At around 0.33mm thick, the skin around your eyes is three to five times thinner than the rest of the face . That means the area is lacking in all the juicy collagen and elastin that protects and plumps skin. And, according to Guinness World Records, the eye's six muscles make around 100,000 micro-movements a day, so it's the area that gets the biggest workout. Tired eyes? Literally.

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The Problem

The eye area has very few oil glands, which makes it naturally dry and weakens its hydrolypidic film [a protective cover made of sweat, sebum and water]. These factors, plus movement and thinness, mean the area is prone to lines. It's also usually missed when applying SPF [the best topical defence against visible skin ageing].

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What Can Make Your Eye Bags And Dark Circles Worse?

Eyes are sensitive, and they're particularly reactive to changes of fluid levels in the body, which results in puffiness. 'Gravity can also make a notable difference,' explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, 'so sleeping with your face down can exacerbate eye swelling and bags.'

Our skin, muscles and bones naturally change as we get older, making it more difficult to manage. 'The skin starts to sag and underlying fat becomes prominent, causing significant eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.'

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What You Can Do To Make Your Eye Bags And Dark Circles Better?

Give the area around your eyes a daily massage to get the lymphatic system working (a network of tissues and organs that help drain toxins). 'The extremely delicate eye area should be treated as gently as baby's skin', advises facialist Teresa Tarmey. Here's how:

1. Apply eye cream to your fingertips to prevent friction.

2. Always start in the inner corner of your eye and move outwards.

3. Use your finger and thumb to lightly pinch the skin as you move along, improving microcirculation.

ELLE Edit: 14 Face Massage Tools For Sculpting And Soothing
Facegym Pro EMS Facial Device
FaceGym Facegym Pro EMS Facial Device
£575 at Cult Beauty

Famed for its facial workouts, this tool created by buzzy brand, FaceGym, does all the heavy lifting for you. It works by harnessing Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to help tone all (forty) of the muscles in your face.

Best used as a weekly or regular treatment rather than a daily staple, ensure you apply a serum first and use the low setting to allow your muscles to get used to the sensation.

Contour Cube Original Pink
Contour Cube Original Pink

It's the distinctive, hard-to-miss cube that's caught the attention of the TikTok world. But this icing tool is actually as good as those countless videos (a cool 2 billion views) proclaim, working to de-puff and brighten up your skin.

Bonus: you can fill it with ingredients like cucumber or rose water to mix up your at-home cryotherapy routine. Pretty cool, eh?

Cutis: The Ultimate Micro-Contouring Tool
Dr Vali Cutis: The Ultimate Micro-Contouring Tool

Promising clinical-grade results from the comfort of your sofa, Dr Vali's Cutis is a high-tech, at-home alternative to a professional sculpting facial.

With five different settings, including LED, it delivers sonic waves to the layers of skin to help tighten and lift.

Ginkgo Gua Sha
Sisley Ginkgo Gua Sha

This gua sha tool by French-born Sisley makes light work of de-puffing and toning, thanks to its unique shape, which has been designed specifically to hug the contours of your face.

Apply your favourite Sisley oil, or the SISLEŸA L'Integral Anti-Age, on your face and neck and use the curved edge to sculpt and lift.

Skinesis The Facialift
Sarah Chapman Skinesis The Facialift

Sure, it looks a little scary, but this celeb-approved contraption is the holy grail for any habitual jaw-clencher.

Studded with nodules, the four massage wheels treat the jawline using a firm but comfortable kneading technique, which mimics the fingertips and knuckles, bringing blood to the surface and unravelling tight muscles.

Vibrating Rose Quartz Face Sculpting Roller
Angela Caglia Vibrating Rose Quartz Face Sculpting Roller
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Angela Caglia's rose-quartz roller is the A-list massage tool of choice (Courtney Cox loves hers so much, she's been papped using it on a dinner date).

Turns out, our favourite Friend might be onto something: the 6000 sonic vibrations it emits per minute can undo tension in the tightest of jawlines, coaxing your natural bone structure back to the fore. Think of it as super-charged lymphatic drainage.

If you're not on a Hollywood star's salary, the brand's manual non-vibrating roller is excellent, too.

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IRIS Anti Wrinkle Eye Massager
FOREO IRIS Anti Wrinkle Eye Massager
Now 30% Off
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Don't buy this one for the 'anti-wrinkle' promises (it won't erase lines, nor does it need to), but invest for the way it shifts puffiness and bags while feeling really rather nice, too.

RéVolve Contouring Massage Roller
RéVive RéVolve Contouring Massage Roller

This smart massage roller is crafted from Zamac metal, so stays cool as you run it over tired eyes and puffy cheeks. The double-pronged top is precisely crafted to grab and lift the facial muscles, draining fluid while lifting and sculpting, and the tiny individual roller is perfect for use around the eyes.

Jade Roller
ELF Cosmetics Jade Roller

This is definitely the best value jade roller on the market, and it makes a great option for those new to face rolling. It's sturdy enough to deliver a satisfying massage, and glides perfectly over a calming face oil (like this one).

Contouring Facial Roller
Gatineau Contouring Facial Roller
Now 25% Off

A pocket-sized option, this mini roller is ideal for taking on weekends aways. It's two-pronged, so lifts and drains brilliantly, and can be used with any facial oil for maximum pampering appeal.

Facial Cupping Set
Skin Gym Facial Cupping Set
Now 11% Off
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This set is a great introduction to the circulation-boosting benefits of cupping. Simply place the silicone 'cups' over your face, before gently moving them in outwards motions to kick-start that all-important lymph flow.

EYECICLE®
001 Skincare EYECICLE®
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Facialist Ada Ooi is famed for her transformative face-sculpting powers, and now you can reap (some of the) benefits at home with her line of gua-sha stones, face massagers and cryotherapy tools.

These chilly globes are designed to boost blood flow around the eyes without proving too cold for the delicate skin. Fresh from your fridge, they'll be just the right temperature to shift toxins and brighten dark circles.

Mon Ami Acupressure Facial Beauty Tool
Odacite Mon Ami Acupressure Facial Beauty Tool
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This tiny yet effective tool is brilliant for tension relief, both at home and on the go. It's specifically shaped to be pressed against the face's key acupressure zones, relieving stiffness and lymph blockages. A great one for gifting.

Face Sculptor Beauty Roller
Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller
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For serious lifting effects, opt for a double-pronged roller, as they'll 'grab' and manipulate the skin much more effectively. This cooling metal device mimics the action of an expert facialist's knuckles, firmly kneading your skin to firm and tone for that post-pro facial lift. Simply roll over clean skin or after applying a serum to help tired skin defy gravity.

What Causes Eye Bags And Dark Circles?

Stress

...directs blood to essential organs, leaving you with a paler complexion that makes dark circles more noticeable.

Tiredness

...slows down our blood and circulation, which shows around the eyes as puffiness and dark shadows.

Iron Deficiency

...can manifest itself around the eyes with almost bruised rings.

Salty And Processed Foods

...are the worse culprits for causing fluid retention, resulting in temporary eye puffiness.

Food Allergies

...can cause constant puffiness. Wheat in particular has been known to contribute to dark circles.

Certain Medications

...that dilate blood vessels can increase blood flow around eyes, which causes shadows.

Genes

...play a huge part in dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.

Alcohol

...leads to dehydration, which leaves eyes inflamed and irritated.

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How To Cover Dark Circles And Eye Bags Using Make-Up

1. Blue Undertones

Are the pigment of oxygenated blood showing through thin skin. It gathers during sleep, which is why blue or purple circles can be more prominent in the morning. Cover them up with a yellow- or pink-toned colour corrector, such as Dior Fix It Colour in Yellow, £25, or Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in Rose, £30.

2. Brown Undertones

Are the result of decreased proteins and lipids, which are related to your genes, excessive sun exposure or behavioural factors. Cover them up with a peach-toned colour corrector, such as Urban Decay Naked Skin Colour Correcting Fluid in Peach (for fairer skin tones) or Deep Peach (for darker skin tones), £19.50 each.

15 Best Colour Correctors For Redness, Pigmentation And Dark Circles
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Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment
Now 20% Off

If you prefer sticking to skincare over make-up but still have stubborn redness that you want to ditch, Dr Jart's cult Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment is your perfect middle ground.

A make-up artist favourite for disguising rosacea, it works brilliantly to unify tone across larger areas of the face, such as rosy cheeks. Use the warmth of your hands to melt the dense cream into skin, and watch as the slightly worrying green tint transforms into a bright, radiant beige.

Superluminous Under-Eye Genius
Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius

When beloved beauty brand Becca announced its closure three years ago, loyal fans stockpiled one product in particular: the Under-Eye Brightening Corrector.

Years on, and several brands have attempted to deliver a 'dupe' of this cult product, but in our opinion, only one has truly succeeded. Beauty Pie's Superluminous Under-Eye Genius feels undetectable on skin, yet bounces the light back out from sallow peepers to make all traces of that late night disappear. No concealer needed: simply tap this on to create a wide-awake result with minimal effort.

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Prisme Libre Corrector
Givenchy Prisme Libre Corrector
Now 20% Off

Givenchy has added a family of colour correctors to its stellar Prisme Libre collection – and boy do they deliver. Satisfyingly creamy and punchy in pigment, they melt into skin to neutralise unwanted tones while adding a brightening, glowy sheen.

Try the lavender for dullness, green for redness, and peach for those pesky dark circles. If you like the glossy finish of the Skin-Caring Glow Foundation, you'll love these.

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Skin Corrector Stick
Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick
Now 20% Off

Bobbi Brown's bisque correctors are designed to blend sallow skin into the background. The intensely creamy stick melts straight in and looks completely undetectable. Layer it up with the corresponding concealer for extra impact, or wear it simply alone as a subtle skin-brightener.

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CC Red Correct
Erborian CC Red Correct
Now 20% Off

Erborian's tinted CC creams are a beauty hero for very good reason. The green-tinged version makes light work of unifying a redness-prone complexion, and even contains SPF 25 for crucial protection. Switch your foundation out in favour of this clever formula, and we're certain you'll soon be hooked.

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One Step Correct Colour Corrector
Stila One Step Correct Colour Corrector
Now 30% Off

Yes, this does look like a lab sample out of Jurassic Park, and to be honest we think it's nearly as clever. A multi-tasking product (as the name suggests), this primer colour corrects and smooths your base while tackling a host of tonal troubles, from dullness to patchy pigmentation. Reach for this one when you're going for the full glam.

Bright Fix Eye Brightener
Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener
Now 30% Off

Trust Fenty to create an under-eye brightener that works on every single skin tone. The brand's Bright Fix Eye Brightener comes in a whole host of peachy tones, so there's bound to be one that balances out your dark circles. It's long-wearing and sweat-proof, so a good option for anyone that needs their make-up to work extra hard.

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Radiant Creamy Colour Corrector
NARS Radiant Creamy Colour Corrector
Now 15% Off

This richer-than-most colour corrector is brilliant for spot-concealing small areas of uneven tone. The four warm, peachy shades work especially well around the eyes, neutralising sallow skin in a single swift swipe. For the best coverage, try using your ring finger to gently pat the product into the skin without rubbing.

Conceal Correct Contour
NYX Professional Makeup Conceal Correct Contour

This all-in-one palette contains every colour-correcting shade you could need: there's even a brown-toned bisque that works as a contour. The formulas are dense and dry enough to last all day, and work best when used to spot-treat smaller areas: think those pesky thread veins and acne scars.

3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50
Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50

This under-the-radar product is a holy grail for so many rosacea-prone people: including one ELLE editor, who wears it every single day. Those in the know simply will not be without it. The green tinged cream is instantly soothing and contains SPF50 alongside redness-neutralising pigment. Use it sparingly across your entire face, and you might just be tempted to ditch the foundation altogether.

Magic Vanish Colour Corrector
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Colour Corrector

This punchy red colour corrector is the perfect shade for brightening skin tones as the deepest end of the spectrum. Blend it beneath your eyes and around your nose, and try it on patches of dark pigmentation too.

 Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette
MAC Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette

Trust MAC to create a colour-correcting palette worthy of any make-up pro. With two correctors and four concealers, this one allows for maximum customisation, ensuring you get a seamless cover on every single part of your face.

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Redness Solutions Makeup SPF15
Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup SPF15
Now 20% Off

Another great option for oily skin types, Clinique's Redness Solutions fluid offers an all-over approach to colour correcting.

This oil-free foundation has been formulated to neutralise any existing redness as well as any flushing that might crop up throughout the day. Uncontrollable blushing at an unexpected meet-cute? It's got you covered.

Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach
Pixi Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach

Pixi's peachy corrector is ideal for any areas of the face that tend to look dull or sallow – especially those sunken under-eye shadows. It's light and radiant, yet tricks the light brilliantly well, making you look bright-eyed at any hour. A solid choice for a natural make-up look.

Hero Ingredients That Can Help Eye Bags And Dark Circles

Caffeine-infused eye creams constrict blood vessels and can help diminish purple and blue shadows and reduce puffiness.

Neostrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy - £45 BUY

Neostrata. Eye Therapypinterest
Neostrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - £23.50 BUY

Hyaluronic acid is a master at attracting water molecules, plumping out lines and reducing dark circles.

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It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

La Mer The Eye And Expression Cream - £221 BUY

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La Mer The Eye And Expression Cream

Vitamin E soothes and strengthens the skin's defence system against free radical aggressors.

La Roche-Posay Redermic Eyes - £25.50 BUY

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La Roche-Posay Redermic Eyes

Vitamin A, or retinol, is a powerhouse at reducing fine lines by boosting collagen and encouraging the creation of new cells. However, it's essential to choose an eye-friendly formula.

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream - £16.66 BUY

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Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream

Peptides are a gentle option if your skin can't tolerate retinol.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye - £26 BUY

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Kiehl\'s Midnight Recovery Eye

Sisley L'Integral Eye And Lip Contour Cream - £117.30 BUY

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Sisley L\'Integral Eye And Lip Contour Cream