6 Quick Hacks to Diminish Dark Circles

Dark circles affect everyone at some point or another. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of dark under-eye circles, we’ve got some easy and practical hacks for making the eye area appear instantly brighter. From natural remedies to high-performing skincare products, here’s how to get rid of dark circles so you can restore your brightest peepers.

#1: Dab on Some Vitamin C Serum

Get your brightening boost from a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that’s great for treating pigmentation. That‘s because it’s a tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it helps to prevent melanin production and fight discoloration. Vitamin C can also help activate collagen production, preventing fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

To quickly reduce the appearance of dark circles, dab on some of our Smooth Serum. It contains vitamin C and vegan collagen booster to brighten skin and smooth out creases. Plus, a sprinkling of turmeric for enhanced brightening effects. You can use this formula on both your face and body to boost skin’s luminosity.

If you don’t have a vitamin C product on you, try vitamin A (or retinol) instead, which is another well-known skin brightener. Just remember to always follow up with sunscreen after using retinol to prevent sun sensitivity.

“Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A, and act to slow the melanocytes while promoting the production of collagen, leading to improved skin quality, smoothness and reduced darkness,” explains Dr. Zoya Diwan, cosmetic skin doctor and director at Trikwan Aesthetics.

#2: Pop Some Teabags Over Your Peepers

… but not just any old teabags. It needs to be green tea bags in order to work -- or any tea that contains caffeine. Green tea contains high levels of caffeine, which helps constrict expanded blood vessels, soothing dark, puffy eyes. It’s a super easy and effective home remedy that anyone can try if lack of sleep is leaving your eyes looking tired.

Simply moisten the green tea bags and place them under your eyes. Let them sit for a few minutes to relieve dark circles and under-eye bags. For an even more relaxing experience, try slathering on a face mask, like our Smooth Mask, to perk up your skin.

#3: Lay On Some Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K, an antioxidant that can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by strengthening blood vessel walls, making them appear less visible. While they might not get rid of dark circles completely, cucumbers can certainly make them look less noticeable. Alongside this, they’re great at serving as a cold compress to soothe puffy, irritated eyes. This beauty hack has been popular for many years, and it’s easy to see why. It works!

To try this DIY dark circle-reducing hack at home, slice up a fresh cucumber, and refrigerate them for 20 minutes. Place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes two to three times a day to watch your dark circles fade away.

#4: Swipe on Some Concealer

A swipe of concealer is a super speedy way to make your dark circles disappear. That said, you want to choose a formula that’s neither too matte nor too dry, otherwise it could make your dark circles appear more prominent. Opt for an illuminating formula that contains brightening pigments to bring back the light under your eyes. There are numerous concealers to choose from that work perfectly at diminishing dark circles under the eyes.

Simply swipe a small amount under your eyes after cleansing and moisturizing. Re-apply throughout the day if you’re not using a long-lasting formula. If you can, look for a concealer infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and almond oil which hydrate while concealing your blemishes.

#5: Apply a Specialized Eye Cream

Eye creams are typically designed to smooth out creases, reduce puffiness, or brighten the under eye area. Look for an eye cream that specifically targets dark circles so you can get your bright peepers back again!

Vitamin C and vitamin A are two of the best ingredients for reducing hyperpigmentation. Hyaluronic acid is another excellent ingredient for adding volume, hydrating, and plumping out the skin while improving skin tone.

“There is no one-size-fits-all cream when it comes to under-eye circles,“ says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “It is important to treat the under-eyes with the right product to address that specific need.”

Try our Hydrate Bundle, which features a serum and mask that you can double up as an eye serum and eye mask. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to plump, hydrate, and brighten. Both beauty products in the bundle are extremely gentle — even for the most sensitive skin. While it’s targeted towards dry skin, all skin types can benefit!

#6: Have an Early Night

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of dark circles under the eyes. If you’re looking for a quick fix, try having an early night tonight and aim to get at least eight hours of sleep to wake up with revived eyes.

A 2017 study found that people who slept four hours had more visible dark circles than those who slept for eight hours. It’s the easiest — and cheapest — trick in the book, but one that works like a charm at diminishing dark under eye circles.

“Lack of sleep can contribute to darker blood vessels as well as fluid buildup under the eyes resulting in a dark shadow,“ says esthetician Karly O'Keefe.

Dark circles can happen to anyone. Most of the time, they’re caused by lack of sleep, smoking, and genetics. However, anyone can experience dark circles regardless of lifestyle choices and genes. Fortunately, there are some super speedy and easy hacks to diminish dark circles and revive tired eyes. Make the above hacks part of your regular skincare routine to keep your peepers look bright and alert.

Invest in an eye cream that specifically targets your concern, and apply it every day to treat everything from crow’s feet to puffiness to dark under eye circles.