How to reduce under-eye puffiness

1/13/11

How to reduce under-eye puffiness

1. Soothe
"If you have time, start with remedies that drain excess fluid from under the eyes before you camouflage with makeup," says pro makeup artist Buffy Shields, who has worked with Penelope Cruz. Anything cooling helps to constrict blood vessels and reduces swelling. "Put chilled wet tea bags or cold, fresh cucumber slices or refrigerated teaspoons on your closed eyes and relax for 10 minutes," she suggests.

2. Treat
Dab on an eye cream that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as caffeine, yeast extract or orange peel extract, which encourage fluid drainage. If you use a gel, allow it to absorb, then follow with a light moisturizer. Tip: If puffiness is chronic, keep eye creams in the fridge.

3. Disguise
a) To lessen shadows or discolouration, "choose a liquid or creamy concealer that matches your general skin tone exactly," says Shields. "If you go lighter, the bags will look worse."

b) On your upper lids only, sweep on a matte eye shadow in a skin-tone shade. If you need eyeliner to make your lashes look thicker, go for a dark brown, stay as close to the lash lines as possible and line only the top lids. Curl eyelashes to make eyes look brighter and bigger, and apply black mascara.

c) The rest of your makeup plays a supporting role in keeping the focus off your under-eye bags. "Choose a soft, neutral blush," says Shields. "Bright cheeks will attract attention too close to your eyes. Spotlight your lips instead, with a high-shine gloss."