I've tried them all.
The spoons = Great instant idea, problem, it's temporary, so it only lasts about half a day, until you look tried and exhausted all over again.
Water = No matter how much water you drink, it will not help make our dark circles lighter
Make-up = It's a tricky one, but it is also very temporary.
Cucumbers = Doesn't really work, yeah sure it takes away a bit of the redness but my eyes are still dark.
Visine = blotting Visine on your under eyes sometimes work, but everything is temp.
Diaper rash cream - works a bit well... You do need to constantly do it, every morning and night.
It does become lighter the more you use it, but you also have to keep up with getting more hours and being well rested, as well as drinking water.
I hope this helps :p