Simple home remedies that can reduce under-eye bags
Reduce puffy eyes with tea bags
One of the oldest home remedies for reducing puffiness under the eyes is using tea bags. The caffeine in tea actively helps to reduce under-eye bags and increases blood flow to the area around the eyes.
How to do it:
- Start by placing the tea bags in warm water for a few minutes.
- Then let them cool in the fridge for a little while.
- Place the bags over your eyelids and leave them on for around 15 minutes.
DIY cooling compress for puffy eyes
Cooling the area around the eyes can bring some relief from under-eye bags. If you don't have an actual cold compress at home, there are several DIY alternatives worth trying.
You could use, for example:
- frozen bags of vegetables
- a damp cold flannel
- a cold spoon or similar
- an eye mask with cold cucumber slices
Always be careful not to place ice-cold objects directly against the skin — it can be harmful. Make sure there's always a cloth or similar barrier between the skin and whatever cold item you're using.
The treatment should last no more than a couple of minutes.
Rinse your nose to ease puffiness under the eyes
Rinsing your nose is a trick that can help reduce under-eye bags for some people. The first step is to invest in a nasal rinse. For a more targeted eye-area routine, you can complement this with our Awakening Eye Gels, which help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Fill the rinse with a saline solution and flush your nasal passages. This clears the nose and sinuses. Follow the instructions on your nasal rinse for best results.
Lifestyle habits that affect under-eye bags
Hydration - are you drinking enough water?
Maintaining the right fluid balance in your body is important for your general wellbeing — and that includes avoiding under-eye bags. When your body is dehydrated, the risk of puffiness under the eyes increases.
Make sure you're drinking enough water every day. Aim for around 10 glasses of water (approximately two litres) per day to keep your hydration levels in check.
Could your under-eye bags be caused by allergies?
Puffy eyes can also be the result of an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain substances. There are several over-the-counter medicines that can help ease allergy symptoms — antihistamines in particular.
Speak to your doctor if you're unsure whether you have an allergy.
How sleep affects puffiness and under-eye bags
Too little sleep is one of the most common causes of under-eye bags. So make sure you plan your time so that you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and try to keep a regular sleep schedule.
If you struggle to sleep, here are a few tips that can help:
- Prioritise a regular routine — go to bed and wake up at the same time each day until your body adjusts.
- Put your phone down an hour before bed — the blue light from screens tricks your body into thinking it's still daytime and can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime.
- Another tip for reducing under-eye bags is to sleep with your head slightly elevated — for example by using two or more pillows.
Foods that can help reduce under-eye bags
What you eat can play a significant role when it comes to under-eye bags. Certain foods and nutrients can help reduce puffiness, while others make it worse.
Above all, it's important to get plenty of vitamin C, which is beneficial for the skin in general. Make sure you're also getting enough iron — either through supplements or by eating iron-rich foods such as beans, spinach, or red meat.
Try to limit your salt intake, as it affects how well your skin cells retain water. Too much salt can cause the skin under the eyes to swell.
If you've ever looked in the mirror after a late night out, you'll know that alcohol has a similar effect on the area around the eyes — so it's worth cutting back on how much and how often you drink.
Taking care of the skin around the eyes
Why SPF around the eyes matters
Keep the skin around your eyes in good condition by protecting it from harmful UV rays. The recommendation is to use sun protection factor every day.
The delicate skin around the eyes in particular needs extra protection from UV rays to help prevent puffiness and under-eye bags. You can complement your SPF with sunglasses or a sun hat. For extra moisture and a more refreshed look, you can add the Hydrating Hyal Eye Stick to your daily routine for the sensitive skin under the eyes.
Why you should always remove your makeup before bed
Thoroughly cleansing your skin and face before bed is important for giving your skin the rest it needs. Sleeping with makeup on can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and increase the risk of infection.
Leaving makeup on overnight simply puts unnecessary strain on the skin. Make sure to remove all eye makeup with a gentle remover before you go to sleep. A mild product like Caring Eyes Waterproof Make-Up Remover can help you take off all eye makeup without stressing the delicate skin around the eyes.
Quick relief from under-eye bags with Xlash
How Xlash Rejuvenating Eye Gel Patches visibly reduce under-eye bags
Reduce the appearance of under-eye bags in an instant with Xlash Rejuvenating Eye Gels. These hydrating eye gel patches are packed with powerful ingredients — including caffeine, ceramides, and multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid — that quickly refresh and smooth the skin under the eyes. They revitalise tired skin while visibly reducing puffiness, and give the skin a thorough moisture boost.
If you want to work more long-term on fine lines and multiple areas at once, Longevity Multizone is a great addition to your routine. These innovative hydrogel patches are developed for areas including under the eyes, crow's feet, the forehead, and nasolabial folds — helping the skin feel firmer, smoother, and more hydrated over time.
Step by step: how to use your eye gel patches
- Apply to clean, dry skin under the eyes.
- Relax and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the patches and gently pat any remaining serum into the skin.
Pop the eye gels in the fridge for a little while before applying for an extra cooling and de-puffing effect.
Tip: Wear eye patches while you apply eye makeup to catch any fallout. You'll also get a silky-smooth canvas that makes for a better makeup result under the eyes.
To summarise
Puffiness and under-eye bags can be caused by several factors — sleep, hydration, diet, and lifestyle — but there are simple ways to reduce them. Through home remedies like cold compresses and caffeine, healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, and the right skincare, you can quickly achieve a more refreshed look. For even more effect, targeted products like eye gel patches can help hydrate, reduce puffiness, and smooth the skin under the eyes.
Explore all our eye gel patches here and find the option that suits your skin and your needs — whether you want to focus on puffiness, hydration, or fine lines.
