There are several factors at play when you see dark undereye circles, including the common culprit of not enough sleep. Genetics can also be to blame, as some people are simply more predisposed to having dark circles.

As we age, it's natural for puffy eyelids or hollow areas under the eyes to develop, which can contribute to the discoloration. Additionally, the delicate skin around your eyes can make the blood vessels underneath more visible. Hyperpigmentation, often triggered by excessive sun exposure, can prompt your body to produce more melanin (the pigment response for skin color), potentially intensifying those dark circles.

But it's not all out of your control. Simple lifestyle choices, like how many glasses of water you drink each day, can also affect the appearance of dark under eye circles. It's important to stay well-hydrated as insufficient water intake can make your skin appear dull and dry. When skin becomes dehydrated and irritated, blood and other fluids rush to the area, causing pink or purple circles and puffiness. In addition, habits like alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress can add to the problem.

The dark circles undereye treatment you choose should help keep thin eye-area skin hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid Other helpful ingredients to look for include:

• Whey protein and a biopeptide: This duo is a fabulous combination to help strengthen skin in the delicate eye area.

• Caffeine and vitamin C: Caffeine can do wonders for skin around the eyes. Look for labels with vitamin C, which helps reduce the look of dark circles for brighter eyes.

The best eye cream for dark circles depends on your formula preferences. Clinique has a range of options for eyes.

Refresh and brighten with Even Better Eyes™ Dark Circle Corrector. It reduces the look of dark circles while hydrating skin. The cooling metal tip helps massage away any puffiness and improve microcirculation.

Reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness with All About Eyes™. This dual-action solution not only diminishes the appearance of puffiness and dark circles—it’s also a superb eye makeup primer.

Add intense moisture with All About Eyes™ Rich. This luxurious formula soothes with hydration, visibly depuffs, and diminishes the look of undereye circles and fine lines.

For a refreshing boost of hydration anytime, All About Eyes™ Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage is a lightweight serum that refreshes on contact and brightens your eye area over time. Layer it over or under makeup.

Want anti-aging benefits with your de-puffing eye cream? Our smartest anti-ager for eyes, Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream, not only fights wrinkles—it helps visibly depuff eyes, too.

Undereye creams and serums may be applied morning and at night after your cleansing routine. Whether your favorite texture is a cream-gel formula like All About Eyes™ or a rich cream like All About Eyes™ Rich, the application technique is the same. Gently pat your eye cream around your eye area with your ring finger—it has the lightest touch.

Hydrate, conceal, distract—that’s what our experts recommend for your dark circle treatment. Learn how to cover dark circles, step by step.

1. Pat on an eye cream, like our bestselling All About Eyes™ Eye Cream with Vitamin C.

2. Address dark circles with Even Better™ All-Over Primer and Color Corrector. It instantly neutralizes dark undereye circles.

3. Dab on Even Better™ All-Over Concealer + Eraser just under the inner corner of your eye, then use the pads of your fingers to press and blend the concealer into your skin in a rolling motion.

4. Dust Blended Face Powder lightly over concealer. Our superfine translucent powder sets and perfects makeup.

5. The last step: Distract with eye makeup. Strong brows, bold eyeliner, shimmery shadow, and major lashes can draw the focus away from your dark undereye circles. Just Browsing™ Brush-On Styling Mousse, Quickliner™ For Eyes Eyeliner, and High Impact™ Mascara will all work in your favor.