10 Ways to Reduce Puffy Eyes

Hey you! I'm back from my week-long vacation! The beach was beautiful and I had an excellent time with friends. This vacation was much-needed after everything that has been going with my Daddy's death two months ago. I don't think I've ever cried this much and puffy eyes have become part of the norm. Luckily, I've got a few tricks to help de-puff eyes if you'd like to see:

Pre-Treat

1-Water, Head Elevation, Avoiding Salty Foods Before Bed, Allergy Meds, Enough Sleep--These are part of the basics, but really can help in avoiding puffy eyes. I had to include these!

DIY
2-Cucumber--Tried-and-true because it works. Place a slice or two under eyes for 20 minutes. I like to place mine in a food processor and then take the entire mushed mix and place under my eyes.

3-Raw Potato Slices--Similar to the cucumber, but this helps with dark circles too.

4-DIY Puffing Mask--This is for the face, but there's something about this milk and baking soda combo that works. Recipe here.

5-DIY Soothing Eye Pads--Chamomile tea is the trick to these. Recipe here.
BONUS: If your eyes aren't sensitive to scent, you can try spritzing cotton pads with witch hazel and leaving under eyes for a few minutes.

6-Peppermint Tea Bags--After making tea, keep the tea bags in the fridge to cool them. Place them under the eyes for 20 min.
BONUS: You can do this with chamomile tea bags mentioned above.
BONUS: You can also soak pads in the peppermint tea and place under the eyes.

7-Cold Metal Spoons--How easy is this? Take cold spoons from the fridge and gently press the backs of them to eyes for 10 minutes. It won't make the puff completely disappear but definitely helps.

Buy
8-Roller Balls--Not for perfume--these are for eyes! There are tons of these on the market, in all price ranges. Just roll them under the eyes and pat in. I like the Garnier one because it has caffeine and peppermint leaf extract. Per-fekt and First Aid Beauty make great ones too. These are similar to the spoon idea but with product and work best for puffy eyes that aren't severe.

9-Eye Pads--Leave these gel-pads under eyes for a refreshing treatment. I use these the most from all of the tricks I'm recommending. My faves are from ToGo Spa.

10-Eye Creams and Masks--Use these nightly to treat puffy eyes. I really like ones from La Roche Posay, Yes to Cucumbers, and Peter Thomas Roth (he has 2 I love. Keep them in the fridge). Note: some people are born with them, as in it's genetics, so no amount of cream will help that.

What Doesn't Work:

• Ice Cubes--Please don't leave an ice cube under your eyes! You could damage that gentle area. Try using a cold compress instead. There are eye masks you keep in the freezer.
• Preparation H (US version)--I see this recommended all.the.time. and it doesn't work. Nope. The formula was changed 20 years ago!

Extra Elle:

• Back home from the beach but my mind is still there! I had the best time and it did my soul well. I spent most of yesterday getting caught up on blogs and emails. Let me know if I haven't stopped by.