In short, an eye cream is NOT necessary for your skincare routine, but it can be a great asset. Now the question is, how do you determine if you need an eye cream and which one to use? Let me break it down for you. Watch the video for more!
Reasons you have dark circles:
- Genetic predisposition: Some skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation underneath the eyes, which comes from a darkening of the skin, rather than from blood vessels underneath.
- Hallows and facial structure: Some people naturally have hallows under their eyes (like me!) which can accentuate dark circles.
- Diet and lifestyle: Salt, alcohol, and histamine inducing foods can cause swelling and water retention around the eyes, which darkens the area.
- Allergies: Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes can be a result of seasonal or environmental allergies (like dust, mold etc.), which are affectionately called "allergic shiners".
- Aging: Fat pads around the eyes shrink and drop, causing more shadows to appear. Skin also thins, making blood vessels more prominent, accentuating the dark colour under the eyes.
The best way to get rid of dark circles:
You need to sleep, or banish allergies, change your diet, or recognize that dark circles may also be a genetic disposition (that can get worse with UV exposure and sun)!
The second best way to get rid of dark circles:
Use a really good concealer! I know this is not the answer you were hoping for, but if you want a really good solution, a colour correcting concealer can be your best friend!
Use a peach or orange concealer to offset blue/purple/reds tones like Fitglow Correct+ Peach, Deep Peach, or Red (depending on your skin tone). You can also follow up with an Illuminator to brighten and look awake like Fitglow Correct + Eye Bright.
I love these concealers because they also have caffeine (to help de-puff), plus skin nourishing ingredients.
Pro tip: Finish off by applying your concealer with a light translucent powder to prevent creasing.
The third best way to help with dark circles:
Eye creams, facial tools and other products (like eye masks) can help with dark circles a bit, but are more effective at reducing puffiness and hydrating the eye area, which can give an overall 'brighter' appearance.
- Eye creams
- Eye Masks
- Jade Roller
- Facial Dry Brush
- Caffeine - cold tea bags can do the trick or an eye cream formulated with caffeine
Try an Eye Mask
What's an eye mask, you say?
These fun easy to use eye masks keep moisture in and hold product on the skin for longer, allowing for maximum effectiveness. They can be made out of reusable silicone, designed to be used with a cream, or single use masks, soaked in serum.
They're also great for:
- Puffiness: pop them in the fridge or freezer for a cooling sensation
- Makeup application: wear them while you get ready to prevent eyeshadow fallout
- Cat eyes: place directly under corner of eye to use as an eye liner stencil for the perfect cat eye.
- Scaring your children: my youngest son is terrified every time I wear the Consonant Reusable Silicone Eye Masks (pictured below).
When you do use an eye cream, make sure you're applying it correctly:
- Use a pea-sized amount per eye
- Apply using your ring finger
- Always apply in the direction of your eyebrow hair growth
- Apply all around eyes (unless it contains retinol), under and on brow bone, but avoid eyelid
- You can apply AM & PM - but if your eyes are puffy and swollen in the morning, it could be your eye cream getting in tear ducts. In this case only apply in the AM.
