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

This was a question Cindy Joseph, Boom’s founder, discussed often. It’s one that keeps coming up, especially as beauty trends change and more women become convinced that they need to “cover up” dark circles. 

In this guide, we share Cindy’s advice for understanding where dark circles and puffy eyes come from and how to manage them.

Your genes play a part.

As a makeup artist in the 80s, Cindy often created dark circles on models for a sexy and sultry look. So, while some women go to great lengths to create a smokey eye with makeup, yours are a natural feature.

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

Cindy encouraged us to find beauty in our natural look. She said, “The old adage, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’—that still holds true. But the beholder is you. It’s up to you to look in the mirror and find your beauty.”

Pilar Gerasimo recently shared a story about this.

Pilar was burning the candle at both ends, which caused dark circles under her eyes. She tried to use foundation and concealer to cover up the circles. 

Pilar says, “I could cover up the dark circles, but the truth was, the products, the way I was using them, all just drew more attention to the fact that I had, as Cindy said it, ‘a bunch of goop under my eyes,’ and that that was really not producing the effect I was after.”

Instead, Cindy encouraged Pilar to deal with the root issue. 

In Pilar’s case, her dark circles were caused by a lack of sleep. But there are many other potential causes.

Managing dark circles and puffy eyes 

So much about good skin care comes from the inside out. 

If you can’t be sure that your dark circles or puffy eyes are hereditary, check in on your self-care routines.

Make sure you’re drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise, a good diet and meditation or other stress-reducing activities.

Still want to conceal your dark circles? It does become more difficult after 50.

Lightweight, water-based foundations can brighten dark areas and add moisture under your eyes. That helps prevent your skin from looking too dry or flakey as your makeup settles. 

To reduce the appearance of puffiness, try facial massage. It can help move fluid away from the area under your eyes. Or chill wet, antioxidant-rich green tea bags in the fridge, then press them firmly to your eyes. The cold will reduce swelling while the gentle pressure helps move fluid away from your eyes.

Whether or not you’re ready to embrace your dark circles or puffy eyes fully, Cindy taught us that confidence and joy are our most important “beauty tools.” 

Cindy said, “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.”

 

Confidence in your inner and outer beauty helps others focus on you, not your perceived “flaws”—or your makeup. 

What do you think about this? Have you embraced dark circles or puffy eyes? Tell us about it below.