Do this while sitting upright to encourage any pooled fluids beneath your eyes to drain. The cold compress–and other cooling techniques–work by constricting the blood vessels responsible for discoloration and swelling beneath the eye. [2] X Research source
Return the used spoon to the ice water and take out a new spoon. Repeat this process with the bag beneath your other eye. Continue as needed, swapping out warmed spoons for chilled ones, for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how long it takes to reduce the appearance of both bags.
Since cucumbers have a high water content, they’re naturally cool and hydrating, making them surprisingly great at relieving swollen eyes. Cucumbers also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that blocks histamine, which may reduce bags under the eye caused by allergies.
Afterward, wash your eyes and face with cool water and pat the skin dry. Avoid tea bags containing potent spices, like pepper or cinnamon, that may irritate your eyes. Chamomile tea and green tea have natural healing properties, making them ideal options. Caffeinated teas will also restrict the blood flow and relieve puffiness.
Similarly, puffy bags can develop beneath your eyes during a cold or sinus infection. Over-the-counter medications meant to treat these conditions may help reduce bags under the eyes, too. [9] X Research source
Dissolve 1/4 tsp (0. 6 ml) finely ground non-ionized salt in 8 oz (250 ml) of warm water. Pour this solution into a clean neti pot, then tip your head to the side and use the neti pot to pour half the solution into one nostril. Tip your forehead lower to help the solution drain out of your other nostril. Repeat the same process using the other half of the solution, swapping sides to cleanse your sinus passages more thoroughly. You can also clear out your sinuses using a saline nasal spray.
Retinol eye creams are a popular choice. [11] X Research source While these creams work well in the long run by promoting collagen production, they may not provide immediate results. A better option for fast relief might be an eye cream with caffeine in it. [12] X Expert Source Christin BirckheadMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 14 April 2020. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels responsible for inflammation and discoloration. [13] X Research source Another possibility would be eye creams with Arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. [14] X Research source
On a similar note, you should also cut back on foods and drinks that may worsen dehydration when dealing with bags beneath your eyes. This includes salty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. [17] X Research source
If possible, try to use actual makeup remover to strip cosmetics from your skin before bed. Removers are specially formulated to cling to the makeup particles and lift them away, making them more effective than plain soap and water. If you don’t have makeup remover, though, regular facial cleanser and plain water will still work. Just make sure that you keep washing until all eye makeup is completely gone.
Keeping your head elevated should help drain excess blood, mucus, and other fluids away from your face, preventing them from pooling beneath your eyes and creating bags.
If you think you’ll naturally roll back onto your stomach or side during the night, try wedging pillows on the other side of your body to help reduce the amount of tossing and turning you can do.
Sleep deprivation causes your body to release cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which can cause the collagen in your skin to break down. This makes the skin beneath your eyes weaker and more prone to dark circles. [23] X Research source
Choose an eye cream the moisturizes. For an added boost, consider one containing retinol or caffeine. Do not use eye cream if you’re prone to getting styes. Regardless of the type you choose, the eye cream will help moisturize the skin and fill in any fine lines that could otherwise trap cosmetics. [25] X Research source
For best results, choose a lightweight concealer with a creamy texture. Heavier concealers can sink into the fine lines beneath your eyes and highlight skin damage. [28] X Research source Avoid using your fingers when applying concealer since doing so increases the risk of applying too much. A small, flat brush is your best option. [29] X Research source
The contrast created by the bronzer can help minimize the appearance of bags without covering them directly. Avoid bronzers with shimmer, however, since these can actually highlight bags.
The powder should help set your makeup and prevent it from gathering in the creases and fine lines of the skin around your eyes. [33] X Research source
