Party-Proof Your Peepers: How To Avoid Puffy Eyes
The festive season is nearly here, and with it comes late nights, bubbles, and a holiday schedule that can wreak havoc on your sleep (and your under-eyes). Just when you’re aiming for that fresh, bright-eyed look, the inevitable puffiness comes along as an unwelcome guest. But don’t fret—we’re here to help you take control of those morning bags and give you the best tips, tricks, and beauty buys for smoother, perkier eyes, just in time for party season.
Why Do We Get Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes are caused by fluid retention around the delicate skin under our eyes. Several things can trigger this, from a bad night’s sleep to a bit too much salt or alcohol (a cheeky mulled wine, perhaps?). Other culprits include allergies, dehydration, genetics, and ageing.
As we get older, the skin under our eyes naturally loses elasticity, making it easier for fluid to pool, leading to that tell-tale puffiness.
How to Avoid Puffy Eyes
While the odd party binge or all-nighter might be inevitable during the holiday season, a few lifestyle tweaks can help you keep the puffiness in check.
1. Prioritise Hydration
Dehydration can cause the skin to hold onto water, ironically leading to puffiness. Keep a water bottle on hand throughout the day and aim for those eight glasses.
2. Mind Your Salt and Sugar Intake
Salt and sugar can be major offenders when it comes to under-eye swelling. We know the holidays are a tempting time for treats, but keeping your diet balanced will do wonders for your skin.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Easier said than done but aim for 7-9 hours of sleep whenever you can. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can help prevent fluid from pooling around the eyes as you rest.
4. Remove Makeup Gently
Nothing says puffy like irritation from leftover mascara or eyeliner. Take a gentle approach to makeup removal, especially around the eyes, to avoid irritation and swelling.
Beauty Hacks to De-Puff in a Pinch
If you do wake up looking like you could double as Santa’s helper, here are a few quick fixes suggested by celebrity Facialist Nataliya Robinson
1. Cold Compress
Cool temperatures can shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling. Keep a couple of teaspoons in the fridge or, if you’re feeling fancy, try a jade roller kept in the freezer. A cold compress using a chilled damp cloth will also work wonders.
2. Caffeine Boost
Caffeine isn’t just for your morning latte—it’s also a miracle ingredient for waking up tired eyes. Caffeine constricts blood vessels and reduces fluid retention. Look for eye creams with caffeine and apply them first thing in the morning.
3. Tap It Out
This may sound a bit unusual, but tapping gently on the skin around your eyes can help stimulate lymphatic drainage. Use your ring finger (it’s the gentlest) and tap from the inner to the outer corner of your eyes in a circular motion.
4. Green Tea Bags
Once you’ve brewed a cup of green tea, pop the used tea bags in the fridge for a few minutes, then place them over your eyes. The antioxidants and caffeine in green tea can reduce puffiness and brighten the skin.
5. Aloe Vera and Cucumber
Slice a few chilled cucumber rounds or apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel under your eyes. Both have soothing and cooling properties that can help reduce swelling.
Our Top Product Picks for Brighter, Party-Ready Eyes
If there’s ever a time to invest in an eye cream that delivers, it’s during the festive season. Here are some tried-and-true favourites:
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
