Budget Beauty — Under Eye Bags
Posted by michelle on Jul 23, 2012 in Saving Money | 34 comments
In the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my secrets for beauty on a budget. This is the first post in the series, discussing a common eye problem for a lot of people.
Back in January, my medicine cabinet and makeup bag looked a lot different than it does now. I used to be a VIB (Very Important Beauty) at Sephora, a popular beauty and cosmetic store. Being a VIB has zilch to do with how beautiful you are, and everything to do with how much money you spend. To gain this prestigious title, you have to spend a minimum of $350/year. That’s almost a dollar a day on goop that will more-or-less get piled onto your face. And you want to know a secret? I didn’t just *barely* make VIB status; I was an overachiever who could have single-handedly carried the title for 2 women. What can I say? Vanity took its hold on me when my 20′s started running for the hills. Now at 31 years of age (Happy Birthday to me yesterday!), I’m starting to embrace au natural Michelle. Even with my newfound self-love, I still have some things about myself that I’m only in like with. My eyes, for one thing. Yes, they’re plain old blue, but they’re also prone to puffiness underneath, which can make one look tired, old, or cranky, depending on who’s looking at you. While trying to save every possible penny, I’ve had to learn lots of home remedies and beauty fixes. I will share what I’ve learned!
Since I’m pretty much allergic to everything that is green, excluding money naturally, my baby blues sometimes get a little puffy. By “a little puffy,” I mean that I think I look great after putting on my makeup in the morning, but then catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror a few hours later (usually after being outside or near an adorable-but-highly-allergenic cat) and think “Who’s the chick with the puffy…NO…that’s ME?!” Freaking out usually follows this revelation. If you are prone to puffiness under the eyes like me, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of the bags (not of the Chanel or Gucci variety–those you can simply give to me!)
- Get a good night’s sleep. For me, they’re always worse when I don’t get enough z’s. Sleep on your back on a pillow that allows your head to be slightly higher than your heart. Stomach sleepers sometimes wake up looking puffy because of being smushed against a pillow all night. Know what else? Stomach sleepers are more likely to develop wrinkles. No thanks. I’ll sleep on my back or my side!
- If you suspect you have eye allergies (itching, watering, and puffiness are symptoms of a lot of eye issues, not just allergies) you must consult an actual eye doctor–not just a blogger who used to work for an eye doctor–to verify your concerns. Then, use the drops your doctor prescribes. Simple? You would think so, but it always amazed me how many people would return with the same symptoms over and over, only to find out they weren’t using their prescriptions! Please do actually go to the doctor, like I said, if you are experiencing any eye symptoms. I also can’t tell you how many times I saw patients with aggravated conditions because they decided to “play doctor” and self-diagnose.
- After washing your face in the morning, use a clean ice pack wrapped in a fresh washcloth to de-puff. I’ve heard spoons work well because of their shape, but I’ve never tried them personally.
- I’m a big fan of using tea bags on the eyes. They’re awesome for depuffing! I’ve read that all tea bags work, but I’ve also heard that specifically green tea is best. If you don’t already drink tea, this might not seem like a budget-friendly tip, but if you already drink tea, why not upcycle those bags? I use organic green tea from Trader Joe’s and this is not something I do daily, more like for special occasions or extra bad days. After steeping for several minutes, I write a little “L” and “R” on the tags, then zip them up in a freezer baggie, and into the freezer they go. Once frozen, I lie down with my tea bags over my eyes for about 10 minutes. Afterward, I splash my face with cold water (don’t rub with a washcloth or you will negate all the good you just did!) and fan dry.
- In the morning, I also like to dab on plain aloe vera gel. It’s cool, refreshing, and very moisturizing. I used to use this really expensive eye cream by Boscia, but I now *prefer* aloe. Yes, seriously. I prefer something that I bought at Walgreen’s for $2.50/tube. I find that the gel, being a thinner viscosity than a thick eye cream, actually makes my eyes look less puffy almost immediately.
- Lay off the salt. You know how eating potato chips right before getting into a bikini is a bad idea for your belly? Well, it’s also a bad idea for your eyes. The skin around the eyes is super thin and delicate. Therefore, it’s even more sensitive to water retention.
- While I’m talking water, drink more of it. H2O will flush out the toxins and extra sodium in the bloodstream.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol! But yo shorty, it’s your birfday? I know, but don’t you want to remember your special day, and not have to photoshop all your candid shots before posting to facebook? I try to limit myself to 2 glasses of wine. Hey, I didn’t say I always succeed, but I try. You will look and feel much better if you can. I also try to drink a lot of water on the nights that I party it up. I haven’t had a hangover in years!
The All-In-All: Unfortunately, there are several things you can’t really help when it comes to under eye puffiness. A lot of people (women moreso, I would guess) are prone during hormonal changes, some people are just genetically prone to puffing up, especially as we age, and others have certain skin irritations and conditions that will cause the under eye area to swell. For me, the puffiness I sometimes experience is both genetic as well as allergy-induced, and the above tips do work for me! I hope they work for you as well!
Does anyone have any other tips to reduce under eye swelling? Tell me your secrets!
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Maybe you can try those eye drops for allergy. Those should help a lot right? My eyes are doing pretty well these days now that I get plenty of sleep.
Joe @ Retire By 40 recently posted..Peer to Peer Lending Investment Midyear Update
Yes, having those babies sleep through the night sure helps! I use Alaway under the advice and care of my Optometrist and they work great! I’ve tried them all as I used to work for an Optometrist!
I always have dark rings under my eyes and some puffiness. Mostly I just need to get better sleep, but I’m tempted to give the icepack thing a try. Maybe it actually is allergies though since I’ve had it for a long time.
By the way, happy belated birthday Michelle!!
Modest Money recently posted..Does Everyone Need An Emergency Fund?
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Jeremy! I would definitely recommend seeing an eye doctor. Even if it’s “just allergies,” you could have an exaggerated case and then regular, over-the-counter allergy drops wouldn’t work for you.
These are great tips. My eyes tend to get puffy when I haven’t had enough sleep.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!! Hope you had a wonderful day
Mackenzie recently posted..Christmas in July
Thanks, Mackenzie! I did have a wonderful day! My family made me feel so loved.
I have horrible eye bags due to me only getting around 3 hours. I need to sleep more!
Michelle recently posted..Spending, Life, Income and Food updates…
3 hours?! I would probably die! Get some sleep, Michelle!
I don’t have them now, but when I’m not sleeping enough/eating right I definitely get them. Good to know tips!
femmefrugality recently posted..Financial Lessons Learned From Marilyn Monroe
Eating right is really hard for me, even though it’s something I do try to do at least!
Hi Michelle,
Your comment about people not doing what the doctor tells them to do is like the old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you CAN’T make them drink.”
Why ask for help and then ignore it???? I don’t get that…
Sara recently posted..Tonsillitis Home Remedies
Maybe people think that just going to the doctor magically cures them. Well, I guess sometimes it does…
I know sinus pressure really takes my eyes off the beauty mark…
I notice that my eyes start to sell up after I’ve put in consecutive 12 hour days and stare at a computer for all of that time. I’m fairly fortunate though and haven’t experienced much with this problem. If I do, I just focus on getting some extra rest.
Jason @ WSL recently posted..Being Cheap or Frugal – 12 Signs You’ve Gone Too Far
Yep, you and Jeff. Not taking enough breaks while working at the computer makes Jeff’s eyes look pretty red and puffy.
Who knew salt was bad for your eyes… Sometimes I feel like my health education was inadequate when I was growing up.
20′s Finances recently posted..Keeping Track of Your Expenses and Why It’s Important
Oh yeah, too much salt can wreak havoc on all of your organs. Too little salt can be bad too, though. (Don’t worry…it’s *very* rare to have to worry about that!)
Water is definitely nature’s best medicine for a lot of things, including under eye bags! I also love cucumbers on my eyes and looking for homemade masks =)
From Shopping to Saving recently posted..Financial Mistakes to Avoid During College
Cucumbers! I forgot about those. You know, I’ve actually never tried them personally, but I’ve read they do work. Thanks for the tip, Erika!
Ooo I love recipes for DIY beauty treatments and tips. I’ll definitely have to try to tea bag one.
Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses recently posted..If the Duggars Can Live Debt Free, There’s Hope for Us All!
Yes, try it! Just rinse off afterward unless you like green skin around the eyes. <–I learned that one the hard way!
Sometimes I’m so glad I’m not a woman. What you guys go through…
TB at BlueCollarWorkman recently posted..How to Treat Your Garbage Man
It’s hard not being naturally beautiful like you guys! :p
Great tips! I’m guilty of neglecting my face (I just wash morning and night). I do wear foundation and mascara during the day… but otherwise – I don’t do anything. I’m sure some day it’ll catch up with me…
Julie @ Freedom 48 recently posted..It’s Mortgage Renewal Time!
Julie, it sounds like you’re not doing anything wrong at all! Well, you say you wash every morning and night, which is more than I do all the time! I’m busy…and sometimes get lazy/tired at night. Hope it doesn’t bite me later!
These are good tips but sadly I can’t verify or use them, or can men use the tips too? I have dark circles, any frugal tips? I apply cucumber regularly.
SB @ One Cent At A Time recently posted..A Compilation of 200 Google Signals that Determine Search Results
You can definitely use these tips as a man! I don’t think anyone would think you were acting girly if you started using a cold pack or sleeping on your back…the tea bags might look a little silly, but honestly…they look silly when girls do it too! We just do these things while alone!
ACk happy happy birthday!
Kathleen @ Frugal Portland recently posted..The camera of my dreams
Thank you! I had a great day pretending I was a princess.
I have read on the internet that undereye bags can also be hereditary. My mom has slight bags under her eyes, so I’m assuming I got it from her, along with her being a slight sleeper. A bad combo that only enhances under eye bags. People constantly tell me I look tired, even when I’ve felt I’ve had a decent amount of sleep. Or what’s worse, when I’m wearing concealer underneath the eyes and they STILL tell me I look tired. I’ll have to look into the tea bag remedy and getting aloe vera gel.
If you’re talking about swelling, the tea will definitely help. When you say concealer, though, it makes me think you might be talking about dark circles as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know a remedy for those. I do know that a lot of times those are from allergies, so maybe a trip to the eye doctor is in order.
These are fantastic tips Michelle, thank you! I have had some good results using facial exercise for under eye bags and dark circles. It doesn’t totally take away the puffiness, but helps some both under my eyes and for my whole face.
MRochell @ MySensitiveSkincare recently posted..Jul 25, Your Thoughts on Stonybrook Shampoo and Conditioner Unscented?
I just recently heard about facial exercises. I will have to try some…alone, since they’re super funny looking!
How luscious and beautiful eyes without under eye bags and I can’t blame my wife looking for the right beauty product to make sure she’ll stay young and beautiful.