How to De-Puff Eyes and Look Awake After a Late Night

Look well-rested and perky even after a late night.

Sometimes late nights are unavoidable, whether you're cramming for a test, preparing for an important day at work or enjoying a night out on the town. Whatever the reason, staying up too late often takes a toll the next morning. If you need to look fresh, beautiful and professional the next day, puffy eyes and other signs of sleepiness are bad news. Fortunately it's possible to erase signs of tiredness and look bright and alert.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gel eye mask
• Frozen vegetables

1. Wear a cold compress or eye mask. Coldness boosts circulation and drains the excess fluids that cause puffiness. Place a gel eye mask in the fridge or the freezer; it should be chilled but not frozen. If possible, use an eye mask without eye holes so your eyelids will also receive benefits. Place the mask over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not have a mask, place a bag of frozen vegetables over your eyes for 10 minutes. Wrap the bag in thin fabric if it is too cold for comfort.

2. Apply your eye cream with a gentle massage that reduces puffiness. BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

   Gently but firmly massage the skin beneath your eyes. Focus on the area beneath your eyes, starting at either side of your nose and moving outward across your cheekbones. Push the skin gently upward as you massage under your eye area in a circular motion. Apply a hydrating, nourishing eye cream at the same time for added benefits.

3. Take a warm shower. Following your cold compress, a warm shower offers an emotional boost and helps you look less tired. Briefly aim your face beneath the shower spray so that the warm water massages your eyelids and under your eyes. The warm water further helps to reduce any remaining puffiness.

4. Apply light makeup. Avoid heavy lines or dark shades, which run the risk of emphasizing your puffy eyes and looking too harsh. Use makeup items in neutral, light shades with a hint of shimmer. Apply a light layer of translucent illuminating powder and a tinted moisturizer to cover dark circles. Add a dusting of bronzer to your cheeks for a healthy glow. Instead of dark or heavy eyeliner, use a beige or nude color to cancel out any redness around your eyelids.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know ahead of time that you'll have a late night, use preventive measures. Keep your head elevated as you sleep by using a thick pillow or two pillows stacked together. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or salt if possible. Before bed, apply a light layer of moisturizing cream, focusing on the area around your eyes.

• Soak a cloth in warm chamomile tea and rest it over your eyes. The soothing, anti-inflammatory tea helps alleviate puffiness. Or place two chilled and pre-steeped teabags over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.

References

• Real Simple: 10 Beauty Shortcuts
• Total Beauty: How to Look Awake and Refreshed Every Morning
• Tidbits and Stuff; Cool Tricks for De-Puffing Your Eye Bags; Janet Martin