The No Makeup Fix for Puffy Eyes

What's happening: Eating sugar causes inflammation all over the body; you're noticing it under the eyes because the skin is especially thin and prone to swelling.

What to try: "Whenever we ask patients to give up sugar for any health issue, the first thing they notice is that under-eye swelling immediately improves," says Patricia K. Farris, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University.

What not to try: Maybe you've heard the beauty pageant trick of dabbing Preparation H under the eyes. Although it might decrease swelling slightly, Farris cautions that it's not worth risking irritation or even an allergic reaction that could occur in delicate under eye skin. Also avoid witch hazel and other astringents—they won't eliminate the puffiness, Farris says, but they will probably cause dryness and irritation.