How To Get Rid of Dark Circles

High-performance eye creams, illuminating concealers, and smart lifestyle shifts – this is your complete guide to banishing dark circles and restoring a fresh, wide-awake look

Content editor

Nabeela Saghir

Image of six eye creams in mint green and beige tubes

The best eye creams and treatments for dark circles

Late nights, early starts, endless screens – your under-eyes show it first. The best eye creams for dark circles don’t just hydrate, they illuminate, smooth, and awaken tired skin with targeted precision. From buttery creams to high-performance serums, these glow-getting essentials work hard to restore that wide-awake, fresh-faced look.

Eye creams deliver rich moisture and soothing ingredients to plump and soften, whilst the best eye serums for dark circles pack a powerful punch – think caffeine, vitamin C, and brightening ingredients to tackle stubborn shadows and signs of fatigue.

Looking for the best treatments for dark circles? Clinique’s Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream is a great choice – infused with peptide technology and hydrating ingredients, it brightens the under eye with a weightless, silky finish for skin that feels as luxurious as it looks.

Still searching? Discover your new under-eye hero in our full edit of the best eye creams.

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How to choose and apply the best concealer for dark circles

The best concealers for dark circles do more than disguise – they brighten, lift, and revive in just a few strategic swipes.

Start with a shade one or two tones lighter than your skin, our top pick is Benefit’s Industrial Strength Concealer. Available in six shades, it offers serious coverage with a natural finish that holds its own from early morning to after hours.

For extra impact, layer Pixi’s Correction Concentrate underneath – a brightening essential that neutralises dark shadows in seconds.

Your glow-up, step by step:

Prep with eye cream.
Tap corrector on the deepest shadows.
Apply concealer in a soft triangle under the eyes.
Blend gently with a damp sponge – no rubbing, just delicate tapping.
Set lightly with translucent powder to keep creases at bay.

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Best eye patches and masks for dark circles

When cream alone won’t cut it, elevate your routine with eye patches and masks. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, the best eye masks for dark circles reduce inflammation and boost circulation. The result? Smoother, more luminous under eyes that look like you’ve had a full eight hours.

Pixi’s FortifEYE Hydrogel Patches are a beauty cabinet essential: these luxurious, skin-hugging patches lift, smooth, and drench delicate skin with moisture.

Pressed for time? The best eye patches for dark circles are your secret weapon. Simply peel, press, and let them transform tired eyes while you sip your morning coffee or unwind before bed.

Pro tip: Pop them in the fridge for an extra-cooling effect.

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Lifestyle tips to reduce dark circles

While your skincare does the heavy lifting on the surface, real transformation starts with your daily habits. Late nights, salty snacks, and too much screen time all leave their mark where it’s most visible: your under eyes.

When it comes to how to reduce dark circles, sleep is key. Clocking seven to nine hours gives your body the chance to recharge and visibly refresh your eyes.

Next, look to your plate. A diet rich in antioxidants – think leafy greens, colourful berries, and healthy fats – supports brightness from within. Stick to low-salt snacks to keep puffiness in check, and don’t forget to hydrate, too (yes, water absolutely counts as skincare).

Finally, the non-negotiable: daily SPF. The delicate eye area is especially prone to sun damage and pigmentation, so a lightweight sunscreen or an SPF-infused eye cream is essential to protect and preserve your glow.

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Published 8.13.2025