Cuppa Dregs for the Eyes

There is, after all, a use for cold, soggy tea bags -- they are dandy for soothing puffy eyes. So says top British makeup artist Ruby Hammer, who suggests that you simply wet a couple of tea bags and put them in the freezer for a couple of minutes, then apply.

Hammer cites this is one of a number of tricks for keeping your eyes bright and sparkling. "Close your eyes and rest the chilled tea bags on your lids for a few minutes." And if tea is not your bag, she suggests using cotton wool pads soaked in cold water instead.

Prevention is another approach. Hammer says that sleeping on a pillow that is sufficiently raised can help ward off puffiness. And "try dotting your pillow with two to three drops of lavender essential oil -- it helps to ensure a good night's slumber."

Massage is another approach: "Applying gentle pressure to the eye area with massage can help to drain away a buildup of fluid," she says. And to conceal dark circles, Hammer recommends moisturizing the area around the eye before applying a pre-makeup base.