Nobody likes them. Under-eye circles make you look older, tired, even unhealthy. “How do I get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?” is the second most common question I am asked (weight loss takes the top honors).

Here is what you should know:

1) For many people this is a genetic problem. If someone in your immediate family has dark under-eye circles and you’ve had them since, well, forever, simply focus on finding the best under-eye concealer for your skin tone. Elizabeth Arden, Neutrogena, and Laura Mercier make great ones. Layer it on top of Smashbox Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener, and don’t forget to dust some light-reflecting powder on top.

2) For most of us the depth of under-eye shade is inversely proportionate to the amount of sleep. If I get less than seven hours, my eyes look atrocious. Turn off that TV and get some zzzz’s. Not an option? See the cover-up instructions above. However, deadlines and sick babies aside, you should focus on getting at least 7-8 hours every night over the long haul, for a multitude of reasons, dark circles being the least important of them.

3) Finally, if you want to reduce the existing under-eye shadows (you already know that the genetic ones won’t budge much, and consequences of sleepless nights cannot be erased with a cream), look for products specializing in just that, not wrinkles, bags, or sagging eyelids. Generic anti-aging moisturizers and “all-over” eye creams are good, but not nearly as effective. You can address other issues with different creams or serums. But at least one of the products you apply to your eye area should specifically target dark circles.

Here are three very effective products you should consider:

a) Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Under-Eye Brightening Cream. One of the most celebrated dermatologists in the nation has created an amazing skin care line that can be found at Bath & Body Works. This cream is a keeper. (She also has one of the best de-puffing gels on the market - if your eyes tend to get puffy, run, don't walk, to get this award-winning product.)

b) Lierac Diopticerne Dark Circles Double-Action Corrector. Lierac is sold at CVS stores as well as beauty.com. They have a separate cream for every imaginable eye area concern: wrinkles, bags, redness, etc. This little tube does not try to do a lot of things at once; all they promise is to lighten the under-eye area. They deliver.

c) Lancome Genifique Eyes. This is a separate product from Lancome Genifique. It specifically targets the eye area, especially the circles. This is my favorite eye serum, bar none – it has amazing texture and makes the eyes look 10 years younger. After using it for a month I barely need concealer.
 

Good luck!