We’ve all heard the saying, ‘The bags under my eyes are Chanel’.
If only it were true.
With many of us working, juggling family responsibilities, sleep deprived and overindulging in high-salt and/or high-sugar and/or high fat foods – sometimes washed down with alcohol – puffiness around the eyes can be a common side effect of a busy lifestyle.
Unfortunately, there are no ‘miracle cures’ to eliminate eye bags, however there are some great products and treatments on the market to help reduce puffy eyes.
Our editor Michelle Ruzzene has rounded up her top 5 picks below, from luxe to less, to make you look as though you’ve had a great night’s sleep, no matter what your budget – or level of exhaustion.
1. La Prairie White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire Illuminating Eye Cream, $805, 20ml – This is one expensive eye cream which I was fortunate enough to try recently during a webinar with La Prairie education director Belinda Besant. The cream comes with its own cooling ceramic pearl, which is used to massage the product in around the eye area. After just one treatment, the skin around my eyes certainly felt more hydrated and nourished. My dark circles seemed brighter.
2. Fotona laser treatment, one treatment approx. $500 – The Fotona treatment uses an innovative laser which utilises a unique combination of two complementary laser wavelengths to treat four distinct ‘dimensions’ of the skin to rejuvenate and tighten from the inside out. I was able to try non-surgical, non-invasive treatment around my eyes at 99 Medispa in Sydney’s CBD. The best thing about the treatment is that it is quick – it took about 15 minutes in total – and completely painless. You can see from my ‘before’ and immediate ‘after’ picture below, taken in the clinic under the same light, results are immediate – I looked as though I had enjoyed a great night’s rest. Two or three treatments are recommended for maximum results.
3. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex, $152, 15ml – This a silky, hydrating eye cream formulated with of proxylane (a patented molecule derived from beech wood to help support the skin’s matrix and restores water to skin) blueberry extract, and a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides. It is a great eye cream for dehydrated skin, that helps to smooth over and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles, while improving dark circles and puffiness. A highly recommended eye cream for those looking for an injection of hydration.
4. Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, $58, 15ml – I’m all about the tools, and this metal cooling rollerball really helps the eye cream absorb into the eye area. The massage tool helps to refresh and hydrate puffy eyes. The eye cream contains a potent mix of caffeine, antioxidants and soothing botanicals. One of the best value eye creams.
5. Cold compress, free – Old wives’ tales about beauty can be true – especially the one about putting cucumbers on your eyes. The humble cucumber has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to reduce puffiness – it works even better when the cucumber is straight out of the fridge. Otherwise, my other go-to is a bag of frozen beans or peas over closed eyes for a few minutes. An instant eye lift at (virtually) no cost!
