i feel cruddy, so have vanity questions

[rivendellrose]

I feel fantastically cruddy today. Seriously. Nothing serious, just hormonal crap and "BLEH" and the residuals of really not being ready to be back in the office after a week of vacation. I was getting spoiled there with the whole "being able to do what I damned well want to do rather than spending all day sitting in front of a computer fixing websites." The world's tiniest violin, it plays for me...

Anyway. I have questions for you, oh great and wonderful internet hive-mind.

1. Does anybody have any good solutions for combatting bags under the eyes that do not involve either spending a month's salary on a tiny jar of creme or anything that will cause my super-sensitive skin to break out? Don't laugh, people - I'm seriously tired of having the 4-piece baggage years before my time. And before you ask, yes, I drink a lot of water. It doesn't help.

2. Are there sunscreens with a significant (over SPF 30, let's say) amount of UV protection that will NOT cause my eyes to feel like they're burning out of my skull when I get a little sunscreen in my eyes? Because I try really hard to be good about sunscreen, but... that's getting really annoying.

In other, none-vanity-related news, the Boy and I are about halfway through Buffy S3, now - we just watched "Helpless" and "The Zeppo" last night. I'd forgotten how much my heart just died for Buffy and Giles in "Helpless." I think short of the whole debacles with them in in S6 and S7, that is the absolute most horrible episode for my love of their relationship.

Comments

[ciara-belle.livejournal.com]

You could try used teabags? I've used ones that are cold and a bit wet and it seems to reduce the puffiness a bit. But mine is usually due to dehydration.

And I like Neutrogena sunscreen for my face. It's the only thing that doesn't make me feel all burny and gross. The bottle I have right now is SPF 45.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Huuuhh, I'll have to try that. I've been wary of it because I know a lot of tea has astringent stuff in it - what kind do you use?

Neutrogena definitely seems to be the best brand, yeah. I have their SPF 50 "healthy skin" oil-free formula for faces, but... yeah, again with the eye thing. I don't know why it's bothering me so much lately, but it drives me crazy. :(

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

I have a similar problem with sunscreen bothering my eyes. I started using these products a few years ago, and I can actually put the daily moisturizing lotion all around my eyes with no problems. I use the sunscreen spray when I need more sun protection and haven't noticed any problems so far.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Oh, Paula's Choice! My roommate used to use that, but I forgot all about it. I'll have to look into their stuff, thanks!

[niwatorimegami.livejournal.com]

Taking fish oil and flax seed oil supplements can help. They help your skin retain the moisture. I've heard that sleeping with your head elevated can also help.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

That's a good idea, especially the fish oil / flax seed supplements. I'll have to look into those.

I sleep with my head a bit elevated, but I think I ruin the effects by sleeping on my side... and sometimes squishing my face into the pillow and sleeping half on my face. *Sigh* Really ought to see if I can get out of those habits...

[narsilion.livejournal.com]

I love St. Ives Cucumber and Elastin Eye and Face Stress Gel. I have bags, but mostly I use it when my eyes are tired and sore from allergies. It just fells so good and cooling....and it's St Ives, so it's cheap!

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

I really like the St Ives cucumber stuff, too, but I wondered if it wasn't somewhat drying... and if I'm not really careful that I don't get it on my cheek, it does sometimes make me break out. :( I should see if I can find it, though.. it'd be nice to use a bit right now.

[snakewhissperer.livejournal.com]

1) cold teabags or cucumbers. for ten minutes, on the eyes.
2) if you find any, pass it on please!

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

1. Do you have any recommendations for what kind of teabag? I've always been leery of that because I know a lot of teas are astringent, and I don't want to accidentally dry my skin out. :(

2. Will do!

[snakewhissperer.livejournal.com]

The astringent factor is in hte tannins- so a low tannin tea. Try green ;-)

[hoperomantic.livejournal.com]

I second the tea bags and cucumbers... also vitamin e helps as well.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Ooo, good idea. I hadn't thought of vitamin e, thanks!

[lovelies.livejournal.com]

There's also the sort of gel masks you put in the freezer for a bit before applying (the plus-side to teabags and cucumbers is that you don't have to lie down while having it on), they shouldn't be very expensive at all.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

You know, I have one of those for stress/allergies, and I... kind of lost it while I was moving. :P I'll have to dig around for a while until I figure out what I did with it.

Thank you!