Household Items

• Chilled tea bags soothe puffy eyelids.
  
  Waking up with puffy eyes can sometimes occur, and there are items in your home that can be used to remedy the problem. Generally, anything cold will help reduce swelling because the temperature will constrict blood flow to the inflammation. Ice wrapped in paper towels and held on puffy eyelids will work, as will keeping sliced, frozen or chilled cucumbers on your eyelids for five to 10 minutes. Tea bags soaked in water can be held on your eyelids for 15 minutes, allowing the tannic acid in the tea to draw out puffiness. Putting a metal spoon in the freezer for a few minutes and subsequently on your eyes works as well.
  
  

Cosmetics and OTC Medicines

• Origins No Puffery eye cream is a cosmetic remedy for puffy eyelids.
  
  When puffy eyes are the result of allergies, it is best to start off by taking Benedryl or Claritin to help reduce your susceptibility to irritation, as well as tone down the inflammation. While you're waiting for the medication to work, there are many cosmetics companies that offer products for puffy eyelids. A few of the best are:
  
  - MAC Fast Response Eye Cream. This cream contains caffeine, which is a de-puffing agent, and also helps with under-eye circles. It keeps the sensitive skin around the eyes soft and moisturized, as well.
  - Origins No Puffery. This "cooling mask" uses yeast extract to de-puff eyelids and lighten dark circles. It is especially good for sensitive skin.
  - Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Under-Eye Concealer. If you can't wait for the allergy medicine to work its magic, use this concealer for coverage that virtually erases all signs of puff and fatigue.
  - Philosophy Eye-Hope. This cream doubles as an anti-aging product, but is known for its ability to reduce swelling in the eye area.
  
  In general, find an eye cream that contains aloe, for soothing, and vitamin E, which is a known antioxidant that is beneficial for skin.
  
  

Subtle Lifestyle Changes

• Drink more water.
  
  The foods you eat and your lifestyle can affect the way your body reacts. It is important to stay hydrated. Also, decrease the amount of sodium you consume, as this decreases the chances of water retention, especially around the eyes. Sleeping with pillows that are too flat can also cause puffy eyes; keep your head elevated with thicker pillows and make sure to get a good night's sleep. Lastly, if your eyes are puffy due to a night of crying, do something that makes you feel good and dry those tears.