Eye bags

There are quite a few eye gels that produce a temporary smoothing effect, but most users report a shiny white residue left which can make it difficult to apply make up over. The manufacturer’s response is always that too much of the product has been applied.

I’d take time to read the reviews if I were you, as one particular make, heavily advertised on the internet, is reported not to work much at all.

I can't really suggest anything to help, apart from exercises. However, it might be appropriate to warn your daughters to be very careful with the skin around the eyes. Never rub it, always pat when applying make-up etc. The skin is very thin here and easily stretched.

Not eye bags but extremely hooded eyes - I can actually see one of them if I look upwards. My dad was exactly the same. I spend many years using creams and gels which claimed to help but nothing did. I cannot wear eyeshadow or mascara because of them and I look constantly gloomy! If I was brave enough and rich enough I wouldn't hesitate to have surgery to get rid of them.

I have had puffy and baggy eyes for years. When I had cataract surgery I asked the surgeon if he could get rid of them. He said it was almost impossible and they may even look worse, surgery below the eyes is much more difficult than below so he said hooded eyes are easily lifted, but not below.

Over the years I have tried expensive creams, tea bags, fruit and veg etc. Nothing works.

Now I'm old I feel no one cares anyway so why should I?

They are part of who I am.

Years ago I saw an exercise recommended in newspaper, It was from the Eva Fraser book of facial exercises

Standing in front of a mirror, open your eyes wide, then gradually and slowly use the muscles below your eyes, to shut your eyes from the bottom up. Do this three times.

I have been doing this for years and have found it very effective in dealing with , in my case, the one eye, that eye bags.

I should add, it takes a couple of weeks before you see any improvement.

MOnicas suggestion is definitely worth trying. I know this exercise but am too weak willed to keep it up.
I once read that celebs used haemorrhoid cream lightly dabbed on them but was too cowardly to try it myself!

MOnica, interesting. I might try that thank you. Mind you, it could be a case of too little too late!! Ekwa.... I've heard that too but never tried.....

I tried the haemorrhoid cream- waste of time.

Maybe I will try those exercises though!

eddiecat78

Not eye bags but extremely hooded eyes - I can actually see one of them if I look upwards. My dad was exactly the same. I spend many years using creams and gels which claimed to help but nothing did. I cannot wear eyeshadow or mascara because of them and I look constantly gloomy! If I was brave enough and rich enough I wouldn't hesitate to have surgery to get rid of them.

Me too. But it’s only been a recent thing. If I relax my right eye the lid droops right over it so I try to remember to look startled when I’m out and about. I only noticed it when I put my usual make up on after not wearing any for a long time and I looked really weird And, when it droops any eyeliner ends up further up the eyelid. It isn’t helped by the fact that my eyelashes and eyebrows are non existent these days.

MayBee and eddiecat. Have you tried just dotting eye pencil along the roots of your top lashes (bottom too if you like)? It enhances the eyes very well. I use a very fine waterproof gel eye pencil and it doesn’t fade or transfer. Grey is more flattering than black I find.

I bought several eye pencils that were specifically for older eyes and they all seem to be useless [Prime and Look Fabulous Forever]. My favourite one is a Clinique one that they no longer make and has all but run out. And surprisingly a very cheap gold one. It doesn't help that I've got dry eyes that stream when I apply make up even though I use a gel heat mask on them. Methinks wearing sunglasses might be the way forward.

Try Hourglass. Long lasting, waterproof and heatproof, very fine nib doesn’t need sharpening, cruelty free. Lots of shades, I like Meteorite which is grey. Not cheap but best I have found. I always have a spare in reserve as you have no warning it’s about to run out. I tried a LFF eye pencil and found it quickly disappeared, too soft, waste of money. I promise I don’t have shares in Hourglass!

Dealing with persistent eye bags can be challenging and finding a product that effectively tightens the skin without causing additional issues is crucial. Here are some recommendations that might help:

* Products with caffeine can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels. One popular option is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG.

* Retinol can help with wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production. Consider RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.

* This ingredient helps to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of bags. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Eyes is a good option.

* Peptides can help improve skin elasticity and firmness. Try Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel.

* Products like Plexaderm Rapid Reduction Serum or Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye Temporary Eye Tightener can provide a temporary tightening effect. These might cause crinkling when you smile, so use them sparingly.
Additional Tips

* Using cold spoons or chilled cucumber slices can help reduce puffiness temporarily.

* Ensure you are using a good moisturizer and sunscreen daily to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

* Drinking plenty of water can help reduce puffiness and improve skin health.

* If over-the-counter products don’t work, consider consulting a dermatologist for more personalized treatments. They might suggest treatments like laser therapy, fillers, or other professional-grade solutions.

Remember to do a patch test before using any new product to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. It’s also essential to give products some time to work, as it can take a few weeks to see noticeable results.

Thank you Dr B😊

Germanshepherdsmum

MayBee and eddiecat. Have you tried just dotting eye pencil along the roots of your top lashes (bottom too if you like)? It enhances the eyes very well. I use a very fine waterproof gel eye pencil and it doesn’t fade or transfer. Grey is more flattering than black I find.

Thanks. I’ve just tried that with my bottom lashes ( or rather lack of them) and it works early well. Also a dot at the end of my top lid where it looks silly if I try to extend the eyeliner out. I’ve even got a rather soft black eyeliner that I bought when it was fashionable but realised it made me look very silly. But a few dots of it underneath my eye could work.

Try a very fine pencil. As I said, Hourglass gel pencil in Meteorite (dark grey) works well for me. I find black too harsh nowadays.