Mild puffiness under the eyes is usually only a temporary (unless it is hereditary) cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. Nevertheless it can be annoying and embarrassing, and it's the last thing you want captured on camera.

Puffy eyes or bags-under-the-eyes can be caused by many factors. These include fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormonal changes, advancing age, environmental irritants, wrong cosmetics or other factors such as a weepy session, a bad cold, sleep deprivation...

Here are a few home remedies to treat puffy eyes:

	Get your sleep — there is no substitute. Seven to eight hours is considered the apt amount of sleep an adult needs.
	Drink plenty of water to clean out your system.
	Have yourself checked for allergies.
	Limit salt / sodium intake (check with your doctor first).
	Sleeping with the head slightly raised is recommended. Use an extra pillow or prop up your mattress. This will prevent fluids from accumulating around your eyes while you sleep.
	Wash your face with cold water.
	Place cool cucumber slices over your eyes.
	Place damp and refrigerated-cooled tea bags over closed eyelids for several minutes.
	You can even cool two spoons in the refrigerator and then hold the curved side over the puffiness.
	Apply a layer of toothpaste (that contains menthol) over the puffy areas. It is instantly cooling.
	Apply aloe vera and vitamin E creams over affected areas. It may help.
	Don't cry. The body reacts to emotions and causes more blood to flow through the eyes, which leads to swelling.
	If you consume excessive alcohol that could very well contribute to the condition of puffy eyes. Home remedy: Reduce intake, or better still, just give it up.
	Stay calm, think happy and smile.