Eyes wide open

The eyes have it this week! From puffy peepers to a fake-like-you’re-awake beauty plan, we give you the answers you’ve been seeking.

Q: I wake up with puffiness below my eyes every day. The plastic surgeon says it’s an allergy problem, but I don’t think it is. What can I do to get rid of this puffiness?
—Bonnie, 37, Austin, Texas

A: Getting to the bottom of what’s causing the puff is half the problem. Everything from dehydration to sleepless nights to your eating habits (sodium is often a big culprit here) can add to your bloated baby blues. If you also have redness and itching, allergies are definitely a possibility. An allergist can help you pinpoint the problem — for some people, it’s as easy as ditching a feather pillow for a more allergen-friendly one. If allergies aren’t to blame, follow these tips:

• Sleep with your head propped up on an extra pillow for better circulation.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Lay off the salt, especially at night.
• Never sleep with eye makeup on.
• Soothe any swelling with chilled cucumbers or a cool eye mask. I love the Igels Variety Pack by DuWop ($25, sephora.com).

Q: As a student, I pull a lot of all-nighters and the next morning it really shows in my eyes. Is there any way to look more awake? 
—Marina, 19, Los Angeles

A: At the risk of sounding like your mother, there’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep. A solid eight hours may be the greatest beauty regimen of all time. Of course, we all have nights where that’s just not possible. But there’s no need to look like a zombie the morning after. First, tackle your lashes. Give them a good curl, then coat with mascara, which will open up your eyes, making you look more alert. I love CoverGirl’s new LashBlast Luxe for some serious length and a bit of shimmer ($8, drugstore.com). Next, dab a little foundation under your eyes in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. This will illuminate the entire area as well as cover any dark circles. Another trick? Use just a touch of white eyeliner on your inner, lower lid. If you don’t have a white pencil, a pale pink one will do the job. It’s amazing what makeup can do, but it will only get you so far. Get some shut-eye for the best results.

Comments (1)

Show/Hide comments

Tuesday April 14, 2009 Rachel Vise wrote:

... I suffer with terrible insomnia, but I still have to be up and pulled together in the morning for a job in advertising sales. ErasePaste by Benetint is a life saver. It's expensive as far as concealor goes, but it's worth every cent. Plus you use so little it lasts a good 6 months!

Add a Comment

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Comment

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail