Your key ingredients: eyebright, aloe, witch hazel and caffeine

"If puffiness and bags are persistent even when you eliminate alcohol, sugar and salt; they're hereditary," says aesthetician Olga Lorencin-Northrup, owner of Kinara Spa in Los Angeles (and TotalBeauty.com expert panelist). The best natural ingredients to combat puffy eyes are alpine herb eyebright and witch hazel, both of which are rich in natural tannins, according to natural skincare specialist Liz Earle, co-founder of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare. They, along with cooling organic aloe vera, "help to tone the skin and reduce puffiness," she says. (If your product doesn't contain those ingredients, try Korres Natural Products Firming Eye Cream, Eyebright, $38.50, or Caudalie Contour Cream for Eyes and Lips, $53.)

Dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf adds that caffeine, which vasoconstricts, or closes blood vessels, temporarily can help reduce the appearance of puffiness (look for ingredients like green tea and coffee, in 100% Pure Fruit Coffee Bean Eye Cream, $19) but ultimately, heavy bags may need surgical correction.