Steal Our Secret to Brightening Your Under Eyes
A 2022 study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal asked over 14,000 “aesthetically conscious” adults about their biggest concerns. More than a third (36%) said under-eye bags and dark circles. So, what causes these features that can make us all so self-conscious?
Under eye bags and dark circles can happen as the skin and tissues in that area change. Fluid can gather under your eyes, and as you get older, the skin loses its elasticity, making the bags and dark circles more noticeable.
How can I help improve the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles?
From make-up to cooling masks, there are lots of cosmetic products on the market that aim to either cover up dark circles or help soothe sensitive under-eyes. Everyone’s skin and needs are different, so it’s important to do your own research if you like the sound of one of these suggestions.
1. Cooling Under-Eye Masks
Cooling skin down can help to reduce puffiness, so applying cool temperatures is a great way to soothe tired eyes. The Shark CryoGlow LED mask is designed with a special Under-Eye Cooling feature designed to do just that (while the LED routines help to target other skin concerns at the same time!).
The mask has two cooling pads – one on each side – that sit on your cheekbones. When you activate them, the pads rapidly cool, which help firm and tighten the skin around your under-eyes. This helps to soothe and depuff under-eyes, and helps improve the appearance of puffiness. You can also cycle between 3 cooling levels for the ultimate relaxation.
Find out how to incorporate an LED mask into your routine.
2. Serum-Soaked Disposable Eye Masks
Another way to cool and depuff under your eyes is by using under-eye masks or patches – like a sheet mask just for your under-eye zone. You can find these gel or fibre-based patches in beauty stores, and they usually come soaked in a cooling serum.
There are both affordable and premium options available, and while they’re often disposable there are some reusable options on the market. They’re even sometimes designed to be kept in the fridge so they stay extra cool – check the instructions on yours for storage advice.
3. Targeted Eye Creams
Are eye creams necessary? Unlike some regular facial moisturisers, eye creams can be specially formulated for the delicate skin under your eyes.
They can sometimes have ingredients like caffeine, intended to reduce inflammation, or retinol, which is designed to help your skin appear more elastic.
Cooling eye gels or creams can temporarily help your under-eyes feel soothed and can be relaxing to use.
4. Eye-Brightening Concealers
If you’re a make-up wearer, there are lots of options available for blending and concealing darker areas while brightening and illuminating your complexion – with options from lots of brands ranging from budget to luxury.
Whether you choose a creamy under-eye concealer or a glow-boosting primer, look out for light-reflective particles and colour-correcting undertones.
5. Cooling Eye Rollers
Facial rollers, jade rollers and under-eye rollers have had a moment on social media in recent years, so you may well have come across these beauty tools before. Cooling under-eye rollers feature a handle and a ball or bar which you gently roll across your skin to experience a cooling effect and soothe skin – some are designed to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to enhance the effect.