Becoming a mom always comes with sleep deprivation. Late night feedings, diaper changes, older kids who don't want to stay in bed. Then there is the laundry list of things you only get the chance to do once your kids are in bed. This often leads to what I like to call the "zombie mommy" effect. You know what I'm talking about! Those dark, puffy under eyes. We all have those nice people in our lives who don't mind pointing it out either. When you meet up with a friend (usually one without children) and she comments "dang, you look exhausted!" It takes everything you have not to spout off the not-so-nice things you are thinking. Then you realize, she's right! However, there are a few tricks to cover-up or help reduce the zombie mommy effect.
Choose a concealer a shade lighter than your natural skin tone.
If your dark circles are blue or purple in tone, look for a concealer more on the yellow side. The yellow will counteract the blue or purple in your undereye shadows.
If your dark circles are more on the brown side, choose a concealer with a more peach or pink base.
(don't mind the model's beautiful, flawless skin)
Apply it with a small, pointed brush to avoid caking. Start from the inner corner of your eye (that's where the circles are the darkest and will need the most coverage). Dab a few dots of concealer and lightly sweep outward and down with your brush. Only apply to the area that is actually darker than the rest of your face. This area is generally a semi-circle right under your lower lash line and the inner corner of your eye above the tear ducts.
Use an eye shadow brush or powder puff and pat translucent powder over the concealer to set it. This will reduce shine and keep the concealer from settling into creases and any wrinkles you may have.
Now that we have hidden them, here are a few easy ways to reduce them:
-Make sure to drink plenty of water (that's at least 8-10 glasses a day) but a great rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces every day.
-Freeze a spoon for 10 to 15 minutes and apply it to your eyes until it isn't cold anymore. This will help minimize puffiness.
-Apply cold cucumber slices for 15 minutes. They will reduce puffiness and tone and tighten the skin under you eyes.
-Twice a day, use an eye cream that contains vitamin c and caffeine. Both of these ingredients reduce puffiness.
