You Asked Our Beauty Editor What Actually Gets Rid Of Dark Circles, Here’s Her Answer
Ah, dark circles. The beauty concern that unites businesswomen, new mums, and party girls alike. I get asked about them constantly, and the honest answer? There isn’t one single miracle fix. But there is a smart strategy. First, a reality check: most dark circles are genetic. Some are pigment, some are thin skin showing veins, some are structural hollows casting shadows. Which means no eye cream in the world is going to erase them overnight, despite what TikTok says. Here’s what I genuinely rate…
The question
Desperate to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes. What truthfully and actually works?
Our Beauty Editor’s answer
Let’s manage expectations. Skincare improves; it rarely eliminates. If your circles are pigment-based (brownish), vitamin C and gentle retinol can help over time. I’m talking months, not weeks. Consistency is everything. If they’re more blue/purple and shadowy, I look for caffeine (tightens and slightly constricts blood vessels, good for mornings after late nights) or peptides + hyaluronic acid (to subtly plump thin skin so concealer doesn’t crease).
But here’s the key: don’t expect drama. Expect refinement. Brighter, smoother, and less tired will be the achievable look, not an Insta-filter blur in real life. And I always encourage family and friends to store their eye patches in the fridge. Cold helps more than half the ingredients do.
I always encourage family and friends to store their eye patches in the fridge. Cold helps more than half the ingredients do
Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
My top 5 dark-circle helpers
As a rule of thumb, if makeup disappears into a groove under your eye, that’s usually structure
2 treatments editors swear by
If you’ve tried every eye cream recommendation and still nothing shifts, it may be structural and topical skincare only gets you so far; these in-clinic options genuinely make visible change.
1. Filler: Administered by someone excellent, can be transformative if hollowness is the culprit. It softens the shadow rather than filling your under-eyes, which is where people go wrong.
2. Laser: For pigmentation, certain lasers can help. But this is absolutely a dermatologist conversation, not an impromptu decision.
But how do you decide? As a rule of thumb, if makeup disappears into a groove under your eye, that’s usually structure. If it looks grey no matter what you apply, that’s often pigment. So, treat accordingly.
As a rule of thumb, if makeup disappears into a groove under your eye, that’s usually structure. If it looks grey no matter what you apply, that’s often pigment. So, treat accordingly.
Makeup for the immediate fix
If I had to pick one category that truly makes a visible difference instantly, it’s makeup. Here’s what you need to know…
Step one: Stop slathering on thick concealer. That’s how you get creasing and that slightly tragic, cakey finish by 3pm. Instead, hydrate first using a light eye cream and let it sink in.
Step two: Colour correct strategically. Peach for blue/purple. A touch only, not a full under-eye mask!
Step three: Then conceal lightly, tapping, never dragging the product exactly where the darkness is, usually the inner corner.
Step four: Set minimally. If you’re over 30, powder is not your friend, go gently.
If I had to pick one category that truly makes a visible difference instantly, it’s makeup.
Editor-recommended concealers
Top tips for a quick pro application
- Use a peach/orange corrector first to neutralise blue/purple tones, then dot concealer on top. This two-step mix is what all the pros swear by for stubborn darkness.
- And always remember to tap gently, never drag, so concealer doesn’t crease into fine lines.
Always remember to tap gently, never drag, so concealer doesn’t crease into fine lines
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
