Why, exactly, do you look so puffy after watching "The Notebook?" During a good cry sesh, the fine tissue around your eyes absorbs the excess flow of tears, creating, you guessed it, puffiness. But there's no need to cry over that news. This swelling is temporary and can be easily remedied.
Image via Getty
Photo 7/9
The Fix
Chill out, literally. Cold temps constrict the blood vessels around and under the eyes, quickly tamping down swelling. Use a cold compress, a bag of frozen peas, two cold spoons, chilled cucumber slices — as long as it's cold, it will help. To that point, eye creams with rollerball applicators are especially effective (stash them in the fridge for even more benefits). Not only is the metal tip cooling, massaging the rollerball under your eyes helps break up and flush out some of the built-up fluid. Try Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller, $9.87.
Photo 8/9
The Cause: Diet
If you wake up with puffy eyes, what you ate and drank last night may be to blame. We're talking salt and alcohol, specifically. Excess sodium intake triggers your kidneys to tell your bod to retain more water, which is why your face, tummy, hands and feet may also be swollen the next day. A build-up of toxins from one too many glasses of vino can also cause swelling.
Image via Getty
Photo 9/9
The Fix
As the saying goes, all things in moderation, right? If you are going to throw back a few margs and a basket of chips, be sure to chug an extra glass of water right before bed. Sleep on your back with your head elevated on an extra pillow. This promotes drainage and keeps excess fluid from pooling around your face and eyes. When you wake up, reach for an eye cream that contains caffeine. The ingredient helps temporarily constrict blood vessels, which helps not only with puffiness, but dark circles, too. Mariwalla likes SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex, $97.
