Erase those late nights and tired eyes by adding a dose of coffee to your morning skincare routine. While you’re sipping away on a cup of Joe, you can also use it to attack dark circles and fine lines with this homemade mask for puffy eyes.
Excellent for perking up and toning skin [source], the caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant to get the blood flowing, which reduces fluid buildup and may improve under-eye circles. And since coffee is a diuretic, it can help reduce swelling and puffiness (bye-bye bags!), while its antioxidants fight free radicals that destroy collagen and age skin [source]. How’s that for a skin-boosting superfood?
What causes puffy eyes?
Whether allergies or that second margarita are to blame, swollen eyes are usually caused by a buildup of excess fluid in that area. Dilated blood vessels that are visible underneath the thin, delicate eyelid skin may also be responsible for the puffy, darkened appearance.
If you suffer from excess puffiness, prevention is key:
1. To keep bags at bay, sleep propped up with a couple of pillows, preferably on your back, to reduce fluid buildup.
2. If you have allergies, consider an air purifier for your bedroom to eliminate dust mites and other allergens.
3. Avoid frequent rubbing of the eyelids as this causes inflammation, which would worsen the puffiness and might cause accentuation of the natural skin lines under the eyes, called Dennie Morgan lines.
4. If your eyes get red and itchy after you get ready in the morning, you could be allergic to your makeup, cleanser, makeup remover, or nail polish. After a long bout with eye irritation, I finally realized it was stemming from my mascara.
Detox these ingredients from your makeup bag, and look for products without fragrance. Keep your fingers away from your eyes to avoid transferring other irritants, like makeup and nail polish, to your eyes.
If you still suffer from puffiness after making these changes, then a coffee face mask can help. Whip up a batch a couple of times a week, and apply it in the morning before putting on your makeup. You should notice decreased puffiness in minutes!
Coffee Mask for Puffy Eyes
Combine coffee with the vitamins and proteins in an egg white to tighten and firm skin, and you have a mask that’s especially effective on puffy eyes and pesky crow’s feet.
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons coffee grounds (Unused grounds are best because they contain the most caffeine, but used grounds are fine if the coffee has just been made.)
Combine the egg white and coffee in a small bowl. Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy, about 1 minute.
How to Use a Coffee Eye Mask
1. In the morning, when puffiness is usually at its worst, mix up the ingredients for a fresh mask.
2. If your eyes are extra puffy, place your mask in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before applying. The cold will help to further reduce swelling and shrink the dilated blood vessels.
3. With clean hands, apply the mask around and under the eyes. Avoid the eyelids because you don’t want to get it in your eyes. You can apply the mask to your entire face if desired. Wash your hands after handling the egg whites.
4. Let the mask dry for 10 minutes. You will definitely feel the mask tightening your skin as it dries! If it gets uncomfortable, go ahead and remove it before the 10 minutes are up.
5. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Be careful not to get any in your eyes or mouth, and wash your hands again thoroughly.
6. Finish with moisturizer and a nourishing eye cream. Then apply your makeup, and face the day!
7. Throw away any unused mask.
Coffee Eye Mask FAQs
Can I use this coffee mask on the rest of my face/body?
Sure! You can use this mask anywhere you might need a little extra toning, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Do I really need to throw out the leftover mask? Can I store it in the fridge?
Because of the risk of bacterial infection, it's best to use this mask immediately. Whenever you are dealing with raw eggs, make sure they are pasteurized and always kept refrigerated to prevent the growth of Salmonella bacteria [source]. It’s best not to store any leftover mask.
Can I use instant coffee to make this mask?
Personally, I’d stick with ground coffee beans to cut down on the mess factor (instant coffee dissolves in liquid, and it might make this mask super runny). But if you’re not afraid to experiment, try using instant coffee and see if you get the same results.
How often can I use this mask?
Two times a week is a great place to start. If you don’t notice any irritation or adverse reactions, then you can bump it up to three times a week.
Does coffee stain or make skin dark?
Nope, it shouldn’t! Unlike some herbs or spices (such as turmeric), coffee does not stain or darken the skin.
Can I use carton egg whites for this, or does it have to be fresh?
Carton egg whites contain preservatives, which may irritate the eyes. I recommend using a fresh egg white to cut down on chemicals that may make puffiness worse.
Other Beauty Uses for Coffee Grounds
If you have leftover coffee grounds lying around, why not put them to use with the help of these beauty recipes:
- Toning + Tightening Full Body Coffee Scrub
- Coffee-Infused All Night Eye Cream
- 8 Coffee Face Mask Recipes
Coffee Puffy Eye Mask
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Fork or whisk
Materials
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoon unused coffee grounds
Instructions
- Combine the egg white and coffee in a small bowl. Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy, about 1 minute.
- With clean hands, apply the mask around and under the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly. Let the mask dry for 10 minutes. Remove with a soft, wet towel, and follow with eye cream.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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joanna says
Will the coffee /egg white mask permanently remove under eye eye bags gradually?
Thanks very much.
joanna
joanna.tompkins@gmail.com
Naomi Wright says
Thanks so much for the recipe! Like others, I have spent a lot of money trying to get rid of the puffiness under my eyes.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with dry eyes. My doctor said that that's what causing the puffiness. I did some research and found that it's age related as well. I'm 53, so I can see that. As we age, we lose collagen and thus the fluid fills up under our eyes. My doctor also recommended surgery but I'm not that vain and nobody is doing surgery unless it's a life or death situation.
This morning, I applied this and I can see the puffiness going down. Thank the Lord for Chef Jose Andres, he gave us food during the furlough and in one of the bags, was some coffee beans from Nicaragua. I grounded those up in my Nutra Bullet, added the egg white and put it all over my face. It tightened the pores that started forming as well.
Some have asked if they can keep it, I would say yes but make sure the container is dark. The dark containers keep stuff from going bad, fast. I'll keep it in the fridge for a week then make a new batch. Eggs aren't cheap! LOL
Lizzy Sison says
I just tried this... and it really works!! I have had this problem with my puffy bottom of my eyes. I have tried many kinds of pricey creams... supposedly to depuff and I have not noticed any improvement at all! With this mixture though... first try and voila!! It made me so happy! I will be using this from now on for sure!! Thank you so much for sharing this!! I love it!! :-)
Cynthia Frist says
How often do you use for the puffiness for under the eyes? Daily? Weekly?
Rose Goi says
By coffee grounds, you mean coffe that you put in the coffee machine or can i use instant coffee? Aren't the ground too big for the eye area? I'm using one similar to this one but with honey instead of egg whites, but i don't think it's working, any advice?
Tina says
How long do you leave the coffee mask on under the eyes? Can I use instant coffee?
Kim says
After having used a very expensive eye cream twice a day for the last month and a half, I still have not seen any noticeable difference to my under eye bags.
I will definitely try your recipe with egg white and coffee. Is it possible to use this treatment daily for just under the eye area? I wake up daily with bags under my eyes.
Thank you for sharing.
Kim
Zack.Buchanan says
This looks super natural and super healthy!
Zack.Buchanan says
This looks so good! And so natural! I am going to try this tonight!
Nimra says
So you watch regular show too ? Haha nice eggcellent?
Molly Dyer says
I tried the mast yesterday and I would say that it is fantastic. The puffs just disappear. Thank you for this post!
marie douglas says
I love how easy it is!!! After long searching for home remedies after countless attemps at expensive creams- I can honestly say this DYI mask works best for me!!
Thank you SO much for sharing!!
Deepika says
Wow! This is the solution that I have been looking for a long time. Thanks for this treat. Can I store this mask in the fridge?
Pix says
My question, too.
Gloribee says
Can i put the remaining in the fridge??
Emily-Jane says
is there a way to store this so I don't have to keep making it? If so, how long will it last?
Shannon says
This works great, I added just under a tsp of coconut oil to mine also and loved how soft and glowing my skin was after :)
Sally says
amazing recovery..Im in my 40s and thought that I'd suddenly my entire face has seen the light..been suffering with puffy eyes for weeks..sjoe..feel happier! thanks.
hania says
how to use coffe with hot water or cold please tell me
Cathy says
Use fresh coffee grounds. Use eye whites. No water required!
Cathy says
Egg whites. Spellcheck, lol
Aimee says
I tried this and it was great, but I rinsed my face with soaked cotton swabs in ice water and got better results!!
Sara Martins says
When I tried this it made my face so soft and made it have a natural glow. It's quick and easy definitely recommended!
Cara says
Can i also use this on my whole body?
Kas says
Iv gone this its really good I'm very happy ??
Katie Hampton says
Do you do this every day? Or is it once a week?
Stephanie Gerber says
I would recommend 2-3 times a week, thanks!
Collette says
I just tried this and it made my skin feel wonderful! So easy to put together too.