Cucumber vs. teabags vs. teaspoons

If you’re looking for a cheap solution to curb that persisting eye-puffiness, then walk straight past that beauty counter and get back to basics.

All too often we unnecessarily splash out on expensive beauty creams, creepy hypodermic needle-induced fixes (way too sci-fi), or specialist spa treatments to treat basic beauty ailments. So, keep your cash in your wallet and head instead for the humblest of salad ingredients, the cucumber; a spare teabag or two; or your very own soup or teaspoons.

1. Cucumber slices

Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the cucumber is the ideal coolant to pop on your eyes.

• Slice two 3-4mm thick slices off a cold cucumber (stored in the fridge)
• Lie down and place the slices over your eyes
• Remove after around 15 minutes, or once the cucumber slices have warmed up to body temperature

Watch this YouTube tutorial for more information about using cucumber slices to reduce puffiness, as well as other tips and tricks.

Beware

• Make sure that cucumber hasn’t come into contact with any chilli or other spicy ingredients in the kitchen
• Check you don’t have any allergies before applying cucumber to your eyes

2. Teabags

When you’re done making yourself a brew, save the used teabag and use it as a cost-effective beauty treatment – the caffeine, tannins and antioxidants will work wonders for your skin.

• Soak two teabags (green or English Breakfast) in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This releases the caffeine and tannin from the tea leaves
• Place on a plate or in a ziplock bag and put in the freezer for 15 minutes, until cold but not frozen
• Squeeze any excess liquid from the teabags, before you lie down and place them over your eyes
• Remove after around 15 minutes, or once the teabags have warmed up to body temperatureFor more information, watch this helpful YouTube tutorial.

Beware

• Remember to squeeze the liquid out of the bags before you put them on your eyes, or you’ll end up with a tea-stained face
• Close your eyes before applying or the tea could further irritate your eyes

3. Teaspoons

You might have thought cutlery was just for eating, but this little tip turns that notion on its head.

• Clean and thoroughly dry two metal teaspoons
• Place in the fridge for 20 minutes, or freezer for 2-3 minutes, until cold
• Lie down and place the backs of the teaspoons over your closed eyes. You will need to hold them in place.
• Remove after around 10 minutes, or once the teaspoons have warmed up to body temperature

Find out more about how to do this at home by watching this tutorial.

Beware

• DO NOT completely freeze the spoons! If the metal gets too cold it could stick to your eyelids and tear your skin on removal

Other quick fixes

Failed with the options above? Here’s some more solutions to sort out your saggy skin issues:

• Swap cucumber slices for potato slices. They are said to have natural astringent properties
• Sleep with you head elevated – you want want to invest in a better pillow
• Apply a cold cloth to your eyes before and after sleep
• Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol
• Exercise more
• Get more sleep
• Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes
• Visit the doctor – you may have untreated allergies

Please note: These are just suggestions for trying at home and must be undertaken with caution. 

Illustrations by Khoollect Editor-in-Chief Rachel Khoo

What are your go-to beauty tips for reducing puffiness around the eyes? Share your stories or ideas in the comments below.