How To Get Rid of Eye Bags: 14 Tricks That Actually Work

Sporting puffy, tired-looking under-eyes can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re aiming for a youthful, well-rested look. If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of eye bags, you’re far from alone—this common skin concern can develop at any age, thanks to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there’s no over-the-counter treatment that can completely eliminate under-eye bags, understanding what causes that puffy, tired appearance can help you manage your eye care routine more effectively.

Ahead, we’ll explain some of the most common causes of eye bags, share tips on how to minimize their appearance, and offer a look at some of our favorite products for keeping your eye area looking bright, youthful, and well-rested.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

According to the Mayo Clinic, bags under the eyes are a common issue that many people experience, especially as they age. The skin around the eyes is generally thinner than the rest of your face. As your skin loses its youthful elasticity, the fat pads beneath your eyes can sag into your lower eyelid area. This, coupled with thinning skin, can make your under-eye area look puffy, discolored, wrinkled, or even swollen.

Fluid buildup can also contribute to under-eye bags, regardless of your age. Likewise, some people are simply genetically predisposed to developing under-eye bags (you can thank Mom and Dad for that one). Finally, puffy eyes are often associated with a lack of sleep. And that’s not for nothing: Research published in Sleep shows that sleep-deprived individuals tend to have puffier, droopier, or more tired-looking eyes than their well-rested counterparts.

How To Identify The Cause of Your Under-Eye Bags

Identifying the cause of your under-eye bags is the first step toward finding the right remedy. While all eye bags can make your eye area look puffy, different types tend to show up in different ways.

Age-related bags often appear as consistent puffiness or mild sagging, coupled with thinner skin and, sometimes, a sunken appearance. You may also notice persistent dark circles or notice that the veins underneath your eyes look more visible than they once did.

If your puffiness comes and goes or tends to be most pronounced in the morning, fluid buildup may be to blame. On the other hand, if you only develop bags under your eyes after a late night or a busy week, sleep deprivation may be the main cause. The amount of sleep you need can vary from person to person, but the Mayo Clinic recommends aiming for at least seven hours per night.

Lastly, if your eye bags are genetic, they’re likely noticeable regardless of your age or how much sleep you get—and you may see a similar pattern in your parents. While most treatments can help soften the look of puffiness, knowing the root cause makes it easier to choose an option that truly aligns with your needs. In some cases, you may also be able to make simple lifestyle adjustments that help minimize puffiness over time.

Quick Fixes To Reduce Under-Eye Bags

If you’re here, you’re likely hoping to learn how to get rid of bags under your eyes once and for all. The fact is, it’s not always that simple—skincare and lifestyle changes take time to work. Still, if you need to look more refreshed quickly, here are a few helpful tricks worth trying.

1. Try a cold compress

One of the best baggy eye remedies is also the simplest: a cold compress. Pop a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes, then lay it over your eyes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cold helps constrict blood vessels, which can temporarily reduce swelling. For a boosted effect, you can swap the washcloth for chilled under-eye masks—and yes, as cliché as it sounds, cool cucumber slices can work, too.

2. Use an eye treatment with caffeine

When used topically, caffeine helps constrict blood vessels, which can temporarily make under-eye bags (and dark circles) less noticeable. Luckily, you don’t need to apply coffee grounds to get the benefits. Instead, reach for an eye treatment formulated with caffeine, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum. The lightweight, hydrating formula works quickly to de-puff and brighten tired-looking eyes, and with continued use, it helps the eye area look firmer, smoother, and more youthful.

3. Try an under-eye corrector

If your eye bags are especially noticeable and you want to shrink them fast, try an under-eye corrector. These treatments work by temporarily tightening the skin, which helps make puffiness look less pronounced. A great option is the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Bag Instant Eraser. Formulated with skin-tightening polymers, the lightweight gel creates a smoothing, blurring effect that visibly reduces under-eye bags within minutes. It dries down clear, layers well under makeup, and helps the eye area look firmer, smoother, and more lifted for up to eight hours. Simply dab a small amount onto your eye area, wait 15 minutes to allow the formula to set, then apply your makeup as usual for a smooth, refreshed look.

4. Give yourself a facial massage

If your eyes are puffy due to fluid buildup, a gentle facial massage may help drain the excess. Carefully sweep a gua sha tool or facial roller over your skin to encourage circulation, or try an under-eye massager designed for the delicate eye area to help promote drainage and reduce puffiness.

Lifestyle Habits To Minimize Puffiness

If you deal with persistent under-eye bags, certain lifestyle shifts may help minimize the issue over time. Below, we’re sharing a few simple habits that can support a fresher, more well-rested-looking eye area.

1. Remove makeup before bed

If you’re guilty of sleeping in your makeup, it’s time to break the habit. Going to bed without cleansing can lead to a range of issues, from breakouts and irritation to (you guessed it) increased puffiness around the eyes. Before you turn in, wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Then follow with your go-to face serum, eye cream, and moisturizer to give your skin some overnight TLC.

2. Get plenty of rest

You probably saw this one coming: a lack of sleep can make you look tired—or even older—and often leads to puffiness around the eyes. While getting a full eight hours every night isn’t always possible, aim for at least seven hours and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. For an extra boost, smooth on a targeted eye cream before hitting the sheets. We love the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Eye Opener, a luxe under-eye cream for eye bags, dark circles, crow’s feet, and more.

3. Elevate your head while sleeping

The most effective way to tackle under-eye bags is to prevent them from forming in the first place. When possible, try elevating your head with a couple of pillows while you sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, this slight incline can help reduce fluid buildup beneath the eyes overnight and prevent the formation of puffy eye bags.

4. Limit salt before bed

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat,” and it holds true when it comes to under-eye bags. Eating a lot of processed or salty foods can make puffiness more noticeable, as sodium encourages your body to retain fluid. To help minimize swelling, watch your salt intake, and when you do indulge, balance it out with plenty of water.

Skincare Solutions for Puffy Under-Eyes

Unsurprisingly, adopting a targeted eye care routine is among the best ways to keep your eye area looking fresh and rested every day. Ahead, we’re breaking down a few of our favorite skincare tips for reducing under-eye bags.

1. Use a targeted eye cream

If you’re prone to under-eye puffiness, reach for an eye cream specifically formulated for under-eye bags. One favorite for both day and night is the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment. This lightweight, luxurious cream features a patented antioxidant blend and targets five visible signs of eye-area aging, including puffiness, dark circles, sagging, and crow’s feet. Gently pat it around your eye area every morning and night to help reveal a firmer, fresher-looking eye area over time.

2. Store your eye cream in the fridge

If using a cold compress (such as a damp washcloth from the freezer) doesn’t appeal to you, another option is to store your eye cream in a skincare fridge. The coolness works similarly to a compress, helping to reduce under-eye puffiness and refresh tired eyes, while the cream keeps the delicate area hydrated and smooth. It’s an easy win-win for brighter, more awake-looking eyes.

3. Reach for retinol

Retinol can be a game-changer for aging skin—including the delicate area around your eyes. If your under-eye bags are linked to the natural aging process, consider incorporating a retinol eye cream into your routine. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment is a top pick. Formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, it helps reduce lines, puffiness, and dark circles in as little as one week. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula also layers seamlessly under makeup.

4. Wear sunscreen every day

You probably know that wearing sunscreen is key to protecting your skin, but the delicate eye area is often overlooked. Skipping sun protection here can leave the skin vulnerable to UV damage, which over time may lead to wrinkles and sagging. To guard against harmful rays, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day, rain or shine. We like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30, as it helps protect against damaging UV rays while improving skin’s texture and tone. Reapply your chosen sunscreen every two hours (or after sweating or swimming), and for added protection, slip on a pair of UV-filtering sunglasses when you’re outdoors.

Makeup Tips for Camouflaging Eye Bags

Makeup can be a helpful tool for concealing under-eye bags when you don’t have time to apply a cold compress or do a facial massage. If you want to know how to get rid of eye bags fast—or at least make the area look less puffy—try these tips.

1. Use a color corrector

Under-eye bags and dark circles often go hand-in-hand, and sometimes concealer alone isn’t enough to fully mask noticeable darkness. That’s where color correcting comes in. This technique involves using a makeup product that neutralizes discoloration by contrasting with your dark circles. For example, if your dark circles lean purple, an orange corrector can help make your eyes appear brighter and more balanced; if your dark circles are more blue, a yellow corrector may work best. Finding the perfect shade can take a bit of trial and error, so to simplify the process, check out our article Color Corrector Guide: How To Color Correct Dark Spots, Redness, and More.

2. Apply a hydrating concealer

After applying (and blending) your color corrector, you’ll want to brighten your under-eye area with concealer in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. For this, we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. The lightweight formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to help de-puff tired-looking eyes, and it provides medium coverage for disguising dark circles. Plus, it won’t settle into fine lines or creases the way some heavier concealers might. Don’t forget to set your makeup to help keep everything in place. For all-day wear without a cakey or heavy feel, mist your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist at the end of your routine.

Next Up: Our Best Skin-Firming Products: 7 Picks To Lift, Firm, and Tighten Your Skin

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris