Forget the Cover-Up — Use This Trick to Combat Under-Eye Circles

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Under-eye circles are an issue that continues to befuddle the beauty community, despite concerted efforts to uncover the cause of — and solution to — the problem. Everyone seems to have their preferred plan of attack when it comes to covering up discoloration, whether it's masks, concealer, foundation, or another clever idea.

But during a recent visit to the Erno Laszlo Institute in Manhattan, my eyes were opened to a new approach: a gentle massage. Judit Galambosi, a lead therapist with over 15 years of experience, shared a fascinating approach to combatting the nuisance of under-eye circles.

Judit also explained why, exactly, under-eye circles occur. She cites five main reasons, including genetics, allergies, age, hyperpigmentation, and lifestyle factors. But no matter the cause, she advocates a four-step process that will aid circulation around the eye. The massage trick helps to disperse toxins that may linger in the area, and in so doing, reduces the appearance of under-eye discoloration.

Judit's method:

  1. Select a thick under-eye cream, such as Erno Laszlo's Phormula 3-9 Eye Repair ($175).
  2. Using the ring fingers on each hand, pat the cream into your under-eye area from the inner corner of your eyes to the outer. Use gentle pressure. Repeat three times.
  3. Repeat this process on the bone underneath each eyebrow. Again, use gentle pressure and pat from the inner to outer region.
  4. Use ring fingers to gently push — or glide — over the eye cream underneath the eye. Do this three times in one continuous motion.