The skin under the eye is very thin, and when blood passes through the veins close to the surface of the skin, this can cast a bluish/blackish shadow to the under eye skin. Any increase in blood flow will cause the areas under the eyes to appear darker.

While heredity can be one factor for development of under eye circles, sun exposure is another. Even though tanning may make your whole body look good, it’s not good for the skin under the eyes. Too much sun can cause excessive pigmentation of the area beneath the eyes, resulting in dark spots.

Allergies are another factor that can lead to dark circles. Any skin or respiratory condition which has you rubbing or wiping your eyes will trigger increased blood flow. More blood flow to the sensitive under-eye area means a greater likelihood of dark circles.

Certain medications can cause dark circles, especially those medications which lead to blood vessel dilation. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menstruation may change the color and texture of the skin, resulting in a greater appearance of under eye circles.

While all these factors can play a role in the development of dark circles under your eyes, the two most common culprits are lack of adequate nutrition and lack of enough sleep.

People with diets low in vitamins C and E (antioxidants), low in lutein, beta carotene, and zinc are likely to have dark circles. You can combat this by adding in more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

People who don’t get enough sleep are also prone to under eye circles. This can be addressed most easily by a better sleep routine. It’s best, too, to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the best results.

Treating under eye circles can take some time, but here are some suggestions for doing so:

* Get proper nutrition.
* Get enough sleep.
* Avoid frequent rubbing or wiping of your eyes.
* Use a cosmetic concealing stick to hide the circles.
* Use an eye cream containing Vitamin K, which has been shown to reduce dark circles.
* Protect your skin from the sun.

Above all, focus on concealing your dark circles and doing whatever it takes to make them disappear. By focusing on concealment and the cure, you’ll be in the right place to put your best eyes forward.

Technorati Tags: Dark Circles, dark eye circles, under eye circles

For puffy eye issues, try using one of your favorite best eye creams or if you don’t have one, try Garnier’s anti-puff eye roll-on. And then try one of those age-old home remedies like caffeinated tea bags to reduce morning on-the-spot puffiness.

For dark circles, try pairing one of your dark circle creams (a good one to try is Reviva Labs Vitamin K Cream – available at the best eye creams store) with a good concealer. For optimal results you’ll need two concealers: one a shade lighter than your foundation to downplay dark, blue-toned under-eye circles and it will make skin appear brighter. The other should match foundation to help cover red blemishes or broken capillaries. Use a thin makeup brush and apply the concealer to the inner- eye corners first (where circles usually are darkest) and spread it lightly outward.

Ones to try:
For Dark circles: Jane Iredale’s Delete Dark Under Eye Concealer

For puffy eyes: Bioelement’s Multi-Task Eye Creme

For Pimples: Tarte’s Eraser Smooth Concealer with anti-inflammatory arnica
For Dark Circles: Aveda Inner Light concealer made with reflective mica

None of these are too expensive – so have fun and mix up those perfect beauty concoctions!

Technorati Tags: best eye creams, Dark Circles, dark eye circles, puffy eye

Dark shadows is a silicone based eye and lip brightening balm with light diffuser technology. Philosophy’s dark shadows illuminating eye and upper lip cream can help reduce the appearance of shadows around the eye and upper lip area.

This product might be perfect for you if you have shadows around your eyes or above your upper lip. Also if you want serious eye care that will instantly reduce the appearance of baggy, puffy eyes.

Apply a small amount of dark shadows to fingertips and massage onto areas around the eye area in the am alone or under another eye cream or moisturizer of your choice.

Offered at a great price, grab Philosophy Dark Shadows for only: $33

Technorati Tags: baggy eyes, bags under eyes, Dark Circles, dark eye circles, Puffy Eyes