How To Get Rid of Eye Bags: 13 Tricks That Actually Work

No matter your age, puffy eye bags can be a frustrating concern. Like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles, under-eye bags can make it harder to achieve a radiant, youthful appearance. If you're dealing with them, chances are you've searched everywhere for answers on how to get rid of eye bags for good.

While there’s not much you can do to eliminate eye bags for good, there are steps you can take to help reduce their appearance. Ahead, we’ll break down what causes this common skin concern and share tips on how to reduce under-eye bags quickly.

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, 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 do tend to have puffier, droopier, or more tired-looking eyes than their well-rested counterparts.

Quick Fixes To Reduce Under-Eye Bags

Need to fake a great night’s sleep quickly? Below, learn how to get rid of puffiness around your eyes fast so you can get out the door and on with your day.

1. Try a cold compress

One of the best baggy eye remedies is also the simplest: A cold compress. Simply pop a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes, then put it over your eyes. Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cold can help minimize blood flow, which can temporarily alleviate swelling. For extra benefits, swap out the washcloth for under-eye masks (and, as cliché as it may sound, cucumbers can work, too).

2. Use an eye treatment with caffeine

When used topically, caffeine helps to restrict blood flow, temporarily making under eye bags (and dark circles) less noticeable. Fortunately, you don’t have to put coffee grounds on your eyes to reap these benefits. Instead, use an eye treatment 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, while continued use over time leaves the eye area firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking.

3. Give yourself a facial massage

If your eyes are puffy due to an accumulation of fluid, you can try giving yourself a gentle facial massage to help drain excess fluid. Use a gua sha tool or facial roller to gently massage your face and encourage blood flow, or use the applicator on the aforementioned caffeine eye serum to give your eye area a gentle eye contour massage.

Lifestyle Habits for Minimizing Puffiness

For those who deal with persistent under-eye bags, lifestyle changes may help address the concern. Below, we’re diving into a few habits to adopt for a fresher-looking eye area.

1. Remove makeup before bed

If you’re guilty of sleeping with your makeup on, it’s time to cut the bad habit. Falling asleep with your makeup on can contribute to a host of concerns, from breakouts to (you guessed it) puffiness and irritation. When you’re getting ready for bed, wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser to remove makeup and other impurities. Follow up with your favorite face serum, eye cream, and facial moisturizer to give your skin some TLC while you snooze.

2. Get plenty of rest

You probably saw this one coming. As mentioned earlier, a lack of sleep can contribute to a tired or even aged appearance, and it’s often associated with puffiness around the eyes. While getting eight hours of sleep every night might not always be feasible, do your best to clock at least seven hours per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. For added eye-opening benefits, apply a targeted eye cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Eye Opener, before turning off the lights.

3. Elevate your head while sleeping

The best way to get rid of bags under your eyes is to prevent them from forming in the first place. If you can, try propping your head up on a couple of pillows when you hit the sheets so your head is slightly elevated. This can help prevent fluid from pooling beneath your eyes over night, according to the Mayo Clinic.

4. Limit salt before bed

You know that saying “you are what you eat”? Well, it’s true—in a way. Eating a lot of junk food can have a noticeable (and not-so-great) impact on your appearance. Salty foods, in particular, are best limited, as sodium can cause your body to retain fluid, contributing to puffiness. Try to watch your salt intake, and when you do indulge in a salty snack, make sure to 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 puffiness under your eyes, reach for an eye cream designed specifically for under-eye bags. One option we love for both day and night is the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment. The luxe yet lightweight cream boasts a patented antioxidant blend and works to address five signs of visible eye-area aging, including puffiness, dark circles, sagging, and crow’s feet. Gently apply it to your eye area each night to reveal a firmer and fresher-looking eye area over time.

2. Store your eye cream in the fridge

If storing damp washcloths in the freezer to refresh your eye area doesn’t do it for you, consider stashing your eye cream in a skincare fridge instead. The coolness will help to minimize puffiness and perk up tired eyes, while the eye cream can help keep your eye area feeling hydrated and smooth. Consider it a win-win.

3. Wear sunscreen every day

You’re likely aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, but many of us forget to apply it to our eye area. Neglecting to protect your eyes, however, can leave the area vulnerable to UV damage, which over time can result in wrinkling and sagging. To keep your skin adequately protected from UV rays, the United States Food and Drug Administration recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, rain or shine. If you need a recommendation, we’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30. It can’t hurt to don UV-filtering sunglasses when you’re spending time outdoors, either.

4. Incorporate retinol into your routine

Retinol can be a game-changer for aging skin, and that includes the skin around your eyes. If you suspect your eye bags are due to the natural aging process, consider adding a retinol eye cream into your routine. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment is a great option. Made with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, it works to diminish lines, bags, and dark circles in as little as one week. Plus, it boasts a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that layers beautifully under makeup.

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 under-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. The trouble is that oftentimes, concealer isn’t quite enough to cover up significant under-eye darkness. What can help is color correcting—in other words, neutralizing discoloration with a makeup product that contrasts against your dark circles. If your dark circles tend to be purple in tone, you’ll generally want to reach for an orange color corrector. If they’re more blue, a yellow color-corrector may be ideal. Nailing down the exact shade to use can take some trial and error, so to streamline the process, check out our article Color Corrector Guide: How To Color Correct Dark Spots, Redness, and More.

2. Reach for 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 for help de-puffing 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.

Next Up: How To Create an Effective Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris