Advice please on how to look less tired and reduce dark circles please!

[Shaxx]

I look really tired even though I think I get enough sleep.
My friend pointed it out to me and she's right. Its not just the dark circles but my skin generally looks a bit, well, dull and lifeless I think.
I had a facial a couple of weeks ago and I think that did have some effect but not enough. The dark circles are somewhat hereditory but have definitely got worse since kids.

Any advice please?

[Shaxx]

oops too many pleases in thread title, but I really could do with some advice

[magnolia74]

Watching with interest as after 5 kids I look bloody knackered and my skin shows it

I have just got some spartone as I have always been aneamic on and off which can make dark shadows worse, only on day 2 so hoping it will work

[vintageteacups]

I have this problema and it's genetic I think.

I have a really onld photo (early 1900s) of my great aunt as a little girl and the whole family has ghostly looking, dark circled eyes.

I'm going to get one of those roll-on caffeine things for eyes and see how that works.

Mine have also got worse since having kids.

[Shaxx]

I never knew that magnolia. I've been anaemic on and off too. I'll give that a go too.

[cyb]

A mild facial fake tan

A pinky blusher, liberally applied

lots of mascara

Not as much concealer as you might think

Exercise makes your face glow too

[DancingIceDragons]

watching. Although mine are probably caused by lack of sleep and will only be cured by sleep.

[vintageteacups]

Yes - I too have low iron and have had since having the kids on and off so maybe you're right and that's the reason. It would also make sense as low iron can run in families.

[littledolly]

Agree with the exercise comment. I'd been spending a fortune in recent months on products to make my skin look better. I started back at the gym a few weeks ago and the difference to my skin (and overall well-being) is enormous!

Even if you can't manage the gym, a good brisk walk in the autumn weather would work wonders.

[piratecat]

watching this thread ver earnestly.

i also use Olay skin illuminater moisturiser whicxh does help under my foundation.

[tummysgottogo]

I take Vit K when my dark circles come to visit. Not sure where I got this idea from originally but it seems to work. Either that or I am putting more concealer on than I think

[BelligerentGhoul]

Agree that blusher can help.

Have you got an exfoliating face wash? The Olay regenerist one is pretty good, or Origins Never A Dull Moment. And what did I forget to buy this morning? Agh!

[mamalovesmojitos]

st tropez everyday moisturiser has a tiny bit of self-tan in it. really subtle, but takes the pale edge off - it is fab.

my eyes always are transformed with touche eclat, a nude eyeshadow to lighten the darknes of my eyelids, and a brush of curling mascara.

pink blusher on the apples of your cheeks makes you seem alert and healthy - i prefer it to peachy colours.

all the above done very quickly. also gosh lipbalm sticks have a small bit of colour in them, while not quite lipstick. handy if you are pale of lip.

[Shaxx]

I already go to the gym fairly regularly and we're always in parks or the woods.

So, tomorrow I'm going to get
Spatone
Vit K
(Or maybe just a multi vit?)
Olay regenerist and Olay skin illuminater

Somethings got to work!

[Shaxx]

Ok will add Garnier roll to my shoppin list too.

I've tried touche Eclat but it just makes the circles look a bit greyish (they are bad!)

[cyb]

touche eclait is NOT a good concealer IMO and I have tried them all. Its a good touch up during the day on top of heavier stuff but by itself, its too ashey.

I mix my own using shade 1 and 2 from Benefit Boing.

Most people make the mistake of going too light and it makes you look like DWU. (Death warmed up)

[PastaDiva]

Definitely exfoliate, even if you think your skin is dry (just start gently). Estee Lauder So Polished microdermabrasion cream is good and No 7 also do a good one.

Don't use overly rich creams on your skin unless it really needs them - on most people they are just clogging.

Exercise will help, and consider taking a vitamin C supplement (it is an antioxidant).

I am about to start reading a book called the Murad Method by the American dermatologist Howard Murad, but only just borrowed it from the library so haven't got any tips from it yet! I am very sceptical of cosmetics companies' claims on their products so I've decided to do a bit of reading for myself!

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

Benefit erase paste covers mine but I've also had them all my life and nothing seems to make them go away.

As well as being related to your bone structure, I've heard them referred to as 'allergic shiners,' as they're apparently a side effect of being generally sensitive to various dietary /atmospheric conditions.