concealers that actually WORK especially for this (the ones I've used haven't helped much.)

I've heard hemorrhoid cream works.
 

I find that liquid concealers work best.  But, the less makeup and the less touching you do the better.  When you apply a concealer, put it on your fingers and dab it onto the skin.  Don't rub.

I don't have a specific brand that I favor.  I was using Physicians Formula for a while, but it isn't sold at a lot of places.

juliamae-  duane reade sells physicians formula-  are there any in your area?

would like to hear about what people use, as I have dark circles as well!!

I used preparation-H when I was preggo for my undereye area and i have to tell you it really did tighten up the skin!  Did a lot for the bags under my eyes, but not the dark circles.

Original Post by vanessa1031:

juliamae-  duane reade sells physicians formula-  are there any in your area?

 Never heard of 'em, so probably not.  :)

i have this problem too!  They just always look purplish (i'm pale, freckles, etc).  I just use makeup - covergirl (i think) liquid cover up, in ivory.  It works pretty well and doesn't rub off that easily.  It's just so annoying.. I really wonder what I'd look like without them at all - I'm just so used to them.

Do you smoke? When I quit smoking my under-eye area improved.

No, I never smoke and I rarely drink (heard that could affect it too).

I have them when I am worn down.  My poor 13 year old daughter also get them.  I feel so bad for her.  I am waiting for a teacher to tell me that she is not getting enough rest.

For me, yellow concealer works better than skin colored concealer at hiding blue/purple circles.

I used to use liquid concealer, but now I have started using those skin-colored makeup "sticks"--they look like lipstick, only they are the shade of your skin. I dab in under my eyes and gently spread. This worked better for me than the liquid concealer.

I've got them too, have tried everything. I recently found out I have relatives from Spain in my background. Any association?

I used to have a HORRIBLE problem with this.  This product has been like an under-eye miracle.  No- I'm not a Mary Kay lady so I'm not trying to make money off of anyone.   I highly recommend this product as it was totally worth the cost.  It last me about 3 months for 1 bottle.

I used to get that, but I don't know what changed they just vanished on their own! Maybe age

 

Original Post by nadiarose:

For me, yellow concealer works better than skin colored concealer at hiding blue/purple circles.

This times a million. When you're using coverup and concealors you want to use the colour that is opposite to the colour you're trying to cover. If you have purpley-blue bags then you'll want to use a yellow toned concealer.

Physicians Formula has great coverup sticks in all different tones.

Prep-H works to tighten the skin underneath, but might not work for the colouring. I use both.

juliamae-  duane reade sells physicians formula-  are there any in your area?

You can buy Physician's Formula at Wal-Mart.

clinique all about eyes

I use Neutrogena 3 in 1 Concealer. Helps hide dark circles, fine lines, reduces puffiness AND contains SPF 20. My hubby always knows when I've used it because I look refreshed :) When I use it, I put 3-4 tiny dabs from just inside the inner corner of my eyes to about 3-4 of the way across. Then I take my pinky and pat it gently around there until it's blended in.

Circles under the eyes are often caused by thin, stretched skin.  Try using an eye cream to get moisture to the skin and to plump up the area a bit.  I sell AVON, so of course I recommend their eye creams, but Neutrogena would be a good option as well, or just about any brand of eye cream is better than none at all.  (Don't be put off by high prices---you hardly use any, so it lasts a really long time!)

Also, make sure you use an eye makeup remover cream that moisturizes the area and try not to tug at the skin at all---use a sponge wedge when applying concealer.

And be sure to drink plenty of water.  It is amazing the difference plenty of water has on your skin.  You can see results immediately.

I am about preventing the problem rather than covering it up (especially for early morning workouts when you don't feel like wearing makeup).  Eye cream makes a huge difference.

Original Post by alibsam:

juliamae-  duane reade sells physicians formula-  are there any in your area?

You can buy Physician's Formula at Wal-Mart.

 Ah ha!  That explains why I can never find it.  I will drive 10 miles out of my way NOT to go to Wal-Mart.  I guess it's time to suck it up and fight my way in and out of there one day, all for a tube of makeup.

How's your blood pressure?

If it's on the high side at all, that can exacerbate the problem.

Things you can do to improve your blood pressure include:

drinking plenty of water
getting regular moderate exercise
avoiding salty/processed foods
engaging in regular relaxation activities (hot baths, meditation, massage, hammock-testing, etc)