Eyes may be the window to the soul, but they’re also the first thing we tend to notice looking tired or dull. Fine lines and crows feet can reveal our age, and puffiness is a tell tale sign for lack of sleep and dehydration. “Without question, it is our eyes that show our age first,” shares Dr. Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist. Drooping, wrinkles and sunken hollows can overshadow even the tautest of surrounding facial features.
By Kate-Marie Thorpe
So how do we fight it? We asked Celebrity Makeup Artist Justin Henry of Vivien’s Creative: What is the quickest way to de-age the eye area with make up highlighter/ highlighter? He says “I always use a serum or eye serum to hydrate the under eye area before applying any concealer and or highlighter. When the serum has settled I put a foundation colour a shade lighter than the face colour or mix the concealer with the foundation and apply to the ender eye area once that has settled into the skin I use a small sponge or my finger tips to gently pat in the highlighter to create a brighter even coating of illuminated product.”
To set the look, Justin says “Once this is perfected and the make up application is complete a light dusting or a powder puff gently tapping high definition or translucent powder to set it is the final step. Consistent use of eye cream or serum and products specifically fro dark circles or dry wrinkled skin over time certain works and helps over time so concealing becomes easier.”
But don’t be fooled into thinking eyecare is only for mature skin – it’s never too early to prevent! “Visible ageing of the eye area starts in the mid 20s, most often as the increasing appearance of fine lines in the delicate undereye area,” says Dr Alicia Teska, Cosmetic Physician The Skin Temple in South Yarra. “Those who are exposed to strong and frequent UV light are most are risk of noticing early fine lines. Initially these fine lines may only be apparent during times of dehydration.”
Before you start applying with a liberal hand (or finger), consider the eye cream that will best suit your skin type and concern. A normal moisturiser applied to the eye area is in fact too heavy for such delicate skin. “In my practice I frequently see patients who have developed complications such as milia (white lumps in the skin) around the eyes from the excessive use of heavy facial moisturisers on the eye area,” says Dr Teska.
To navigate your way through the myriad of miracle creams and gels, we’ve put together your cheat sheet to selecting the right eyecare for your concern – for results so good they’ll have you looking twice!
If you’re looking for an anti-ageing solution to wind back the clock, Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum is your answer. Get 360 degree correction with this super-smart 5-in-1 smoothing and lifting formula for wide awake eyes. 77% of women in Kiehl’s counter study said their eye area was instantly smoother, so why not put it to the test?
RRP $62 from Kiehl’s Counters and kiehls.com
La Mer The Illuminating Eye Gel is no urban myth. The legendary healing energies of its Miracle Broth fight early signs of ageing, while brightening and illuminating the eye area upon contact with the skin. Innovative ferments and light bending sea pearls make this gel a dream come true for dull and lifeless eyes.
RRP $195 from selected David Jones stores nationally and cremedelamer.com.au
What do we say to early morning, sleepy eyes? Puff Off! Benefit’s eye gel comes in a convenient tube tipped with a metal applicator to iron out under-eye puffiness and creases. The formula works on bare skin or over makeup for a wide-awake look every time. Much more satisfying than real ironing!
RRP $44 from Myer Stores Australiawide
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour is a sight for sore eyes – specifically sensitive ones. Containing neurosensine and niacinamide to target the process of skin irritation, this complex has proven to be particularly effective on allergy and eczema prone skin. A soft and gentle option for even the most stubborn of complexions.
RRP $32.95 for stockists call 1800 101 141
Instant and wrinkle aren’t two words we usually like to see together, but Arbonne Instant Wrinkle Filler helps us breathe a little easier. A multi-function treatment designed for use under your concealer, it instantly smoothes wrinkles with hyaluronic acid microspheres which fill fine lines. Turn around bright eyes!
RRP $55 for stockists call 1800 650 760
We all reach for the concealer when we see those dark shadows under our eyes, but why not eliminate the source instead of covering it up? Garnier’s Miracle Skin Cream Eyes wipes out dark circles with 7 active ingredients which correct and perfect the skin. Reducing the signs of fatigue from morning ‘til night, this cream delivers long lasting results so you can ditch the concealer, pronto.
RRP $19.99 from Priceline and selected pharmacies nationally
