Say Goodbye to under-eye circles and puffiness

For years I have struggled with dark circles under my eyes. In my case specifically, it’s partly genetic and partly lack of sleep. However when I don’t sleep enough, and that tends to be most of the time, things get pretty ugly. My under-eye circles get a very dark bluish purple color and it literally looks like someone decked me in the face the night before. This is even more pronounced when I wake up with puffy eyes. Dark circles you can make slightly better with concealer and foundation but puffiness, not so much.

In order for my eyes to look perfect, without circles and puffiness I need to drink a lot of water, sleep for 8 hours, and sleep starting the earlier hours of the night (got to bed at 10pm or 11 pm). That is not an equation that comes together very often for me. In Bulgaria (and probably not just in Bulgaria), there is a saying that the hours for beauty sleep are from 9pm-12pm. For many of us with the type of lifestyles we live nowadays that is practically impossible. So since that has not really been an option for me I have tried to find a work around. How do you look rested an refreshed without the early night sleep?

Over the years I have tried creams, lotions, serums, the spoon in the fridge trick etc., etc. None of it really works that well and most of it is a hassle. I have also always looked for a simple solution that is pretty hassle-free. I would try to find one for a-while than give up. Then again and again, never really being fully satisfied. So Around the time that I became very immersed in the essential oils I decided to do some research and figure out what topical oil I could use to solve my issue.

This is what found! Apart from the hereditary cause which is inescapable there are various environmental factors that can cause dark circles.

Possible Causes for Circles:

1. Allergies
2. Sun exposure
3. Iron deficiency
4. Vitamin, E, K deficiency
5. Lack of sleep
6. Poor blood circulation

There can also be other health conditions that can affect this such as thyroid issues, kidney issues and others. For those you really should consult your doctor. The body can be very telling, sometimes things like under-eye circles can be a sign of something else going on.

Solution:

In my case the main factors are genes, not enough vitamin K and frankly lack of sleep. The vitamin-K part doesn’t seem to be substantial enough to pop out on a blood test but I also bruise very easily which gives it away.

This is my secret weapon: Witch Hazel Toner and Sweet Almond Oil 

Witch Hazel has great anti-inflammatory benefits which makes it great for relieving puffiness. Sweet Almond Oil  is high in vitamin K which helps lighten dark circles by helping stimulate proper blood circulation.

What I do:

Every night before I go to bed I put some witch hazel on a cotton puff and and dab it under my eyes for awhile. I let that that absorb and then put some sweet almond oil on my finger and lightly massage it in.

In the morning I wash my face and do everything as normal and then apply witch hazel on a cotton round again and bam! All good to go! The dark circle begone treatment is magic. Now, don’t get me wrong I still use a bit of concealer but I have never had such great results from anything else. Its also all natural as well.

The Products:

Thayers Witch Hazel $9.29

This is my favorite brand of Witch Hazel, its all natural and come sin different varieties, some with rose petal, aloe vera, lavender, and a few others. Other brands have alcohol in them which is drying.

Sweet-Almond Oil $5.71

For the almond oil, as long as it’s all natural it really doesn’t matter which one you get so I will provide you with a few links for this one. It lasts forever so you only need a little bit. Now is a brand I like. Another one is again Edens Garden $8.95 oil which also comes in 4 oz. Currently I am using almond oil from a brand called Ikarov $6.15, which I bought when I was in Bulgaria, its slightly less in quantity, roughly about 2 oz (55ml). I love it! They have a whole line of oils which are sold in pharmacies in Bulgaria or on eBay.

Comment on this article and let me know if this works for you. Keep in mind it may take a few nights of use before you see results. Both products work best together.

My favorite concealer is the Nars Soft Matte concealer in custard. You can read more about it in my previous article here. I am still looking for a drugstore alternative but I haven’t found one yet.

**Disclaimer: Now for the fun legal part. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above.  These are my personal thoughts. Some affiliate links and ads may appear on my site, and if you purchase something through those I will be paid.