Here’s What Cindy Joseph Had to Say About This

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

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

• Your genes play a part.

  Dark circles and puffiness are more common after 50 as the muscles around our eyes become weaker and fat and fluids collect under our eyes.

  If you have dark circles or puffy eyes, first take a look at your relatives (if you’re able to). If your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or siblings have these traits, you likely inherited them through your familial line.

  If your dark circles are hereditary, we suggest embracing the natural variations in your skin tone.

  "When you stop trying to hide your skin, what people really notice is your glow."—Cindy Joseph

  As Cindy said, “Dark circles don’t have to be considered bad.” Covering dark circles is a current beauty trend—and beauty trends change over time.

  During her 27 years as a makeup artist, Cindy often created dark circles on models for a sexy, sultry look. While some women go to great lengths to create a smokey eye with makeup, yours are a natural feature!

  As Cindy 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.”

  Try taking a week, a day or even just an afternoon off from concealing your dark circles. Give yourself a chance to get used to seeing and accepting them as a part of you.

• The role of self-care.

  On the other hand, if dark circles or puffiness appear only when you’re run down or tired, it’s a good idea to look at your self-care routine or visit your doctor.

  The beauty industry conditions us to simply cover up what we don’t like about our skin without considering why it looks the way it does. Cindy encouraged us to dig a little deeper.

  Cindy’s long-time friend, Pilar Gerasimo recently shared a story about this.

  Pilar was burning the candle at both ends, which caused dark circles under her eyes. She 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 dig a little deeper.

• Finding the root cause.

  In Pilar’s case, her dark circles were caused by lack of sleep. Before you reach for that concealer, we suggest getting to the bottom of why your eyes are dark or puffy.

  Stress, for example: When we’re stressed, we release cortisol, which narrows arteries, causes blood pressure to rise and makes the blood vessels under our eyes more prominent.

  Or, hyperpigmentation from years spent in the sun can cause delicate skin to redden or bruise simply by rubbing the eyes.

  Dehydration doesn’t help either. When we’re dehydrated, the thinner skin under our eyes can sink and darken. Too much salt or alcohol can contribute to puffiness, especially upon waking.

• Managing dark circles after 50.

  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, nutritious food, meditation or other stress-reducing activities.

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

• Loving care for your skin.

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

  While concealer and thick foundation can cover dark pigmentation, they also accentuate your skin’s texture, calling more attention to the area.

  To minimize the appearance of texture, begin with a lightweight liquid moisturizer, like Boom Gold™. This luxurious facial oil made with organic ingredients absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin under your eyes.

  Next, add a moisturizer containing a thick occlusive, like beeswax, to hold moisture in. We suggest Boomsilk™, our all-natural moisturizer made with beeswax, honey and olive oil.

  Finally, make sure your foundation or concealer is the same shade as your skin, then use your finger to dab it under your eyes.

  Lightweight, water-based products can brighten dark areas while adding moisture that helps prevent your skin from looking too dry or flakey as your makeup settles.

• Confidence = beauty.

  Whether or not you’re ready to embrace dark circles 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.”

  Cindy created an entire line of cosmetics and skin care to celebrate who you are at every age. Rather than covering up so-called “flaws,” Boom products reveal your natural beauty (and confidence!) after 50. Check out these unique products below.