Two weeks ago, Asher spoke the words no almost-middle-aged mama of 2 wants to hear: “you look tired today, mommy.” Dark circles, bags, droopy lids…you know what I am talking about ladies. 5 years ago, the only thing that caused bags under my eyes was getting over-served while out with my friends. Now, it seems like dark circles and under-eye bags are a regular occurrence. I don’t know if it’s my age, my kids, or a combo of both, but it is something that has hit me like a ton of bricks this year. So, how do I fix it?!? Jesus take the wheel! No, really though, here are LL’s #lifehacks to combat dark circles and under-eye bags.

LL’S #LIFEHACKS TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES

[full_width][/full_width] [one_half padding=”0 2.5px 0 0″][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 2.5px”][/one_half_last]

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: UNDERSTAND WHY

First of all, how does this happen and why all of a sudden? Several factors can cause these symptoms: dehydration, lack of sleep, too much alcohol, an excess amount of sodium, and seasonal allergies. Also, plain and simple: you get it from your mama. Dark circles and under-eye bags are heredity, and environmental factors can exasperate the issue. In fact, it is our biggest skin problem. An Olay study of almost 2,000 women (age 10-84) showed that 89% had measurable dark circles, regardless of age. Also, did you know that generally speaking, under-eye skin is the first area of your face to show the signs of stress, aging and fatigue. It is drier and thinner than the skin on the rest of your face!

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: HYDRATE + DECREASE ALCOHOL INTAKE

Mamas, what do you look forward to most at the end of the day? For me, it’s Netflix and chill with the hubs and a glass of wine. However, this is only causing more dark circles. I really do not like drinking water AT ALL. However, I am *trying my hardest* to increase my daily intake of water, while decreasing my alcohol intake. Not drinking enough water makes your body actually retain water, leading to puffiness.

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: WEAR SUNSCREEN

There are soooo many sunscreen options out there. Make sure you choose one that is lightweight and specifically for your face. The area under your eyes is typically more sensitive, so make sure you read the instructions for use before using underneath your eyes.

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: GET MORE SLEEP

Ha, I know what you are thinking: “I won’t get more sleep until my kids go to college.” BUT, it is important that you try to increase your hours of sleep. Maybe that means saying no more often or cutting something out of your life. Sleep is a necessity if you want to combat dark circles.

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: APPLY CONCEALER OR RED LIPSTICK (DO WHAT?)

First of all, there are a few tricks to applying concealer to combat dark circles. First, make sure you choose a concealer with orange undertones to counteract the blue pigment in dark circle. Ok, don’t have the right concealer? Check out this #lifehack by Deepica Mutyala. She actually uses RED LIPSTICK to counteract the blue undertones. I have not tried this yet, but her tutorial looks legit. SOLD! When applying concealers (or red lipstick!), make sure you use a brush, beauty blender, or your ring finger to avoid aggravating your sensitive under-eye area.

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: APPLY A COOLING MASK OR ROLLER BALL

Oh, you know how it goes. You wake up after a long night with the baby (or at the bar ha), and your eyes are dark and puffy. You go to grab that cooling mask (or roller ball) that you never bought, only to realize you never bought one. Well, you are in luck with this LL #lifehack! Keep two spoons in your freezer at all times. If you wake up puffy, simply hold the spoons over your eyes until they are no longer cold, usually around 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary. You can also keep your brightening cream in the fridge. And speaking of brightening cream…

HOW TO COMBAT DARK CIRCLES: OLAY EYES BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM

I have been using Olay’s brand new eye cream for a few weeks now, and I am in LOVE! Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream has a lightweight formula, with a Vitamin C, Niacinamide Vitamin B3, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E anti-oxidant complex and Optic Brighteners that hydrate to smooth and illuminate skin, so you can hide your tired, not your eyes. Want to take it up a notch? As I mention above, keep it in your fridge for the ultimate way to hide your tired. It will leave your eyes feeling refreshed and looking bright! Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream gives an instant brightening boost (without being sparkly) and also contains ingredients that will improve the appearance of your skin over time. You can purchase it online here or in the beauty section of your local CVS.

Thank you soooo much for checking out my life hacks to combat dark circles and under-eye bags. Make sure you check out my other collaboration with Olay: 5 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT BECOMING A GIRL BOSS and give me a follow on Instagram for all.the.things. As always, thanks for the support! Love ya, mean it.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.