If, every morning, you stand in front of the mirror and stare at your panda eyes regretting all the times you missed out on your 8-hour sleep and binged on never-ending cups of coffee, know that you're not the only one. Dark circles and puffy eyes can be extremely difficult to get rid of, so, how about making some all-natural DIY under eye patches that actually work? Follow these steps to know how you can make them... Gelatin will be your key ingredient here as it'll help hold all the other ingredients together. Gelatin is also packed with collagen which helps with your skin's elasticity.
01Cucumber under eye patches
Apart from being known for its high water content, cucumber can also has soothing properties. It's rich in vitamin C and reduces swelling (goodbye, puffy eyes)! You will need: Unflavoured gelatin, lavender essential oil, warm water, cucumber juice. You will also need a sheet of butter paper/ foil to lay this mixture on.
02How to make
Step 1: Add 1 tbsp. unflavoured gelatin into a glass bowl. Add 1 tbsp. warm water and 1 tbsp. cucumber juice to it and mix until it forms a gel-like consistency.
Step 2: Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture and mix well. Pour the mixture on a sheet of butter paper. Using a spoon, even the mixture out and wait for it to cool at room temperature.
Step 3: Once cooled, cut the gel pads in semicircles and use them underneath your eyes. Leave them on for 20 minutes. You can also make these in bulk and store them in the fridge.
03Coconut oil + Green Tea under eye patches
Both these kitchen ingredients are saviours for your under eyes—while caffeinated green tea contains 'tannins' that help stimulate blood circulation and is power-packed with antioxidants, coconut oil contains antibacterial and hydrating properties. You will need: Gelatin, warm coconut oil, green tea (preferably, use two tea bags)
04How to make
Step 1: Add 1 tbsp. gelatin powder to a mixing bowl. Add 1 ½ -2 tbsp. green tea to it and mix well. Then, cut open the green tea bag and add the tea leaves to the mixture (this is optional.)
Step 2: Next, add 4-5 drops of coconut oil and mix well. Spread this mixture on the butter paper and let it cool. Cut the patch into two once dried and it'll be ready to use! You can refrigerate the under eye patches before using.
05Lemon under eye patches
Lemon—yet another rich source of vitamin C, also has brilliant bleaching properties that help with dark under eyes. As lemon juice can sting the skin if applied directly, mixing it with other effective ingredients helps. You will need: Lemon juice, gelatin, coconut oil and green tea/water
Step 1: Add 1 tbsp. gelatin to a mixing bowl. Squeeze 1 full lemon into it and add some green tea or water to the mixture. Mix well.
Step 2: Add 2-3 drops of coconut oil (optional) and spread the mixture on the butter paper and follow the same procedure as above.
All of the above under eye patches can also be made using basic cotton pads (by soaking them into the respective mixtures)—but we recommend using gelatin as the patches become easy to store, are less messy and come with added benefits!
Remember to be extremely regular with the usage of these under eye patches as the results will only show if you're consistent. We recommend using them every night or every alternate night.
Image credits: pinterest, herbal tea direct, gianhan
