Fashion and beauty Q&A: under-eye circles

Banish those dark under eye bags with our expert advice

To celebrate the biggest ever UK fashion and beauty event, 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty running throughout the month of September, we've put together expert answers to the 30 most-asked fashion and beauty questions on All About You.

 

We'll be publishing a new question and answer every day, brought to you from our magazine fashion and beauty editors, industry experts and AAY writers. Over the month, the questions will build up into an archive and you'll be able to browse through all of the solutions from the daily page.

 

If you've got a burning question you'd like to have answered, post it below and we'll do our best to track down a solution for you. And don't forget to visit the 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty website to find out about reader events, catwalk shows, workshops, an auction where you have the chance to bid for money-can't-buy experiences, and of course, lots of great competitions and offers.

 

Today's question:

 

I suffer from dull, dark circles under my eyes that don't seem to go away no matter how much water I drink or number of hours sleep I get. What can I do?

 

Dark circles are often a hereditary tendency, but they can be improved. Apply toning herbs, e.g. used or fresh chamomile or peppermint teabags, damp and cold from the fridge, alternatively, try chilled thin potato slices, or (organic for purity) rose or witchazel floral waters.

 

A good ready-made toner, like Essential Care's Rose Petal Tonic or Citrus Fruit Tonic chilled on organic cotton pads will help improve the circulation. Whatever you apply, lie down with feet elevated for 10-15mins. Do not massage as this may stretch the delicate eye area skin. Visit www.essential-care.co.uk for more info.  

 

Rose Petal Tonic (pictured above), £7                                       

 

Margaret Weeds, Founder of Essential Care Organic Skincare

 

Previous questions:

 

I've had the same hair cut for years. Any tips on how to go about finding a new style?

 

I am beginning to get bad pigmentation on my face and hands.  I don't know how I got it or how to get rid of it?

 

I'm thinking of going grey naturally but want a style and conditioning routine to make sure I look the best I can - any suggestions?

 

Can you recommend some good shapewear underwear for everyday use - I like to wear it under work clothes but find that some designs are just too uncomfortable to wear all day?

 

I like to keep up with the trends, but don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb. I'm just about to turn 50, what autumn trends should I go for? 

 

I take sunscreen seriously, but wearing SPF products every day irritates my complexion. How can I protect my face without upsetting its balance?

 

Which is best, cream or powder blush?  

 

I'm stuck in a makeup rut but find trends that look stunning on the runway look scary in reality. How can I bring my style up-to speed?

 

I always wear my hair tied back, but I'm bored of the classic ponytail. Can you suggest an easy style that I could do quickly in the mornings that won't make me late for work?

 

I'm a total pear shape and can never find dresses to suit my body shape - what kinds of styles should I go for?

 

I want to invest in good hair straightening irons. Which ones do you recommend?

 

My eyebrows are an endangered species after years of over-plucking. Is it really too late to bring them back from the brink of extinction?

 

This year I haven't been spending as much on clothes as I normally do, but I plan to make an investment in a really good winter coat. Any advice on what to choose?

 

I have a lot of grey hairs - what's the best way to cover them?

 

I want to find a fantastic fitting bra but don't want to pay Rigby and Peller prices, where should I go?

 

Is it safe to use an exfoliator around the eye area on this delicate, sensitive skin? Can you recommend a good product to use?

 

Is it really necessary to splash-out on cosmetic brushes to make the most of my make-up? Which ones do professionals use?

 

I've worn the same makeup for years and would love to try something new but don't know where to start or how to get out of my beauty rut. Any suggestions?

 

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