How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Few beauty conundrums are as tough to solve as how to get rid of dark circles. Not to be confused with puffiness (aka bags under your eyes), which can usually be addressed rather quickly, dark circles are often genetic, which makes them difficult to cover up. But with the right skincare, along with our best concealer for dark circles, looking like you got eight hours of sleep is not only within reach, it’s easier than ever.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Things like fatigue or allergies can exacerbate dark circles. But like most skincare concerns, genetics also play a key role. “Dark circles under the eyes are caused by a number of anatomical and age-related changes,” says Toronto-based dermatologist Geeta Yadav, M.D. “The first is the hollowing under the eyes that occurs because of the downwards movement of the fat in this area. This hollowing can worsen the shadowing under your eyes, making [that area of] skin look darker.”

Plus, as Dr. Yadav mentions, “The skin under the eyes is also quite thin and some of the ‘darkness’ people see under there is really the network of blood vessels under [the skin], and the appearance of the orbicularis oculi muscle, AKA the round muscle that surrounds the eyes.” What’s more, our skin tends to get even thinner over time, meaning dark circles can become a bigger concern as we age.

How Do You Treat Dark Circles?

The good news is that several skincare ingredients can help address the look of dark circles. “Retinoids or vitamin A derivatives can decrease the appearance of dark circles by promoting collagen synthesis,” explains Dr. Yadav. However, she adds that “Retinoids can be irritating, so this area of the face may not tolerate that ingredient as well.” If you notice dryness or redness after using a retinoid- or retinol-based product around the eye area, stop using it immediately and consult your dermatologist.

In addition to retinoids, there are several brightening ingredients to consider. “If the dark circles are a result of pigmentation, seek ingredients with radiance-boosting effects,” recommends Dr. Yadav. “Products containing vitamin C, polyphenols, hydroquinone, and kojic acid are the best for this particular treatment.” Of course, before committing to a product, speak to your dermatologist first to be sure it’s right for your skin.

Oh, and one more thing to consider: Because dark circles often come with puffiness, you can find products that address both at the same time. “You’ll want to reach for eye creams with caffeine or vitamin K, which can help constrict the blood vessels and improve the appearance of darkness,” Dr. Yadav explains. Two birds. One stone.

Product shot of Milk Makeup Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten with a smear of the product behind it on a white background

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I Need Something Fast—How Do You Quickly Cover Up Dark Circles?

Skincare products are helpful, but if you need a remedy for the appearance of dark circles now-now, makeup can do wonders—especially the right concealer. Try combining both strategies, as Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sarah Wren does, to get the most out of ‘em. “I like to prep my eyes with our Cooling Water Stick. It has hydrating ingredients and caffeine to help with the appearance of dark circles,” says Wren.

Then, she likes to layer on our best under eye concealers. “I love to go in with Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten,” says Wren. “The formula is super hydrating (which is great to smooth the appearance of skin texture) and brightening with vitamin C and light-reflecting brightening powders built in. Pump once and roll under the eyes to fake eight hours of sleep.”

Extra rough morning? Not to worry. “If you need even more [help], you can layer a medium-to-full coverage hydrating, crease-proof concealer on top like our Future Fluid All Over Concealer,” says Wren. She adds that both Sunshine Under Eye and Future Fluid “are chock-full of ‘good-for-your-skin’ ingredients.” In addition to vitamin C, Sunshine Under Eye has plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, as well as caffeine to reduce the look puffiness and make your under eyes appear more refreshed. Future Fluid features our AI Plant Complex, a blend of soothing, hydrating ingredients that are designed to support your skin barrier, too.

Not sure what shade of concealer to use? Wren recommends going to your local Sephora to get shade-matched. For under eyes, it’s best to grab a hue that's lighter than what you use for the rest of your face, but has the same undertone. “I go for Future Fluid in shade 8C all over (blemishes, dark spots, etc.), then I go two shades lighter for my under eyes with 6C,” says Wren. “This way the undertone blends seamlessly together but I have a brighter under eye.”

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What About Under Eye Filler?

For more pronounced dark circles—or if you’re looking for a longer-term fix—under eye filler is another solution. “Under eye fillers are made from hyaluronic acid-based gels (popular brands include Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero) and help treat dark circles by adding volume to deep tear troughs, the hollows under the eyes,” says Dr. Yadav. “The filler fills in those sunken, hollow areas, resulting in a fuller, more youthful appearance.”

According to Dr. Yadav, fillers typically last about six to eight months. They start at around $650, but can cost well above $1,000, depending on your injector, the amount of filler used, and where you live.

And there you have it: The short (and long) of dealing with dark circles. Whichever method you choose should put you on the path to brighter-looking under eyes.

Meet the Expert

Geeta Yadav, M.D. (she/her) is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto. She holds a master’s degree in International Health from Johns Hopkins University and completed her dermatology training at the University of Toronto, where she now teaches.