If shadows are causing your dark circles, you unfortunately have one basic treatment option -- you can fill the area between the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes (the tear through) with fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, Waldorf says. Beyond that, there isn't much you can do with skin care products to lessen the shadowy effect. However, all dark circles look worse when your skin is dry, so "improving the texture of your skin with proper moisturization is important also," Waldorf says.
Next: Conceal dark circles like a pro
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Camouflage dark circles
Until you get rid of your circles for good, or if you'd rather just hide them in lieu of treating them, use Turnbow's tricks to conceal all types of dark circles:
Step 1: Massage on an eye cream in a circular motion with a cool fingertip to improve circulation.
Step 2: Use a firm tapered brush (try Clinique Concealer Brush, $19.50) to apply creamy concealer (Turnbow's fave: La Mer The Radiant Concealer SPF 25, $65) that's half a shade lighter than your skin and slightly peach-y in tone over the dark areas. Avoid shades that are too light or cool in tone or the area will look ashy. Also, don't forget to cover the darkness on the inner corners of your eyes.
Step 3: Tap a fingertip over the concealer to further blend it into your skin.
Step 4: If your eyes appear very sunken in and shadowy, apply a luminizing cream or powder (try Dior Skinflash, $34) over the concealer to make the area pop and appear brighter.
Next: Learn how to treat puffy eyes
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Puffy eyes
Puff is usually caused from one of two things -- "swelling from fluid shifts," causes puffiness that comes and goes and "the protrusion of the fat pad," causes persistent puffiness, Waldorf says.
Next: How to treat temporary puffiness
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Reduce temporary puff
Waldorf recommends applying a cool compress for 10 or so minutes to temporarily puffy eyes to deflate them -- she likes to use "a piece of Spenco 2nd Skin, $8.95 [that's been] kept in the fridge" as a cool compress, she says. Follow the compress with an eye cream that contains caffeine (try Revaleskin Replenishing Eye Therapy, $72) to further deflate the area.
Next: Reduce constant puffiness
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Reduce constant puff
If your eyes are constantly puffy due to a significant protrusion of the fad pads under your eyes, you will only get major improvement with surgery or injections -- creams and home remedies just won't cut it. You'll potentially need a lower lid blepharoplasty (eye surgery) -- to remove or reposition the fat pad. (Warning: if you do opt for this procedure, make sure your doctor doesn't do too much or "you can trade a puffy lower lid for a hollow lid," Waldorf says.) Or, some people may be able to get away with adding a filler like Restylane, Juvederm or Radiesse to the cheek area below and along the boney area under your eyes. "By elevating that area, you add structure and blunt the difference with the lower lid," Waldorf says. Your dermatologist and/or surgeon will be able to tell you which option is best for you.
Next: Conceal puffiness like a pro
When eye cream or concealer alone won't do the trick, you may need to look into other options when it comes to treating and masking dark circles and puffiness. Whether they're a result of genetics or lack of sleep, too much sun or alcohol, these tricks -- courtesy of dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf and New York City-based makeup artist Tina Turnbow -- will help you zap them for good, and disguise them like a pro until they're gone.
