How to Quickly Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes

Last Updated: January 7, 2023 References Approved

If you frequently suffer from dark, puffy bags beneath your eyes, you may need to try some long-term treatments to address the underlying problem and permanently get rid of them. Thankfully, there are several short-term strategies that can temporarily reduce, remove, or hide bags under your eyes within a few hours or days. While these solutions won’t fix an ongoing problem, they might be able to help you if you need to get rid of your puffy eyes in a hurry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cooling Down for Immediate Relief

1
Apply a cool compress. Soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool water, ringing out the excess once drenched. Gently press the washcloth beneath and around your eyes, making sure to cover the entire bagged area. Continue for about five minutes.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Do this while sitting upright to encourage any pooled fluids beneath your eyes to drain.
- The cold compress--and other cooling techniques--work by constricting the blood vessels responsible for discoloration and swelling beneath the eye.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Press a cold spoon against your eyes.^{[3]
X
Research source} Place four stainless steel spoons in a cold glass of ice water; allow them to chill for two to four minutes. Remove one spoon and carefully apply it to the swollen, dark circle beneath your eye, pressing lightly. Keep it there until the spoon warms to the temperature of your skin.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Return the used spoon to the ice water and take out a new spoon. Repeat this process with the bag beneath your other eye.
- Continue as needed, swapping out warmed spoons for chilled ones, for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how long it takes to reduce the appearance of both bags.
Advertisement
3
Cover your eyes with cucumbers.^{[5]
X
Research source} Cut two 1/2-inch (1.25-cm) thick slices of refrigerated cucumber and place them over each closed eye, making sure to cover the affected area. Relax in an upright position with your head slightly back for about 25 minutes.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Since cucumbers have a high water content, they're naturally cool and hydrating, making them surprisingly great at relieving swollen eyes. Cucumbers also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that blocks histamine, which may reduce bags under the eye caused by allergies.
4
Use chilled tea bags. Dunk two tea bags in cold water, then place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to get them even chillier. When they're ready, place the tea bags over closed eyes, covering the bagged area. Lie back with your head slightly elevated and continue treatment for 25 to 30 minutes.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Afterward, wash your eyes and face with cool water and pat the skin dry.
- Avoid tea bags containing potent spices, like pepper or cinnamon, that may irritate your eyes. Chamomile tea and green tea have natural healing properties, making them ideal options. Caffeinated teas will also restrict the blood flow and relieve puffiness.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Quickly Addressing Underlying Issues

1
Take an antihistamine. Allergies are one possible reason you might have bags under your eyes. If you're experiencing other allergy symptoms, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine might be a worthwhile option to consider.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Similarly, puffy bags can develop beneath your eyes during a cold or sinus infection. Over-the-counter medications meant to treat these conditions may help reduce bags under the eyes, too.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
2
Flush out your sinuses. If sinus problems cause your puffy eyes but an antihistamine doesn't reduce those bags thoroughly enough, consider using a neti pot to flush out the extra fluid building up beneath your eyes.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Dissolve 1/4 tsp (0.6 ml) finely ground non-ionized salt in 8 oz (250 ml) of warm water.
- Pour this solution into a clean neti pot, then tip your head to the side and use the neti pot to pour half the solution into one nostril. Tip your forehead lower to help the solution drain out of your other nostril.
- Repeat the same process using the other half of the solution, swapping sides to cleanse your sinus passages more thoroughly.
- You can also clear out your sinuses using a saline nasal spray.
3
Apply eye cream. There are numerous eye creams formulated to help reduce puffy bags. Look for one that claims to be fast-acting for the quickest results.
- Retinol eye creams are a popular choice.^{[11]
  X
  Research source} While these creams work well in the long run by promoting collagen production, they may not provide immediate results.
- A better option for fast relief might be an eye cream with caffeine in it.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Christin Birckhead
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Caffeine constricts the blood vessels responsible for inflammation and discoloration.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
- Another possibility would be eye creams with Arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
4
Stay hydrated. Make sure you're drinking the recommended eight 8-oz (250-ml) glasses of water per day.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Puffiness beneath the eyes can be caused by water retention, but dehydration actually causes your body to retain more water.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- On a similar note, you should also cut back on foods and drinks that may worsen dehydration when dealing with bags beneath your eyes. This includes salty foods, alcohol, and caffeine.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Banishing Bags Overnight

1
Remove any makeup. Before going to bed, thoroughly wash off any makeup you applied to your face earlier in the day. Eye makeup can cause your eyes to water while you sleep, which will increase the amount of puffiness you wake up with.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- If possible, try to use actual makeup remover to strip cosmetics from your skin before bed. Removers are specially formulated to cling to the makeup particles and lift them away, making them more effective than plain soap and water.
- If you don't have makeup remover, though, regular facial cleanser and plain water will still work. Just make sure that you keep washing until all eye makeup is completely gone.
2
Sleep with your head elevated. Slide an extra pillow beneath your head before falling asleep. You could also prop up the head of your mattress or elevate the entire head of the bed. The main idea is simply to keep your head higher than the rest of your body.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Keeping your head elevated should help drain excess blood, mucus, and other fluids away from your face, preventing them from pooling beneath your eyes and creating bags.
3
Lay on your back. If you sleep on your stomach or your side, switch to sleeping on your back for the night. By keeping your eyes facing up, you allow gravity to pull excess fluid away from your eyes instead of letting it gather there.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- If you think you'll naturally roll back onto your stomach or side during the night, try wedging pillows on the other side of your body to help reduce the amount of tossing and turning you can do.
4
Get enough sleep. Poor sleep is one of the better-known causes of bags beneath your eyes.^{[21]
X
Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Plan ahead when choosing your bedtime so that you can get about seven to eight hours of sleep before your alarm goes off the next morning.^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Sleep deprivation causes your body to release cortisol, the "stress hormone," which can cause the collagen in your skin to break down. This makes the skin beneath your eyes weaker and more prone to dark circles.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Hiding Bags Using Cosmetics

1
Apply eye cream. Before applying any makeup, dab some eye cream over the bags. Give it a few minutes to dry before continuing.^{[24]
X
Research source}
- Choose an eye cream the moisturizes. For an added boost, consider one containing retinol or caffeine.
- Do not use eye cream if you’re prone to getting styes.
- Regardless of the type you choose, the eye cream will help moisturize the skin and fill in any fine lines that could otherwise trap cosmetics.^{[25]
  X
  Research source}
2
Cover the area with concealer. Lightly apply concealer that matches your skin tone over the bags beneath your eyes.^{[26]
X
Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Use the applicator or a brush to pat it on, but avoid rubbing it into the skin since doing so could cause further irritation^{[27]
X
Research source}
- For best results, choose a lightweight concealer with a creamy texture. Heavier concealers can sink into the fine lines beneath your eyes and highlight skin damage.^{[28]
  X
  Research source}
- Avoid using your fingers when applying concealer since doing so increases the risk of applying too much. A small, flat brush is your best option.^{[29]
  X
  Research source}
3
Carefully sweep on some bronzer. While only optional, adding a bronzer to your cheeks can help minimize the appearance of swollen bags beneath your eyes. Apply the bronzer to your cheeks and blend it upward to the area just beneath your eyes using a standard powder brush.^{[30]
X
Research source}
- The contrast created by the bronzer can help minimize the appearance of bags without covering them directly. Avoid bronzers with shimmer, however, since these can actually highlight bags.
4
Use a light-colored eyeliner on your lower lid. Pick a white, cream, or light nude color and apply it to the inside of your lower lid. It will help your eyes look brighter, you’ll seem more awake, and it will distract attention away from your bags.
5
Top the area with powder. Use a brush with splayed bristles to lightly dust loose, translucent powder beneath your eyes and over your cheeks.^{[31]
X
Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}^{[32]
X
Research source}
- The powder should help set your makeup and prevent it from gathering in the creases and fine lines of the skin around your eyes.^{[33]
  X
  Research source}

How Can You Make Under-Eye Bags Look Less Obvious?

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How can I hide my eye bags?

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Christin Birckhead

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try applying a concealer that matches your skin tone around your eyes. Set your makeup with a translucent powder so it doesn't come off.
Question

Do cold spoons get rid of dark circles?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Cold spoons can reduce swelling and darkness caused by blood accumulating under the eyes. Some people have darkness under their eyes because of genetics, and this treatment won't work for them.
Question

How do you get rid of bags under your eyes naturally?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Bags under your eyes are from water retention in that area. To reduce them, try sleeping with your head elevated and make sure to drink plenty of water.