How To Get Rid Of Eye Bags Overnight

Rosdiana Ciaravolo

Here's the thing: Puffy under-eye bags are 10000 percent normal (speaking from experience here, folks). And regardless of how many products you slather on morning and night, the best thing you can do to treat your under-eye area is to first determine what's causing your bags in the first place—bc according to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, there are usually a lot of factors at play. "Puffiness is often caused by poor lymphatic circulation or dietary factors—like high sodium—which draws water into your skin's tissue," she explains. "However, there are also genetic factors that can cause your skin to weaken and lead to eye baggage, which unfortunately worsens with age."

The easiest way to figure out WTF is going on with your skin? Book an appointment with a derm. That doesn't mean there aren't a few things you can do at home to de-puff and smooth your skin in a pinch, though. Keep scrolling for the easiest steps you can take right TF now, along with the best under-eye creams, gels, and masks that help brighten, smooth, and tighten your skin.

How to get rid of under-eye bags

1. Use a cold compress

I know what you're thinking: Really? A cold compress? For my massive under-eye bags? Yes, and hear me out: When you hold a damp washcloth with medium to light pressure directly underneath your eyes, you can actually visibly reduce puffiness. "A cold compress—kinda like cucumbers at a spa—helps constrict the blood vessels to reduce puff," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale. Give it a try post cleansing and pre moisturizing, and you'll definitely see a difference.

2. Sleep on your back

K, this might sound a little weird, but it actually makes sense. "If you sleep on your back, the fluid under your eyes is less likely to accumulate," says Dr. Gohara, meaning your eyes won't look as swollen or puffy when you wake up in the morning. And if sleeping on your back doesn't feel comfortable, you should at least swap out your cotton pillowcase for a silk one (it'll help minimize any friction).

3. Cut back on salty foods and alcohol

"I know this sucks, but try to avoid salty foods and don't drink a lot of alcohol," says Dr. Gohara. "Both lend themselves to fluid retention," she says, which is often the culprit of under-eye bags and puffy skin. So at least consider having them in moderation, alright?

4. Meditate

Or, you know, find something that makes you as relaxed as possible, because more stress = more under-eye bags. "The stress hormone cortisol is a one-way ticket to Bagsville," says Dr. Gohara. And, naturally, that hormone spikes the more anxious and stressed out you are. Obviously how you choose de-stress is totally personal, but a lot of people find success with mediation, yoga, walking, or running.

The best eye creams and treatments for bags

Along with sleeping more, eating better, and maybe having a yoga session, try using an eye cream that's filled with vitamin C to brighten, green tea and aloe to soothe, and caffeine to constrict and tighten your skin temporarily, says Shereene Idriss, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. And since no one wants to read the fine print on their labels, I did the hard work for you. Ahead, the 25 best products for treating your under-eye bags fast.

Best Eye Bag Cream With Hyaluronic Acid

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream

A hydrating and plumping blend of hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and peptides all come together in this genius little treatment for under-eye bags. Smooth it around and under your eyes once a day and it'll work to de-puff and moisturize your skin over time. The best part? It blends in super nicely, so it's great for layering under makeup.

Best Lightweight Eye Bag Cream

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Awakening Eye Cream

If you aren't into thick or heavy creams, you'll love how soft and lightweight this formula feels on your skin. The gel-like texture is great for oily skin types (hi, me) and it's even spiked with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to help minimize the appearance of your under-eye bags.

Best Luxury Under-Eye Bag Treatment

Epara Eye Serum

It definitely isn't cheap, but this under-eye cream is luxe enough that it's worth the splurge. Alongside de-puffing and smoothing ingredients like ash tree bark extract and bamboo silk, it's also got a hefty dose of plankton extract (which, fun fact, helps to brighten up the skin). And can we just take a sec to admire the sleek packaging? TYVM.

Best Under-Eye Bag Tool

Foreo Iris Eye Massager

It's not just about serums and creams when it comes to treating your under-eye bags. Enter, this smart-ass tool: It gently massages your skin with light tapping motions to (a) make sure your products are actually absorbing into your skin and (b) help minimize the appearance of puffy skin and dark circles. Just place a dot of your favorite cream under your eye, fire up your massager, and blend it out.

Best Eye Bag Balm

Alpyn Beauty Line-Filling Eye Cream With Bakuchiol and Caffeine

With ingredients like vitamin C (to brighten), caffeine (to firm), and bakuchiol (to plump fine lines), this cream definitely isn't playing around when it comes to treating under-eye bags. The best part? It's got a balm-like texture that feels super cooling when you massage it into your skin.

Best Under-Eye Bag Treatment With SPF

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

If you prefer to wear your eye cream during the day, it's not a bad idea to invest in a formula that's loaded with SPF. This one from Colorscience protects your skin from damaging UV rays while also hydrating and soothing your under-eye area with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. It's a win-win, truly.

Best Eye Bag Cream With Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

Tap on a dime-size dollop of this eye cream and the formula's vitamin C, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid all work together to help brighten, firm, soothe, and hydrate your under-eye bag s. BTW: This bb is totally fragrance-free, so it's safe for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Best Under-Eye Bag Treatment Mask

KNC Beauty All Natural Retinol-Infused Eye Mask

Don't be fooled by how cute these under-eye masks are—the formula packs some serious benefits. Skin-plumping collagen and hyaluronic acid are combined with soothing aloe vera to help deflate your bags every time you use 'em. Just make sure your skin is clean and dry, stick them on for 20 minutes, and follow with moisturizer.

Best Eye Cream for Bags and Dryness

CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

You've definitely already heard of CosRx's cult-favorite snail serum—and if you haven't, you best get on it rn—but did you know it also comes in eye-cream form? The formula features a blend of hydrating snail mucin (yup, the stuff that makes up mucus), brightening niacinamide, and strengthening peptides to target everything from under-eye bags to dark circles.

Best Retinol Eye Bag Cream

The Inkey list Retinol Eye Cream

Retinol is the hero ingredient in this affordable eye cream and—thanks to its ability to boost your skin's collagen production—it's a legit miracle-worker for bags, fine lines, and dark circles. Retinolcan be a little drying at first, so try using this guy once every three days until you know your skin can handle it.

Best Caffeine Eye Bag Cream

Kiehl's Since 1851 Eye Fuel

Kinda like how you rely on caffeine to get through a particularly rough morning, so do your under-eyes. "Caffeine works to constrict your blood vessels under the skin, which means less fluid builds up and settles around your eyes," says Dr. Nazarian. Think of this all-natural cream as a cup of coffee for your skin. Massage a few dabs of the formula—which also contains soothing vitamin B—around your eyes to look (and feel) reenergized.

Best Overnight Under-Eye Bag Treatment

Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask

Prepare to make this overnight eye mask a part of your nightly routine—for real, it's that good. The formula's blend of caffeine, enzymes, and skin-strengthening vitamin P (yup, P) work overtime to de-puff, smooth, and hydrate the delicate skin under your eyes as you catch some 💤's.

Best Vegan Eye Bag Cream

Mad Hippie Eye Cream

This vegan eye cream for under-eye bags has aseriously impressive ingredients list (including highlights like vitamin C, antioxidant-rich white tea, and skin-soothing chamomile extract). Gently pat the formula around your eyes once in the morning and once at night to reap the benefits.

Best Drugstore Eye Bag Cream

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Dr. Idriss suggests enlisting the help of this gel-infused roller to de-puff your under-eye bags, fast. As you gently roll around the inner and outer corners of your eyes, a blend of brightening vitamin C, antioxidant-rich mint, and tightening caffeine work to cool, soften, and reduce swelling. Pro tip: Keep this stick in the fridge for even more cooling power.

Best Eye Bag Serum

Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum

Perfect for anyone with under-eye bagsand fine lines, this serum from Dermalogica works to brighten and firm the skin every time you use it (shout-out to the formula's vitamin C). And thanks to hydrating and calming ingredients like chia seed oil and tremella mushroom extract, this serum is perfect for disguising the fact that you got four-ish hours of sleep last night. Again.

Best De-Puffing Treatment for Under-Eye Bags

Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask

Not only do these cult-favorite eye masks from Joanna Vargas feel so effing relaxing, but they also blast your skin with a super-hydrating blend of hydrolyzed silk protein, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin (all of which work to smooth even the puffiest of puffy bags).

Best Day and Night Eye Bag Cream

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm

Packed with all the good stuff Dr. Idriss recommends (green tea for soothing, caffeine for tightening, and vitamin C for brightening), this cream isa force to be reckoned with. Rich enough to replenish the skin overnight but stilllight enough to act as a makeup primer during the day, this all-in-one eye balm is worth all your dollars. Really.

Best Patches for Eye Bags

Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels

Eye masks might not work actual miracles, but they do feel hella nice and cooling against tired, swollen skin. Infused with a blend of antioxidants, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, these patches will make you feel like you got the best night's sleep of your life. Stick on a couple of these guys while you get ready in the morning for brighter, more-awake look.

Best Eye Cream for Bags and Dark Circles

Olay Ultimate Eye Cream

This drugstore eye cream calls on skin-smoothing peptides, niacinamide, and a slight peachy tint to brighten dark circles that creep up on sleepy days. Reach for this formula on the mornings you hit the snooze button one too many times.

Best Fast-Absorbing Eye Bag Cream

Youth to the People Superfood Peptide Eye Cream

This vegan formula combines vitamin C (Dr. Idriss's go-to antioxidant), ultra-calming aloe vera, and hydrating hyaluronic acid and sunflower oil to coddle the delicate skin under your eyes. And unlike thick creams that feel heavy or oily, this lightweight formula absorbs into your skin fa st, so your concealer won't slide down your face.

Best Tightening Under-Eye Bag Treatment

Dr. Brandt No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel

A collection of ingredients go to work when you gently pat on this under-eye gel: puff-reducing caffeine, elasticity-strengthening peptides, and dark-circle-masking botanical extracts. Sure, it's on the pricier side, but it works fast to really make a difference when you need it.

Best Anti-Aging Under-Eye Bag Treatment

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream

The Brazilian ginseng in this formulation deflates puffiness within minutes, while its added caffeine tightens bags and reduces the look of dark circles. But *cue announcer voice* that's not all!It's also filled with horse chestnut extract to help plump your fine lines, along with something called lutein, which gives your skin a bright glow to make you look like an overall well-rested human.

Best Jade Roller for Under-Eye Bags

Jade Roller Beauty Rose Quartz Beauty Roller

Although jade and rose quartz rollers have played a key role in Chinese beauty regimens for centuries, they've only recently became a staple in American vanities. If you have a bad habit of being too aggressive with your fingers when applying skincare, use the smaller end of the roller to blend your eye cream out and over your skin.

Best Hydrating Eye Bag Cream

Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream

Hyaluronic acid—the beauty world's favorite moisturizing component—is the standout ingredient in this Instagram-able yet effective cream. The formula is also topped off with date-seed extract (a soothing anti-inflammatory) and avocado protein extract (which protects your skin with a blend of vitamins A, D, and E).

Best Eye Cream for Bags and Puffy Skin

NeoCutis Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

Dr. Idriss turns to this caffeine-loaded cream to plump and tighten even the puffiest of eyes. The formula is also loaded with hydrators, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to moisturize the fine lines around your eyes. While the price tag is steep, it'll make your face noticeably smoother with regular use, so IMO, it's definitely worth it.

Ruby Buddemeyer Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital.

Brooke Shunatona Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

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