Puff is usually caused from one of two things -- "swelling from fluid shifts," causes puffiness that comes and goes and "the protrusion of the fat pad," causes persistent puffiness, Waldorf says.
Next: How to treat temporary puffiness
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Reduce temporary puff
Waldorf recommends applying a cool compress for 10 or so minutes to temporarily puffy eyes to deflate them -- she likes to use "a piece of Spenco 2nd Skin, $8.95 [that's been] kept in the fridge" as a cool compress, she says. Follow the compress with an eye cream that contains caffeine (try Revaleskin Replenishing Eye Therapy, $72) to further deflate the area.
Next: Reduce constant puffiness
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Reduce constant puff
If your eyes are constantly puffy due to a significant protrusion of the fad pads under your eyes, you will only get major improvement with surgery or injections -- creams and home remedies just won't cut it. You'll potentially need a lower lid blepharoplasty (eye surgery) -- to remove or reposition the fat pad. (Warning: if you do opt for this procedure, make sure your doctor doesn't do too much or "you can trade a puffy lower lid for a hollow lid," Waldorf says.) Or, some people may be able to get away with adding a filler like Restylane, Juvederm or Radiesse to the cheek area below and along the boney area under your eyes. "By elevating that area, you add structure and blunt the difference with the lower lid," Waldorf says. Your dermatologist and/or surgeon will be able to tell you which option is best for you.
Next: Conceal puffiness like a pro
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Camouflage puffiness
Until your puffiness subsides or is treated, minimize the look of it with Turnbow's go-to makeup tricks:
Step 1: Run your fingertips under cool water (if they aren't already cold like Turnbow's usually are), dry them off then apply a cold eye gel or cream (keep your eye cream in the fridge for extra depuffing benefits). Press the puffy area with your cool fingertips in a circular, clockwise direction.
Step 2: Apply illuminating concealer (try Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer, $24) in the half moon shape that surrounds the puffy area -- you want to "pop out that indention," says Turnbow.
Step 3: Draw attention away from your eyes by dusting pink blush on the apples of your cheeks.
Step 4: Curl your lashes and groom your brows to open up your eye area. Also, avoid wearing dark shadow or liner on your eyes, it will make them appear smaller and more tired," Turnbow says.
When eye cream or concealer alone won't do the trick, you may need to look into other options when it comes to treating and masking dark circles and puffiness. Whether they're a result of genetics or lack of sleep, too much sun or alcohol, these tricks -- courtesy of dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf and New York City-based makeup artist Tina Turnbow -- will help you zap them for good, and disguise them like a pro until they're gone.
