HOW TO REMOVE DARK UNDEREYE CIRCLES: CAUSES, NATURAL FIXES & THE SECRET TO INSTANT BRIGHTENING
Dark undereye circles are one of the most stubborn and frustrating beauty concerns. They can make you look tired even when you're well-rested and can be difficult to cover up with makeup alone. While they’re incredibly common, understanding the underlying causes is the first step in choosing the most effective treatment—whether natural, cosmetic, or instant.
Let’s break down the most common causes of dark circles and what you can do about each one.
1. Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep is one of the most common and easily recognizable causes of dark circles. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that increases blood flow and dilates blood vessels. Since the skin under the eyes is especially thin and delicate, these enlarged vessels show through more prominently, giving the area a bluish or purple tint.
Additionally, insufficient sleep can cause fluid to pool under the eyes, creating shadows and worsening discoloration. Over time, chronic lack of sleep can also make the skin appear dull, further exaggerating the contrast between your under-eye area and the rest of your face.
Natural Fix:
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and using blackout curtains can help. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid buildup and improve circulation to the undereye area.
2. Dehydration
When your body lacks sufficient hydration, your skin begins to lose volume and elasticity—especially in thinner areas like the undereye region. Dehydrated skin becomes more translucent, which can highlight the underlying blood vessels and bone structure, making dark circles appear more prominent. Even mild dehydration can lead to sunken, shadowed eyes that look tired and unhealthy. People who consume excessive caffeine or alcohol, or who don’t drink enough water during the day, are particularly prone to this issue.
Natural Fix:
Hydration starts from within. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and include water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens in your diet. Topically, look for hyaluronic acid-based eye creams that can plump the area and restore hydration.
3. Aging
As we age, the body gradually produces less collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and structure. The skin around the eyes becomes thinner and more fragile, which means the reddish-blue tone of blood vessels beneath becomes more visible. At the same time, fat pads under the eyes can shift or decrease, creating hollowed-out areas that accentuate darkness through shadowing. Loss of moisture retention and slower cell regeneration also contribute to a duller, less radiant look in this area over time.
Natural Fix:
While you can’t stop time, you can stimulate collagen production with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. These help strengthen the skin over time. Gentle eye massage can also help improve circulation, promoting a brighter and more youthful appearance.
4. Genetics (Pigmentation/Color)
Sometimes dark circles are simply hereditary. If you’ve had them from an early age, or if your parents also have prominent undereye darkness, your genetics are likely a contributing factor. People with very fair or very thin skin often have more visible blood vessels beneath the surface, and those with olive or darker skin tones may develop pigmentation more easily in the eye area due to increased melanin production. In either case, inherited skin structure and tone can lead to long-lasting or permanent discoloration under the eyes—regardless of how well you sleep or hydrate.
Natural Fix:
You may not be able to change your genes, but you can work with them. Color-correcting concealers like Westmore Beauty’s Shadow Edit, brightening serums, and high-quality under eye gels can all help minimize the look of hereditary circles. Consistency with skincare is key here—and choosing a product that delivers visible results quickly can make a huge difference.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Dark circles can also be a subtle signal from your body that you’re not getting enough of certain key nutrients. Low levels of iron can reduce oxygenation of the blood, leading to a bluish or grayish hue under the eyes. A deficiency in vitamin K can affect proper blood clotting and circulation, which may lead to pooling and visibility of blood under the skin. Lack of vitamin C impairs collagen synthesis and weakens capillaries, contributing to both thinning skin and increased bruising or discoloration in the undereye area. When these deficiencies go unaddressed, they can worsen the appearance of dark circles over time.
Natural Fix:
Focus on a balanced diet that includes:
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Leafy greens, broccoli, and brussels sprouts for vitamin K
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Citrus fruits and bell peppers for vitamin C
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Red meat, lentils, and spinach for iron
You may also consider supplements if your doctor recommends them. A healthier body often leads to healthier, brighter skin.
6. Skincare Product Gaps or Overuse
Surprisingly, dark circles can sometimes be worsened by either neglecting a proper skincare routine or overusing harsh products. Using cleansers
or exfoliants that are too aggressive for the eye area can cause irritation or inflammation making circles appear darker. On the other hand, failing to use products that support skin brightening and renewal can allow pigmentation and dullness to build up over time.
Natural Fix:
Ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3), vitamin C, and retinol are proven to brighten skin, reduce discoloration, and stimulate collagen. However, these ingredients need to be used consistently—and carefully—around the delicate eye area. Without them, hyperpigmentation and uneven tone can become more pronounced. People who skip eye creams or don't use targeted treatments often find that the darkness under their eyes becomes harder to conceal, especially when combined with other factors like aging or fatigue.
Under Eye Circle Treatment - Give Natural Remedies a Boost!
While natural changes can absolutely help over time, most of us are looking for something that delivers fast, visible results—especially when dark circles are affecting our confidence.
That’s where Westmore Beauty’s 60-Second Eye Effects Firming Gel and Shadow Edit come in.
60-Second Eye Effects Instant Firming Gel
This award-winning gel delivers instant brightening and firming to the undereye area in just 60 seconds. It visibly reduces the look of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness with a powerful blend of skin-firming polymers and tone-evening ingredients.
Why It Works So Well:
- Light-reflecting technology helps immediately minimize the appearance of darkness.
- Firming agents tighten the skin for a smoother look.
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Skin-loving ingredients like peptides and antioxidants support long-term skin health.
How to Use for Maximum Results:
- Apply a pea-sized amount under each eye on clean, dry, oil-free skin.
- Use your ring finger to tap gently—never rub.
- Let it dry completely, you should feel a tightening sensation – that means the product is working!
Shadow Edit Instant Brightening Color Corrector
This innovative color-correcting formula neutralizes darkness to instantly conceal undereye dark circles, shadows & more! Unlike concealers which require multiple layers, look cakey, and feel heavy on the skin, Shadow Edit's lightweight, skin-blurring pigments, and silky texture provide flawless coverage that won't settle into lines, wrinkles, or pores. Plus the formula is enhanced with skin conditioning ingredients to improve the skin with each use.
Why It Works So Well: 
- Peach Toned Formula: neutralizes discoloration, evens tone, and immediately brightens
- Lightweight Pigments: provide natural-looking, buildable coverage that effectively conceals without creasing or caking
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Skin-Loving Ingredients: like Jojoba Esters, Vitamin E, and Chamomile nourish, moisturize, and condition the delicate skin under the eyes.
How to Use for Maximum Results:
- Dab directly over shadows under eyes, near eye corners
- Use the tip of your finger to blend edges for a seamless finish. Avoid rubbing the product for best results
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Set with your favorite finishing powder for extended wear time!
The Power of a Combined Approach
When combining smart lifestyle habits, targeted skincare, and Westmore Beauty’s 60-Second Eye Effects and Shadow Edit, you can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your dark circles—fast.
Think of it as a one-two punch: address the root causes naturally, and use high-performance products to instantly refresh and brighten. The result? Eyes that look wide awake, youthful, and beautifully radiant—no concealer required.
Ready to say goodbye to tired eyes? Start with healthy habits, and let Westmore Beauty handle the heavy lifting.