I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror, and wondered who snuck into my apartment overnight and deposited two massive duffel bags under my eyeballs. This baggage was due to sleep deprivation (not boozing/dehydration, surprisingly), but no matter the cause, they were bloated and that’s never a good look. Throughout the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks and products to combat this issue so I can actually go out in public before 10 a.m. and not scare small children. Take a looksee:
1. Eye puffiness occurs from dehydration, so chug water before you hit the sack (like, a lot of it). A mug of chamomile or green tea will help, too. If it’s really crucial you don’t have bags in the a.m., sleep (preferably on your back) with an extra pillow under your head—the elevation helps prevent gunk from settling in under your peepers.
2. Sure, you could put cucumber slices on your eyes and lay there for 15 minutes, but who has a cucumber in the fridge and/or that kind of time in the morning? An edible alternative is red grapes—keep them in the freezer, slice when you’re ready, then rub one half (the gel-y inside touching your skin) on each eye for a minute. The nutrients de-puff and the cold soothes.
3. This one is a little strange, but I read it years ago and it beats the bloat quick. Take freezing cold spoons (keep them in the freezer or just chill for 10 minutes in the morning), hold the backs over your eyes for a minute or two, and embrace the iciness. Re-freeze and repeat if you’re extra baggy.
4. You’ve probably heard about teabagging (no not that kind, sickos) when it comes to under eyes. This month’s Allure suggests sticking two wet tea bags (use caffeinated black tea and feel free to drink a cup first) in the fridge for 15 minutes, then placing them on your eyes for 10. The caffeine and cold will constrict blood vessels and drain fluid.
5. And now…the products.
+Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage: This handy little rollerball massages away bags while depositing de-puffing ingredients (caffeine, antioxidants, soothing botanicals) into your skin. It also helps brighten the eye area over time (don’t even get me started on dark circles—that’s a whole separate entry). $28, at Sephora and Clinique counters
+Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye-Depuffer: I love the rollerball, but this sleek stick might be my fave. Caffeine and herbal extracts wake up your peepers, cool your skin, and de-puff, plus it’s the cutest, handiest little thing. But Kiehl’s—why is this in the men’s collection? Dudes can’t appreciate this kind of product like the ladies. $20 (and lasts forever), online at kiehls.com and in Kiehl’s stores
+Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller: I see you, Garnier, with all your new, fun, and affordable products (that actually work!). This rollerball is super cooling, has pro-vitamins B5 and caffeine (are you seeing a theme here?), and comes in a snazzy lime green color. $9-$13, available at most drug stores
You’re a sight for sore eyes.