6 Affordable Ways to Reduce The Appearance of Dark Circles

Dark circles can make even the most energetic person appear tired, drained, or even under the weather. Instead of simply packing on the concealer each morning, try these six affordable—dare we say, cheap—tricks to help reduce the appearance of dark circles once and for all.

While the obvious trick to improve the look of dark circles is to get a good night’s sleep, how you sleep is actually key. Instead of sleeping on your side, try sleeping flat on your back—bonus points if you prop up your head on a couple pillows. This can help to keep fluid from pooling under your eyes, which can cause puffiness and bring attention to those dark circles.

Excessive—unprotected—sun exposure can lead to increased melanin production and the appearance of even darker under-eye circles. Be sure to incorporate broad-spectrum SPF into your skin care routine, particularly around the eyes and go the extra mile by wearing sunglasses with UV filters to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Eyes tend to grow extra puffy and dark after they’ve been rubbed, which is why dark circles tend to be more pronounced after a good cry and during allergy season. Do your best to keep those mitts away from your eyes—and, while you’re at it, don't touch your face with your hands…ever. Hands are typically covered in germs and breakout-causing impurities that have no business on your face!

There’s a reason every movie montage of pampering and beautifying includes a clip of cucumbers over the eyes. Cold compresses—with items like cut cucumbers and caffeinated tea bags—can help to temporarily improve the look of the under-eye area.

We know you’ve heard it a million times, but staying hydrated really is a key to better-looking skin. Dehydration can lead to a dull skin tone and more visible dark circles. Make sure you stay hydrated—try infusing your water with fruit and herbs to make it tastier!

Sure there are a lot of expensive eye creams out there promising to reduce those dark circles in a snap, but you don’t always have to shell out the Benjamins to make a visible difference. We round up our picks for the best affordable eye creams—all less than $30—here!

Want to learn more about those pesky under-eye shadows? Find out what may be causing your dark circles here!