I never actually understood the meaning of “tired” until I had a newborn baby. Those first few months can be so brutal for new moms, but our super powers take over and our bodies push through all the sleepless nights. Sadly, the lack of rest can take a toll on our eyes. Even if you’re not a new mom, you may have issues with dark circles or bags and that’s because the skin around your eyes is 10 times thinner than the rest of your face. It also ages 36% faster. Argh! So I did a little research to see what causes these annoying problems and how to solve them.
First and Foremost: drinking plenty of water and getting sleep are two of the most important steps. Obviously sleep isn’t always our priority, but you can always hydrate. Add a little extra to the face with a favorite from France’s cult line, Caudalie’s Grape Water, before bed. It will provide +127 percent hydration and -61 percent skin sensitivity upon use.
Puffy Eyes: That damn water retention! The swelling causes so many problems for women. Puffy eyes being one of them. When we’re tired, tissues swell and fluids pool around your eyes even more.
How to Fix Them : Applying anything cold like (black) tea bags, cucumbers, or a cooling applicator shrink blood vessels, but for an extra punch, try a product with caffeine in it. Caffeine helps tighten the skin and take away puffiness. According to Allure, Estée Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator uses NASA-inspired technology to keep its ceramic tip permanently chilled.
Dark Circles: Dark circles can be attributed to many things like genetics, allergies, but a huge part of it is because we are losing volume under the skin around the eye. Because there is less tissue, the broken capillaries and blood vessels due to (sleepless nights and age) are more visible.
How to Fix Them: Class, meet your new best friend- retinals. They derive from Vitamin A and help fade pigment and increase collagen production that will plump up the skin around the eye. Look for skin brightening treatments like Dr. Brandt Revitalizing Retinol Eye Cream. Beauty editors swear it erases circles in hours. If it’s too irritating, try Retinol’s Sensitive Eye Cream. It releases retinol slowly throughout the day.
Lastly, Conceal: For instant relief, conceal! I have a friend who thanks her flawless skin to Amazing Cosmetics’ concealer. I’m serious, her face is so perfect, I had to raid her makeup bag for her secrets. Beauty experts also suggest trying a creamy solid version like Benefit’s Fakeup Undereye Concealer as they stay on longer. I usually use my finger to pat concealer on but brushes like this Dior one really help blend in evenly.
*Beauty tip: Apply concealer where your skin is darkest and blend out. Also try applying in thin layers.
I love these tips! Although I need to start with #1 – I am the WORST about drinking water. Does iced tea count ;)