What To Do About Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

At BOOM!, we’re often asked how to care for dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

This was a question our founder, Cindy Joseph, answered often—and always from a perspective rooted in acceptance, not correction. As beauty trends evolve, it’s easy to feel pressure to “cover up” what’s natural. But as Cindy taught us, you don’t need to fix anything about yourself. Your skin tells a story—and it’s beautiful as it is.

In this guide, we revisit Cindy’s advice on understanding the causes of dark circles and puffiness and share gentle, nourishing ways to support this delicate area if you choose to.

Your Genes Play a Part.

Dark circles and puffiness may be inherited, or they might appear due to lifestyle, stress, or hormonal shifts.

Puffiness becomes more common with age, especially after 50, when the muscles supporting our eyes naturally weaken, allowing fluid to settle beneath the skin. If you can, look to your family—if parents, grandparents, or siblings share these traits, they may simply be part of your inherited features.

As Cindy often reminded us:

“Dark circles don’t have to be considered bad.”

In fact, as a makeup artist in the '80s, Cindy sometimes added shadow under the eyes on purpose—for a sultry, lived-in-look. What some try to create with makeup, you may already have naturally.

“I’ve learned to love the variations in my skin tone—because when you stop trying tohide your skin, what people really notice is your glow.” — Cindy Joseph

If you usually reach for concealer, try taking a day—or even just a few hours—to go without it. Let your eyes be seen as they are. You might be surprised how radiant you look when you're not trying to hide.

A Fresh Approach: Nourish, Don’t Conceal.

If you’re seeking a little boost, our Brightening Under Eye Cream is a great way to nourish and support the skin around your eyes—rather than cover it up.

This lightweight, luxurious cream features:

● Botanical-based Vitamin C to visibly brighten

● Licorice Root Extract to even skin tone

● Wild Mint and Green Tea to soothe and reduce puffiness

● Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, calm, and plump

We also added light-diffusing mica—not to mask, but to reflect light naturally, adding a subtle, healthy glow. The cooling ceramic tip and refreshing texture make it feel like a mini spa moment every time you apply it.

“This eye cream makes my under-eyes look brighter and less puffy, and it feels so refreshing!” – Karen W.

The Role of Self-Care

Of course, if puffiness or dark circles appear suddenly—or worsen when you’re tired or overwhelmed—they might be a sign to slow down and take care of yourself.

Cindy always encouraged us to look beneath the surface. As our friend and Boom contributor Pilar Gerasimo once shared, she tried concealing her dark circles with makeup after a long period of overwork—but the more she applied, the more they stood out.

What helped most? Rest. Hydration. Nourishing skincare.

Stress, poor sleep, dehydration, excess salt or alcohol, even sun exposure can all affect the appearance of our under-eyes. So before you reach for full coverage, try tuning in: what might your body be telling you?

Good skincare starts from the inside out—but the right products and tools can help your skin feel even more cared for.

Morning and Evening Ritual:

1. Cleanse gently with Boom Clean or Rosehip Cleansing Oil.

2. Apply Brightening Under Eye Cream using the ceramic applicator for a cooling boost.

3. Press in Boom Nectar, our ultra-nourishing serum with Camu Camu, Chaga Mushroom, Sea Buckthorn, and Rosehip Oil to hydrate, brighten, and protect.

4. If desired, seal in moisture with Boomsilk, made with five ingredients including beeswax, honey, and olive oil.

5. Finish your morning with Boom Sun SPF.

“Boom Nectar is a game-changer. My skin looks plumper and feels incredibly soft.” – Mary P.

Support Circulation With Facial Tools.

For a gentle, hands-on ritual, Boom’s facial tools offer a soothing way to care for your skin and help minimize puffiness:

● Jade Facial Roller: Naturally cool and calming, it encourages lymphatic drainage and boosts circulation. Roll gently under the eyes from the inner corner outward.

● Jade Gua Sha Tool: Perfect for deeper massage along the orbital bone to promote circulation and reduce the appearance of fluid retention.

● Facial Cupping Set: These soft silicone cups help lift and invigorate the skin, while enhancing the effects of your serum or moisturizer.

Store your tools in the fridge for an extra-refreshing experience.

Still Want To Use Makeup? Try This.

If you choose to wear concealer, you can still prioritize hydration and softness to minimize texture.

Start with a layer of Boom Nectar or Boom Gold, then apply a dab of Brightening Under Eye Cream for light reflection and hydration. Follow with Boomsilk to lock in moisture and create a smooth base.

Avoid heavy foundations—especially those that dry down or settle into fine lines. Instead, opt for a lightweight, water-based formula that matches your skin tone and tap it in gently with your ring finger.

boom silk, our all-natural moisturizer made with beeswax, honey and olive oil

Still want to use makeup? Try this.

Whether you embrace your under-eye circles completely or choose to nourish them with skincare and massage, your beauty shines through when you're rooted in self-acceptance.

Cindy said it best:

“If you look in the mirror and you think, ‘You go, girl. You look awesome,’ you’re going to walk out the door and you are going to look attractive. Because you’re happy and you’re celebrating yourself.”

Let your eyes reflect all the vitality, joy, and depth you carry. And remember: your features don’t need to be changed. They just need to be seen with love.

Tell us—what’s your take?

Have you embraced your dark circles or found new ways to care for puffy eyes? Do you have a favorite ritual or Boom product that helps you feel refreshed and confident?

We’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments below.