by Linda Saye

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

Let's face it. We all have, on occasion, one of those nights when we get very little sleep. And, when that happens, the first tell-tale sign is usually puffiness and dark circles that appear under your tired eyes. But, before you despair, there are some easy tricks that you can try to help you get out the door looking, if not feeling, refreshed and ready for the day.

Probably the most widely accepted treatment for soothing and refreshing puffy eyes is cold cucumber slices. Simply cut a cucumber into thick slices and put one slice over each eye while laying back and relaxing for ten to fifteen minutes. The moisture in the cucumber, along with the chill, makes this a very effective treatment, and will greatly reduce under eye puffiness. If you do not have a cucumber handy, a potato will also do in a pinch.

Another natural remedy for puffy eyes and dark circles is to turn your cooled, used tea bags into cold compresses. Tea, and especially green tea, is full of tannin, which is an astringent that will constrict the area under the eyes. Simply lay the tea bags over your eyes for five to ten minutes, and you will begin to look rested and refreshed.

Or, if you don't have a cucumber or tea bags handy, you may want to try using ice-cold milk. It is yet another natural, effective trick for reducing swelling and dark circles. Soak a couple of cotton balls in ice-cold milk. After soaking, squeeze out the excess milk, and then lay them over your eyes for five to ten minutes. Relax while doing this, and you will undoubtedly look and even feel a little better.

One more trick that Fashion Industry models and makeup artists swear by is frozen tablespoons, and most of them keep a few in the freezer at all times. Keep the spoons in the freezer overnight, taking them out at the first sign of puffiness. Place the curved part over the eyes, pressing down lightly, while resting quietly for a few minutes. Because the metal is so cold, it will reduce the puffiness and dark circles under your eyes almost immediately.

Sleep is obviously the best way to soothe and refresh your tired eyes. But, if that's not an option, and you have to get up and get moving, then one of the above remedies is bound to offer relief almost immediately. At least you can look like you're ready for the day, with bright, refreshed eyes, even if all you can think about is when you'll be able to hit the sheets and finally catch up on your sleep!

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