Men’s Grooming – Combating Dark Circles

How not to look like a Panda

Heroin chic isn’t a great look, especially not for a guy. So don’t let dark circles ruin that outfit you’ve spent so much money and effort on.

Nine out of ten people have suffered with dark circles, under and around their eyes. The cause of it can be different for each person, but the result is the same: Tired looking eyes, that look like you’ve gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson, or you’ve walked out of ‘Trainspotting’.

Some guys may only get it occasionally, when they haven’t slept enough. Others may have allergies, and some just have it in their genes. So if one method doesn’t work for you, then move onto the next, until you find the best method, or mix of methods, that works for you.

Eye-creams

There are many eye creams that can be used to reduce the appearance of dark circles. If you want an instant reduction then you can use one of the creams below, to instantly reduce and brighten up those eyes, when required.

Or, for a long term treatment, for more regular sufferers, then try one of these daily eye creams:

Gradual Facial Tan

This is a method preferred by people who just seem to have inherited a dark circle gene. Having a tan tends to distract from the dark circles as the rest of the skin is also a darker colour, and it ‘matches’ up. Of course having a real tan is not recommended as exposure to UV rays could just worsen the problem, but using a good gradual tan moisturiser every other day will give you a colour that will reduce the appearance of those dark circles.

You should cleanse, tone and moisturise in the evening, an hour before you apply your gradual tan lotion. Remember to apply the tan all over your face and neck, including your eyes – Do not worry, it will not make your dark circles darker.

I have given reasons for why I have recommended these two particular products below:

I have recommended Xen because, unlike other tanners, it is based on an olive colour, rather than orange. So, no ‘you’ve been tangoed’ disasters with this product. L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Tanning Moisturiser has been specifically designed for men. So if you are a bit dubious about using a gradual tanner then start with this. You can apply a little every day and slowly build to the colour you want, without people noticing.

Concealer

I see from ‘The Men’s Make-Up Debate’ that the guys on this website are quite divided in their views on make-up. However, for those who are against, using a little concealer is very different to a full face of slap, if done properly.

I can also reveal that a considerable amount of successful guys working in the city will apply a little concealer to their dark circles. Guys who have to meet people and win clients know the importance of looking good, especially when making a sale, so they invest in a good, but subtle, concealer to deal with their dark circles. Nobody wants to employ, or buy from, a guy who looks like he’s been partying all night.

Just remember, doing it subtly is the key, a small dab goes a long way.

With Touch Eclat (see main image above) YSL have developed this cover up specifically for men, it is extremely subtle and I would describe it more as a ‘lightening lotion’ than make up.

Vitamin K

Another big cause of dark circles is not getting enough Vitamin K in your diet. Vitamin K helps your circulation, and bad circulation can cause dark circles. Vitamin K also helps to reduce overall skin discolouration. To get more vitamin K into your diet, you should eat more leafy greens like cabbage or spinach, if you prefer your fruits, then eat more blueberries or strawberries. You could try taking a Vitamin K supplement, or try an eye cream that contains Vitamin K:

So there are a few methods for you to experiment with until you find what works best for you. Bright eyes are the best accessory to any outfit.