Say goodbye to under-eye dark circles and puffiness with these DIY masks

Brighter eyes don’t have to come at the cost of your wallet. Here are a few DIY recipes that you can try at home to create your very own under-eye mask, using just a few household ingredients and fresh produce.

The skin under our eyes is delicate and often reveals the first signs of fatigue and ageing. Dark circles, puffiness, and dryness are common concerns and can leave us looking tired and older than we feel. While countless products on the market promise miraculous results, sometimes the best remedies can be found right in our kitchens.

A DIY under-eye mask is not only cost-effective but also allows you to use ingredients that are natural and gentle on your skin. Read on as we explore some of the most effective DIY under-eye masks that will leave your under-eyes looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

The skin around our eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face so it’s prone to dryness, wrinkles and dark circles. This area has no oil glands so it needs extra hydration to stay healthy. Lack of sleep, stress, poor diet and sun exposure can worsen these issues so a good skincare routine is a must. While sleep and hydration are the basics, topical treatments can give you an extra boost to get your under-eye area back to its natural glow.

Quick and effective DIY masks for under-eye care

Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gel Mask

Cucumber, known for its cooling and hydrating properties, is an age-old remedy to treat tired eyes. Aloe vera, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants that soothe and moisturise the skin.

Ingredients:

1 cucumber

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Instructions:

Step 1: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the juice.

Step 2: Mix the juice with aloe vera gel till you get a smooth paste.

Step 3: Apply it under your eyes and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse with cold water and pat dry.

Benefits: This under-eye mask helps reduce puffiness, hydrates the skin and lightens dark circles. The cucumber cools the skin, while aloe vera hydrates deeply and soothes irritation.

Turmeric and Yogurt Brightening Mask

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. When mixed with yoghurt which has lactic acid it helps to exfoliate and nourish the skin.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon plain yoghurt

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix turmeric powder with yoghurt to make a thick paste.

Step 2: Apply under your eyes.

Step 3: Leave it on for 10-15 minutes don’t let it drip into your eyes.

Step 4: Wash off with lukewarm water.

Benefits: This under-eye mask works well in brightening the under-eye area and reducing dark circles. Turmeric reduces puffiness and yoghurt exfoliates gently, leaving the skin super smooth and glowy.

Coffee and Honey Anti-Fatigue Mask

Coffee is full of caffeine which constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling, so it’s great for puffiness and dark circles. Honey is a natural humectant that locks in moisture and soothes the skin.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of coffee grounds

1 tablespoon of honey

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix coffee grounds with honey to make a smooth paste.

Step 2: Apply the mixture under your eyes gently. Do not rub too hard.

Step 3: Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

Benefits: This coffee and honey mask revitalises the under-eye area and reduces fatigue and puffiness. The ingredient caffeine in coffee tightens skin and circulation, while honey moisturises and softens the skin.

Potato and Rose Water Lightening Mask

Potatoes have enzymes and vitamin C that help to lighten dark circles, and rose water soothes and tones the skin.

Ingredients:

1 small potato

2 tablespoons of rose water

Instructions:

Step 1: Squeeze out the juice from the grated potato.

Step 2: Mix the potato juice with rose water.

Step 3: Soak cotton pads in the mixture and place them under your eyes.

Step 4: Leave them on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Benefits: This mask is good for brightening the under-eye area and reducing dark circles. The potato juice naturally lightens the skin and rose water reduces redness and puffiness.

Green Tea and Vitamin E Revitalising Mask

Green tea contains antioxidants and tannins that tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. Vitamin E is a moisturiser that repairs and protects the delicate under-eye area.

Ingredients:

1 green tea bag

1 vitamin E capsule

Instructions:

Step 1: Brew the green tea and let it cool.

Step 2: Mix the contents of a vitamin E capsule with the cooled tea.

Step 3: Soak cotton pads in the mixture and put them under your eyes.

Step 4: Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

Benefits: This mask revives the under-eye area, and reduces signs of aging and fatigue. Green tea’s antioxidants protect the skin, vitamin E moisturises and hydrates.

Tips for best results

Patch test: Always patch test before applying any mask to your face to avoid allergic reactions.

Consistency: Use these masks 2-3 times a week for best results.

Cold compress: After taking off the mask, apply a cold compress to enhance the de-puffing effect.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

You don’t have to break the bank or go under the knife! With these DIY masks, you can treat your skin with natural ingredients that are gentle and work well on the skin. Whether you want to reduce puffiness, lighten dark circles or just give your under-eyes a hydration boost, these masks are the answer. So take some time out indulge in some self-care and let your eyes sparkle!

Hero Image: Courtesy RDNE Stock project; Featured Image: Courtesy Shiny Diamond