When it comes to dark undereye circles, do you give raccoons a run for their money? Those black circles can leave you looking sick and tired. So why not come in out of the dark with some helpful hints for combating these eyesores? There are a number of causes of dark circles including heredity, allergies, congestion, thinning skin, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, eczema and more. More important than what’s causing the issue is how to minimize the appearance of undereye circles. While some people seek out pricey beauty treatments such as chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation or intense pulsed light, others prefer affordable at-home treatments. You might consider making the supermarket your first stop. Try placing thick slices of cucumbers for 10 to 15 minutes once a day. This cool veggie is thought to reduce puffiness around the eyes and will only set you back a dollar or so. Tea bags are also said to reduce swelling and discoloration, thanks to tannins found in the tea bags. Soak caffeinated tea bags the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Place bags over the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes and keep eyes closed.Potatoes are another popular produce with a reputation for treating undereye circles. Puree a raw potato in a liquidizer. Scoop the potato puree onto each closed eyelid. Leave the mashed potato on the eyes for up to 30 minutes. Wash with warm water. Frozen spoons are also said to do the trick. Fill a spoon with water and place it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, remove the spoon and place over the circles until the ice begins to defrost. Lifestyle changes will often reduce the prominence of dark circles. Quit smoking. Cut back on alcohol intake. Get more sleep and meditate. Consume a balanced diet. These changes should help you close out those dark circles. In the meantime, invest in a concealer to cover up circles. Choose a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation and apply it under the eyes.