I place the eggs in cold water and bring to a gentle boil, I boil for 3 minutes, remove from heat immediately and cover. Let sit for 10 minutes. Then plunge into icy water for 3-4 minutes. When I peel I hit one end then the other and 3 whacks around the edge(in different locations) then roll gently back and forth in your hands and start peeling from the fat end. Work for me every time, no dark circles and I do use fresh eggs occasionally. You do have to be gentle.