6 tips on how to reduce dark eye circles

So, you had one too many drinks last night (or for a couple of nights)? If this is you then I'm sorry to say that your hangover could soon be the least of your concerns.

Unlike your liver that can take care of itself, your eyes, more specifically the delicate skin under your eyes, will tell a different story.

Dark eye circles and fine lines will remain behind long after the memory of a good night out, and they will never seem to budge despite all your best efforts.

Despite all the research and various studies, there seems to be no clear explanation for why dark circles are so difficult to remedy. Sure, age and lack of sleep have been said to be a factor, but not everyone gets eye rings from the lack of shut-eye. So I've gathered together some tried and tested methods of soothing those fine lines and dark rings away.

HOME REMEDIES

It is no secret that I'm a fan of home remedies. They are cheap and they usually work. Of all the remedies I'm sharing today, the DIY home fixes will also usually give you the best results if you're pressed for time.

Tea Bags

High in caffeine, these tea darlings will give your eyes an immediate whitening effect. Caffeine helps to reduce the appearance of blood vessels in your eyes, which is said to be one of the reasons for dark eye circles. As a rule of thumb, choose a tea with a high amount of caffeine. My favourite is good old Liptons, as black tea contains a higher amount of tannin than green or white tea.

Instructions

1. Grab two tea bags and dump them in a bowl

2. Fill a small bowl with warm water (just enough to cover the tea bags)

3. Leave it in the fridge (or freezer, if you're pressed for time)

4. Remove tea bags and place on eyes for 5 to 10 minutes

Tip: Be sure to keep your eyes relaxed and have a tissue handy, in case the tea drips along the corners of your face. It is also easier to do this eye mask lying down.

Spoons

A really quick de-puffer for swollen eyes, a cold metal spoon will do wonders in hiding last night's cry, or this morning's water retention. Simply place two spoons (Tablespoons or larger) in the freezer for 10 minutes, and then place on your eyes for five minutes later. I like to press the spoons and get frozen for a bit, but trust me, it's a good thing. The cooling effect will relax your eyes and depuff those bags for a while.

EYE CREAMS FOR EVERY BUDGET

I have chosen some eye creams that will help you out when nothing else really works. From creams that double up as anti-ageing agents to oxygen-infusing selections, these are my eye creams for every budget.

The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Gel, $19.90

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I fondly remember my first encounter with this gel. It was sitting atop my aunt's bathroom counter, and as a secondary school kid, I was fascinated with the transparent texture. Without any hesitation (or permission I must add) I began dabbing it under my puffy eyes. The use of elderflower and witch hazel extracts claim to relieve fine lines and puffiness. What I love about the gel is its immediate cooling effect. It instantly hydrates your tired eyes, so you feel refreshed and energised right after.

Yves Rocher White Botanical Exceptional Youth Eye Contour, $42

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Top-selling French brand Yves Rocher is back in Singapore. Famed for its accessible products and botanical ingredients, Yves Rocher prides itself in owning the entire production process of its skin care line. From the organic fields that they harvest from, to the concoction of its formula, the company is in charge. With total control over its organic plant extracts, you can expect the Exceptional Youth Eye Contour to give your tired eyes a quality botanical treatment. The whitening and anti-ageing eye cream hopes to lighten panda eyes and improve your eye contour. With no added fragrances or parabens, this cream is great for extra sensitive eyes.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm, $92

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Algenist is a newcomer to Sephora Singapore, but is a firm favourite amongst anti-ageing fanatics in the United States. The brand is actually an accidental discovery. As the company was looking to develop renewable energy from algae, it stumbled across alguronic acid - an algae extract that supposedly speeds up skin cell renewal by 55 per cent. With this in mind, Algenist's Complete Eye Renewal Balm works to boost the regeneration powers of your sensitive skin. The balm has a firm texture that glides on effortlessly, and the company claims this balm will repair all signs of ageing - fine lines, fatigue, puffiness, and dark eye circles!

Sloane Inc. Oxygen Eye Serum, $97

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Yes, you read it right. Sloane Inc's famous eye cream is oxygen for the eyes, apparently. Oxygen-based skin care regimens are said to have brightening effects on the skin. Sloane Inc's serum is supposed to work by increasing the oxygen supply to your skin, thereby giving your eyes an instant refreshment. Pumped up with a cocktail of oxygenating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and soy peptide, the serum promises to erase those eye rings like they were never there in the first place.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm, $92, is available from July at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.sephora-sea.com and follow Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Sloane Inc. Oxygen Eye Serum, $97, is available from The Sloane Clinics, and online at www.sloaneshop.com. For more information, visit www.sloaneclinic.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Gel, $19.90, is available at all The Body Shop stores. For more information, visit www.thebodyshop.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Yves Rocher White Botanical Exceptional Youth Eye Contour, $42, is available at Yves Rocher stores in West Gate and Ngee Ann City. For more information, visit www.yves-rocher.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

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