Instead of covering your under-eye area in heaps of make-up, focus on treating the area for fine lines, dryness and discolouration with brightening and hydrating products.

IN THE MORNING WHEN YOUR EYES ARE PUFFIEST, WASH AND SPLASH YOUR FACE WITH COLD WATER to shrink enlarged blood vessels. Press or tap a hydrating or rejuvenating eye cream on to the area with your fingers. If you’re feeling fancy, use a de-puffing wand. This will ensure the product gets absorbed efficiently while draining any excess fluid.

IF DARK CIRCLES ARE YOUR PROBLEM, MAKE PEACE WITH THE FACT THAT NO AMOUNT OF EYE CREAM WILL FIX IT.

Rather conceal the area by applying a salmon coloured formula, then lightly layer over it with your usual concealer. Finish off with a touch of highlighter on your bottom lash line to instantly brighten your eyes.

WHERE YOU APPLY THE PRODUCT IS KEY, SO DON’T FORGET TO APPLY YOUR EYE CREAM ALONG THE BROW BONE AND EYE LID AS WELL. Don’t apply too much though, just enough to sink in without leaving a trace, or anything you apply afterwards will start to pill.

IF YOU HAVE HAD A LESS THAN DESIRABLE AMOUNT OF SLEEP (OR MAYBE ONE TOO MANY GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE), YOUR EYES WILL NO DOUBT BE FEELING HEAVY, SORE AND SLEEPY.

For a quick fix, put two spoons in the freezer for 10 minutes and place on to the eye sockets until the spoons no longer feel cold. Or use two refrigerated eye patches, and leave them on until you feel slightly more alive.

AT NIGHT, GO FOR THE HEAVY HITTERS BY APPLYING A RETINOL OR REPAIRING EYE CREAM.

Since these tend to be heavier formulas, you won’t have to worry about pilling at night, so apply the cream as you would in the morning after toning, and again before your night moisturiser.

Words: Leandri De Kock | Images: Unplash