Recently in Cosmetics: Eyes Category

Unfortunately, not everyone wakes up looking refreshed after a night’s rest. We’ve all been there — waking up to see the dreaded puffy eyes. In most cases, it’s caused by lack of sleep, consuming too much salt or not drinking enough water. When this happens, don’t panic. We have an age-old recipe for banishing them. 

Start by applying a cold compress to your peepers. Some at-home remedies include:

 

Cooled green tea bags: the caffeine and antioxidants in green tea will assist with reducing the swelling.

Cucumber slices: the cucumber has astringent properties which will reduce puffiness.

Ice pack— not too fancy, but the cold factor does reduce the puffiness. If you’re a mom of a baby, frozen teething rings work well, too.

 

 

 

We also like Sephora Brand Pearl Ice Cooling Eye Mask by Inka: This mask is kept in our freezer for those “just in case” situations. Filled with tiny glass beads and enclosed in thermal plastic, this mask can also be warmed by placing it into a bowl of warm water. $26, sephora.com

 

 

After relaxing with one of these on for 10 to 15 minutes, follow with the application of a lightweight eye gel or cream  (steer clear of “hydrating” creams that will only trap the water under the skin).  Be sure to look for ingredients like caffeine, Vitamin K and chamomile. 

Great puff-banishing eye gels:

 

 

L’Oreal Dermo Expertise Defense Eye— Our drugstore favorite, this gel treats our puffy eye symptoms with caffeine and other ingredients to sooth and combat signs of aging.  $13.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are perfect for travel when puffiness due to lack of sleep is common. Cooling and refreshing, your eyes will thank you for this de-puffing treat. from $45, sephora.com

 

 

Benefit Depuffing Action Eye Gel soothes our eyes with chamomile and red raspberry extracts while a “secret” ingredient gives puffiness the boot. $28, benefitcosmetics.com

 

 

“The invisible first coat” is how we like to describe the benefit of wearing a mascara primer. The Smashbox Layer Lash Primer packs in lash-loving ingredients to condition lashes while also helping to build a base our favorite mascara can really stick to. Apply as you would a regular mascara and immediately follow with your favorite mascara. Look-at-me lashes are yours for the wearing. $16, sephora.com

If you’re looking for a mascara primer that will help build lush, longer-looking lashes while nourishing them at the same time, you may want to try Lancome’s new Oscillation Powerbooster mascara primer. The formula creates an ideal base for lashes, while conditioners keep them nourished. We love that it defines and preps our lashes to enhance the benefits of our favorite mascara, giving our lashes the fullest result. $39, nordstrom.com

  Mix and match to create your own beach beauty look with bareMinerals limited-edition 4-piece SPF 20 eyecolor kit, Sun Proof Fun. This collection of creamy 100% pure bareMinerals features four summery shades protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UVA/UVB sun damage, so you can be captivating in a more carefree way. Try foiling for high intensity color, or apply the shadows dry for a naturally gorgeous look.

Colors included:

.01 oz SPF 20 eyecolor in Sandcastle, a light warm toast

.01 oz SPF 20 eyecolor in Boardwalk, a milk chocolate cocoa

.01 oz SPF 20 eyecolor in Starfish, an iridescent apricot pink

.01 oz SPF 20 multi-tasking minerals in Well-Rested, a cream linen

 

Sun Proof Fun (a $44 value), $28, sephora.com

 

 

We love, love, love, CoverGirl LashBlast. Now the volumizing formula has been glammed up a bit into a Luxe version that we are adoring right now (we can’t resist the fabulous hot pink tube). With four black shades infused with a hint of color, each also contains a hint of shimmer to give lashes a little something extra— so fun! Colors include Black Cabernet, Black Emerald, Black Royale and Black Platinum. $7.99, drugstore.com