How to Reduce Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles: 6 Surefire Tricks

If the eyes are the mirror to the soul, some people’s souls look puffy, dark, tired, and wrinkled. Fortunately, these simple tricks will perk you up.

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dark circles puffy eyes, woman covering her eyes with heart-shaped pillows
photo credit: shutterstock

Fixes for puffy eyes and dark circles

There is no shortage of creams and serums to fix puffy eyes and dark circles at drugstores and beauty counters. But in case you have this type of beauty emergency, here are five ways to brighten your peepers and soften bags under your eyes. All with things you likely already have at home!

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with avocado slices
Photo: Shutterstock

Avocado

For many people, tiredness causes dark circles under the eyes and that can add years to their appearance. If you can’t catch up on your rest, place slices of ripe avocado under each eye, or try applying a paste of ground almonds and milk to lighten the dark shadows.

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with cold spoons
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Spoons

Take two metal teaspoons and hold them under very cold running water for a few minutes. Then lie down and place the bowls of the spoons over your eyelids for 30 to 60 seconds. The sharp cold of the metal will revive tired eyes and may boost your energy at the same time.

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with cucumber slices
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Cucumber

When your eyes are red and puffy, cut a couple slices of cold cucumber, lie down, and put a slice over each eye for 30 minutes. Once you’re up, your eyes will be brighter and your body refreshed.

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with gel teething rings
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Teething rings

Put two gel-filled baby teething rings in the freezer until they’re ice cold, then lie down and place the rings on your closed eyelids for about 10 minutes. The cold will not only reduce eye puffiness but invigorate you, too.

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with wet tea bags
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Tea

Caffeinated tea, which contains natural tannins, is a mild diuretic and long-used by grandmothers and runway models for reducing eye puffiness. Soak two tea bags in warm water, and then chill the bags for a few minutes in the refrigerator. Place one tea bag on each eye for five minutes, and your eyes will feel fresh.

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Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles with hemorrhoid cream
Photo: Shutterstock

Hemorrhoid cream

Models and performers have reduced puffiness and wrinkles with hemorrhoid cream for years—the stuff tightens puffy areas quickly and reduces wrinkles. If the odour of the cream is too strong, mix a bit of your moisturizer into it before applying. And be careful not to get any of the cream in your eyes.

Originally Published in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things

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