How to Reduce Puffiness from Crying

Medically reviewed by Christin Birckhead

Last Updated: September 30, 2021

You have been crying, and you want to get rid of those puffy eyes. Crying can be an important emotional marker for some people; however, there are many times when it can be embarrassing or detrimental to appear to have been crying. There are several ways to manage or cover up your crying eyes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying Cold

1
Hold the backs of a pair of cold spoons against your eyes. Cold spoons are the perfect shape for eyes and the cool temperature will constrict the blood vessels and tighten your skin. This will relieve the swelling and redness. Be careful that the spoons are not too cold (or frozen), as this could irritate or damage the skin, causing further redness and swelling.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Let your spoons warm up for a minute if they were in the freezer.
- Use a fridge if you have time to let them cool.
- Put the spoon in a cup of ice water to chill it quickly.
2
Apply teabags soaked in cool water. The herbal material in the tea bag can also help soothe your skin. Let the cool sachets sit on your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes.^{[2]
X
Research source} Repeat this if necessary. It can also help to relax you, easing your emotional stress.
- Lavender tea bags may help relax you.
- Cold green tea bags have compounds which are very calming to the skin around your eyes.
Advertisement
3
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Apply it to your eyes for five to 10 minutes at a time. Repeat as necessary. The cold from the ice pack will work in the same way as the spoons and cool water. Make sure that the temperature of the ice-pack is comfortable, otherwise it can cause further irritation from being too cold.
4
Apply cucumber slices to your eyes. These slices will help cool your eyes, and they will function in the same way as the tea bags. You will need to chill the cucumber in the fridge, and then apply it to your eyes.^{[3]
X
Research source} Let the cucumbers sit on your eyes for 10–15 minutes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Covering it up

1
Use makeup to help cover up crying. This must be done once you've finished. If you cry again, it can ruin the makeup. Both men and women can benefit from this when in need. Use a concealer to manage dark puffy circles or an eye serum to reduce the swelling.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
- Using a dabbing motion, apply a highlighter in the upside down triangle under your eyes, then apply concealer.
- Use a dark blue mascara, as this color will counteract the redness.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Don't apply too much to avoid looking cakey.
2
Get a pair of sunglasses if you're in a pinch. Wearing large, dark sunglasses can cover up your eyes. No one will be able to see your eyes or the area around them. This can be an adequate cover.
- Many corner stores and gas stations sell sunglasses.
- If people ask why you're wearing them, you can make up an excuse: “I have a migraine,” or, “I'm a little hungover.”
3
Make an excuse to explain the look of your eyes. Claim you were cutting an onion. Say you were just watching a really sad movie, like Schindler's List. Maybe you “just haven't slept.” Blame the puffy, red eyes on allergies and a recent sneezing fit.