Cucumber extract can be found in eye creams and serums at every price point, simply because it is fantastically cooling and moisturising. A great way to visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles is to calm puffy tired eyes by placing two chilled slices of cucumber over them - and leaving for 15 minutes. Not only will this reduce puffiness by constricting the blood vessels in the area, but the 95% water content in the cucumber will act as a great moisturiser. Why not combine this with a speedy face mask for a DIY facial?

10 beauty buys to banish dark circles
Cover dark circles with Bobbi Brown's exoert make-up tips 
5 of the best concealers

We all know that a cup of tea is good for the soul but the transformative powers of the humble tea bag might come as something of a skincare surprise. Whether your favourite tipple is Earl Grey, Green tea or English Breakfast, leave your tea bags to cool and then place two, cold, damp bags over your eyes and wait for approximately 10 minutes. The tannin in the tea reduces any swelling and the appearance of dark circles caused by lack of sleep, while the moisture from the bags is absorbed into the eyes, rehydrating and reviving them. Don’t like the idea of cold tea bags on your face? The same cooling effect can be achieved with two teaspoons chilled in the fridge.

10 beauty buys to banish dark circles
Cover dark circles with Bobbi Brown's exoert make-up tips 
5 of the best concealers

You want tighter abs, you do sit ups. You want to beat the bingo wings, you try free weights and a lot of reps. Well the same exercise discipline can be applied to your facial muscles as well, particularly the area surrounding the eye. A great exercise for lifting the eyes and promoting good circulation involves placing three fingers directly under each eyebrow, pushing the brows up and out and holding the contraction for increasing amounts of time - start at 5 seconds and build up to 30. We also love this beautiful eye roller made from soothing Chinese jade that can be used around the eye to aid lymph drainage, eliminate dark circles and plump out wrinkles. It’s great at relieving stress headaches between the brows too.

Jade facial roller, £25, Cult Beauty

10 beauty buys to banish dark circles
Cover dark circles with Bobbi Brown's exoert make-up tips 
5 of the best concealers

Dark circles under the eyes, particularly in conjunction with tiredness, can be a sign of anaemia - and dark pigmentation becomes more obvious when the skin is pale. Help to treat mild cases of anaemia by boosting your iron intake; eat lots of leafy greens such as spinach, and try mineral supplements as well. Remember, always see your doctor first if you are concerned about your health.

10 beauty buys to banish dark circles
Cover dark circles with Bobbi Brown's exoert make-up tips 
5 of the best concealers

The skin around and under the eyes is 40% thinner than the rest of the face making it even more susceptible to dehydration, tiredness and environmental damage. Maintaining good skincare practices - drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate skin and flush out toxins, and getting enough sleep - may sound insignificant but you will really see and feel the benefits. These simple skin care mantras apply to the under eye area and can only help in the fight against dark circles.

10 beauty buys to banish dark circles
Cover dark circles with Bobbi Brown's exoert make-up tips 
5 of the best concealers