Beauty Basics: Dark Circles

- Following on from my Beauty Basics blogs on Puffy Eyes and Eye Bags here is my blog tackling dark circles.

In this blog, I'm offering simple lifestyle changes, quick fixes, and product suggestions to tackle your dark circles and get lighter, brighter eyes.

The Cause
Nasal congestion widens surrounding veins; related inflammation may lead to dark pigment deposits. Stress and poor diet can weaken blood vessels, which may break, creating a bruise-like undertone. Fatigue strains eyelid muscles, engorging blood vessels, and can produce a wan complexion, making circles appear darker by contrast. For some, dark circles are genetic.

Essential Steps 
Eat foods rich in vitamin K,  because it helps fortify blood-vessel walls. And use a daily topical treatment with vitamin K. Also aim for more downtime and sleep.

Quick Fix 
Only cosmetics deliver instant results. so I would urge you to look for a concealer that's close to your natural complexion.  We've been led to believe that we should choose lighter tones, but this will actually make circles look gray.  Or you could use a colour corrector underneath your concealer - depending on your skin tone choose a shade of peach to papaya (the lighter your natural colour the lighter the 'orange' shade you should choose).  Alternatively you could try "plumping up" thin skin with a fast-absorbing oil like jojoba.

Ingredients to Look For
- Vitamin K or green tea (which contains vitamin K) to fortify blood vessels; vitamin A, which bolsters vitamin K activity
- Vitamin C or vitamin C-rich carrot, grape-seed, or rose-hip extracts to help strengthen and repair tissue
- Kojic acid to inhibit melanin production

Try
- Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift by Ren - £30
- Anti-Puff Eye Cream by Clark's Botanicals - £70
- Eye Arise by LimeLife By Alcone - £70

I'd love to know what your tips, tricks and products of choice for tackling those unsightly dark circles ?

Emma x