DIY beauty - eyes

Give Peas A Chance Eye Mask
Green relief for swollen, puffy eyes.

I could never eat peas as a kid. Ugh, just the thought of those mushy little legumes made my throat close up in fear. Now as a bona fide grownup, peas don't scare me so much, especially because of their handy use as an ice pack. Frozen peas can help reduce swelling and puffy eyes not only because of their icy effects but because the small round pearls can settle into the shape around the eyes. In honor of all that is green and good and a little mushy in the world, we encourage you to give peas a chance.
Here's what you do:

Remove the bag of peas from the freezer and let it thaw for about 10 minutes so the ice-cold package doesn't redden skin. Lay back, place the bag on your eyes and visualize calming green thoughts for about 5 minutes. P.S., Not only is green considered a calming hue but is also the color of the heart chakra and is our center for compassion and unconditional love.
You'll need:

* Bag of frozen baby peas


Eye Brake for Spuds
With party season in full swing, use this easy remedy for puffy, overstressed eyes.

Don't ask me why, but this simple cure for dark under-eye circles really helps. It could be the tons of minerals that the tater accumulates in its early life underground. Or it could be the huge amounts of Vitamin C packed in the starchy little tuber. But who really cares when you've got two black eyes from partying (studying, working, worrying, etc.) the night away? This works best if the potatoes have been chilled.
Here's what you do:

Place two heaping tablespoonfuls of the grated potato on a square of cloth. Tie the potato bomb securely. Repeat. Lay back and place each bomb over closed eyes for 10 minutes while you repeat your favorite mantra (try "I will never drink that much again."). If you can't find cheesecloth or want a super quick remedy, peel a potato, slice it in half and make two thin half-moon slices. Slap the slices under your eyes for 10 minutes.
You'll need:

* One peeled and grated potato
* Cotton cheesecloth
* String or ribbon

Tried-and-True Cucumber Soak
The classic cucumber cure.

Okay, it's not just a wives' tale ... cucumbers really do help relieve puffiness, sore eyes and eye fatigue. Cukes have a high water content, which helps soothe and cool eyes. The trace amounts of salt helps draw excess water from the tissue surrounding the eyes, reducing puffiness. They also help to tone and firm the skin around the eyes.
Here's what you do:

Allow cucumber slices to cool on the ice for a few minutes. Place a cucumber slice over each eyelid and relax for 10 to 15 minutes. And here's a little secret the resident spa boy came up with: If you want to keep your peepers open during this treatment, cut the slices in half and use them just under your eyes.
You'll need:

* Sliced cucumbers
* Bowl of ice

Soothing Eye Gel
A treatment for tired eyes.

The protein in the gelatin nourishes the skin beneath the eye and helps to tighten and smooth it. The elderflowers have a mildly astringent, tightening effect. Store the gel in a refrigerator and use within six days.
Here's what you do:

Put the elderflowers and eyebright in a saucepan with the water. Cover and bring to a boil, the simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the infusion. Place the gelatin in a small saucepan with 3 tablespoons of the small infusion and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Set the pan over a low heat until the gelatin melts. Transfer the eye gel to a sterile pot with a lid, and leave it to cool and solidify. Apply a small amount of gel with a fingertip. Dab the gel into the skin; don't rub the skin. Source: From Home Spa: Pamper Yourself Naturally by Sian Rees.
You'll need:

* 1 small sprig fresh elderflowers
* 1/2 teaspoon dried eyebright leaves
* 5 fl oz water
* 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin

Slave to the Music Eye Saver
An after-party eye lift.

This is the one to go for when you just had to dance until 3 a.m., regardless of your 9 a.m. breakfast date with mom. We understand and we are here to serve you with this quick and easy fix.
Here's what you do:

Put two teaspoons or slices of cucumber in the freezer for 15 minutes. Place the frosted spoons or the cucumber slices on your eyelids and relax for ten minutes.
You'll need:

* 2 slices of cucumber
* 2 frosted spoons