How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes From Crying - WikiHow
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- Remedies for Puffy Eyes |
- Remedies for Redness & Dryness |
- Using Makeup |
- How long do eyes stay puffy after crying? |
- Why do people cry? |
- Preventing Puffy Eyes |
- Expert Q&A |
- Tips |
- Warnings
This article was co-authored by JoAnn Solomon and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 724,120 times.
Sometimes, you just need to let it all out and have a good cry. But what about afterwards, when you look in the mirror and see that your eyes are all puffy? If you’re looking for ways to take care of this problem, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on how to get rid of puffy eyes after crying. We’ll also go over how to reduce redness and dryness, and how to use makeup to make it less noticeable that you’ve been crying. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Quick Tips to Reduce Eye Puffiness from Crying
- Apply a cold compress or a cold washcloth to your closed eyes. The cool temperature restricts blood flow and reduces the appearance of puffiness.
- You can also apply chilled cucumbers, spoons, or tea bags for a similar effect.
- Gently massaging the area with your fingers or an eye roller may also help.
Steps
Section 1 of 6:How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes from Crying
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1 Apply a cold washcloth. Wet a soft, fluffy cloth with ice cold water. Wring it out, then fold the cloth and place it over your eyes for about ten minutes. The cold should constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, reducing the swelling.[1] - If you're in a rush or a public place, visit the bathroom for a quick refresh. Fold a paper towel twice to make a neat square, then wet it with cold water.
- Press it lightly against your eyelids for fifteen seconds each, then look upward and place the towel just beneath your lower lashes, pressing gently for another fifteen seconds on each eye.
- This quick refresher should help to slightly reduce the appearance of visible puffiness.
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2 Use a cold compress. For a bit of a more intense option, apply a cold compress to your eyes for 5-10 minutes. This quickly reduces blood flow to the area, which helps soothe any puffiness, swelling, and inflammation you may be experiencing after crying. You can use anything cold that you have on hand, such as an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas or corn, or even refrigerated spoons.[2] Advertisement -
3 Apply chilled cucumber slices to closed eyes. Cold cucumber slices help reduce eye puffiness in the same way that cold washcloths and cold compresses do. They act as a vasoconstrictor, slowing blood flow to the area and therefore reducing puffiness.[3] Place them over your eyes for about 5-10 minutes to feel these effects. - Cucumbers also call to mind relaxing spa days, so take this time to truly relax and pamper yourself.
- Lay back, put on a soothing song, light a nice scented candle—whatever makes you feel at peace!
- Want to know if this really works? See what real readers have to say at wikiHow's "Does putting cucumber slices on your eyes work?" forum.
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4 Apply tea bags to closed eyes. Chilled tea bags can also help soothe and reduce eye puffiness.[4] Just soak two tea bags in cold water, then place them on your closed eyes for about 15 minutes. If the tea you’re using is caffeinated, this is also a plus! Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor (just like the cold temperature is), and it’s a common ingredient in eye creams that aim to reduce eye bags and puffiness.[5] -
5 Apply chilled eye cream or face cream. Refrigerate the cream for about ten minutes, then rub gently into the skin underneath your eyes.[6] Be careful not to get the product too close to your eyes—just apply it to the surrounding area. The cool temperatures will soothe the puffiness and reduce inflammation. If the eye cream you’re using includes caffeine, you’ll likely see an even more dramatic result![7] -
6 Gently massage or press under your eyes with your fingers. Using your fingers, lightly press on the puffy areas underneath your eyes. This can stimulate blood flow and help reduce puffiness in the area. To make this method even more effective, run your fingers under cold water first. The cold temperatures will be extra soothing.[8] -
7 Use a facial roller tool. Eye-roller tools made out of metal, jade, or quartz can help improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which can reduce the appearance of puffiness. You can also chill your tool before using it for extra effectiveness.[9] Advertisement
How to Get Rid of Eye Redness & Dryness from Crying
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1 Use eye drops or artificial tears. Over-the-counter eye drops and artificial tears can provide some added lubrication, relieve irritation, and flush out allergens from your eyes. This can reduce the appearance of redness and soothe dryness.[10] -
2 Increase your water intake. Drinking enough water helps your eyes stay moist and healthy. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. You can also eat foods with high water contents, like cucumbers and watermelon, to help you reach your hydration goals.[11] Advertisement
Using Makeup to Reduce the Appearance of Puffy, Red Eyes
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1 Apply eyeliner to your upper waterline. Once you’ve stopped crying, consider tightlining your eyes. Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to your upper waterline to increase definition and accentuate your lashes.[12] This quick makeup technique can help you look more alert and refreshed right away, which may make your recent cry a bit less apparent. -
2 Apply concealer to red areas on your face. After a cry, you might notice redness and blotchiness in several areas of your face. To hide the fact that you were crying, quickly pat some concealer on these red areas to make them less noticeable.[13] -
3 Put on some lipstick or blush. Add some color to your lips and cheeks with a bit of blush or lipstick. Accentuating these features draws attention away from red, puffy eyes, and it can also help you appear more refreshed.[14] Advertisement
How long do eyes stay puffy after crying?
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Eyes may stay puffy for a few minutes to a few hours after crying. It can be frustrating to look in the mirror and see that your eyes are super red and puffy after a crying session, but rest assured that the effect is temporary. Even without using any of the above methods, the puffiness should subside within a few hours at most.[15]
Why do people cry?
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Tears are essential for maintaining the health of your eyes. It’s common knowledge that tears convey emotion, but they also protect your eye from the outside world and flush out harmful irritants.[16] There are three different types of tears, and each has its own unique function: - Basal tears: These tears are present in your eye at all times to lubricate them and protect your cornea from any dust or debris.
- Reflex tears: Your tear ducts form these tears when your eye gets exposed to an irritant like smoke, fumes, or foreign bodies. Their purpose is to flush these irritants out of your eyes.
- Emotional tears: These tears are formed when you feel a strong emotion, like sadness, fear, joy, or awe.[17]
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Preventing Puffy Eyes
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1 Sleep with your head elevated. If you’ve cried right before bed, lie on your back and place an extra pillow underneath your head to keep it elevated while you sleep.[18] This helps prevent fluid from settling around your eyes, which can cause puffiness and eye bags.[19] -
2 Get plenty of sleep. Even if your puffy eyes are caused by crying, other factors can determine their severity. A lack of sleep, for example, can cause puffy bags underneath your eyes on a regular basis, and they may be accentuated when you cry.[20] To avoid this, make sure to get enough quality sleep each night. The right amount varies depending on your age, but most healthy adults need at least 7 hours per night.[21] -
3 Make some changes to your diet. To prevent eye puffiness in the long-term, try to avoid eating too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.[22] You may also want to consider cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and have negative effects on your skin's appearance.[23] -
4 Treat any allergies you might have. Mild allergic reactions to pollen, dust, animals, or food can cause swollen eyes and exacerbate puffiness.[24] Take allergy relief medication if you normally do, or visit a doctor for more advice on how to treat allergies. -
5 Visit an eye doctor. If you frequently get puffy or irritated eyes, there may be an underlying cause. An optometrist can check your vision and possibly prescribe glasses or contacts to reduce eye strain, and an ophthalmologist can examine your eyes for medical conditions.[25] Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question- Question How do you get rid of a swollen and puffy eye in 10 mins?
Camille Sanghera Beauty Stylist Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.
Camille Sanghera Beauty Stylist Expert Answer Use a cold compress and place it on your eyes in addition to washing your face with ice cold water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 55 - Question How do I stop my puffy eyes from getting worse?
Camille Sanghera Beauty Stylist Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.
Camille Sanghera Beauty Stylist Expert Answer Sometimes you can take an allergy pill when you wake up to reduce puffiness throughout the day. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 32
Tips
- If you’ve cried through your makeup, remove it with a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover. You can use soap and water on a paper towel if you don’t have makeup remover on you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- White eyeliner on your waterline makes your eyes look less bloodshot. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Hide puffy eyes with a brightening concealer, or a mixture of liquid concealer and liquid highlighter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Warnings
- Wiping away tears can increase swelling. Blot them dry instead. Thanks Helpful 37 Not Helpful 10
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References
- ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/top-expert-tips-to-get-rid-of-puffy-eyes
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-tea-bag-uses
- ↑ JoAnn Solomon. Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://littlethings.com/lifestyle/jade-facial-roller-for-skin
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctor
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/dry-eyes-home-remedies
- ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/tightliner-how-to-make-your-eyes-look-bigger
- ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/makeup/568757/how-to-hide-crying/
- ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/makeup/568757/how-to-hide-crying/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2013/real-simple-dr-marina-peredo-how-to-fix-red-puffy-eyes-after-crying
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-tears
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-tears
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/ss/slideshow-alcohol-skin
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-your-eyes
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24607-eye-irritation
About This Article
To get rid of puffy eyes from crying, soak a towel in cold water and press it lightly against your eyelids for 15 seconds for a quick fix. Alternatively, wet a soft cloth with ice cold water and fold it over your eyes for 10 minutes to reduce the swelling. You can also tap your eyes gently to stimulate blood flow or massage the bridge of your nose to relieve any built up sinus pressure. To learn how to reduce puffy eyes with face creams, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
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Brooke Sweitzer
Feb 15, 2017
"I have had a major puffy eye problem lately due to allergies. Problem is, I can't use eye drops because I'm allergic to sulfur found in most drops. I have had puffy eyes, and these things I have done from home have helped me greatly."..." more
Did this article help you?
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Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Brooke Sweitzer
Feb 15, 2017
"I have had a major puffy eye problem lately due to allergies. Problem is, I can't use eye drops because I'm allergic to sulfur found in most drops. I have had puffy eyes, and these things I have done from home have helped me greatly."..." moreSarah A.
Mar 19, 2019
"I cried on and off all day yesterday. My eyes were so puffy and bloodshot this morning. After just a few minutes of using a cold compress, they were almost back to normal just in time to go to work. Thank you!"..." moreTrish Bernier
May 20, 2017
"Very helpful. I woke up with super swollen eyes after a prior night of crying and needed a quick remedy to help me start my day!"..." moreSydney Ni
Oct 23, 2018
"I was crying the night before, and these methods really helped me with my super-puffy eyes this morning."Shaely Manuel-wada
Feb 6, 2017
"It is a treatment that can help you so much. I'm proud that I did this treatment." Share yours! More success stories Hide success storiesQuizzes & Games
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