A Beauty Guide for Your Eyes

Our eyes are the windows to our souls. They are what others look at most while interacting with us. Are they full of life? Or dull and disinterested? That’s the first test.

The second test is the nature of the skin around them. Smile lines can be forgiven, contrary to the effect that the plastic surgeon achieves. But dark circles and puffiness tell another story, one involving internal toxicity, a lack of sleep, an overindulgence in alcohol or fatty foods, or allergies. If you’re suffering from these issues - and an honest assessment will usually reveal the main cause - first consider a change in lifestyle or environment. The changes won’t be instantaneous, but they will occur, if you stick to your resolutions. Our bodies have a wonderful ability to rejuvenate themselves.

While you are making improvements in your lifestyle, here are 5 ways to help eliminate the puffiness and dark circles.

Vitamin C- Skin in the eye area thins as we get older. If your dark circles lighten when you press on them, chances are they are caused by blood vessels showing through your skin. Thickening the skin in this area is the answer. Antioxidants are helpful here, and Vitamin C is one of the best. Vitamin C strengthens collagen. Apply it locally and eat vitamin-C-rich foods such as citrus and avocados.

Eye Cream - The best eye creams (such as our Essential Eye Cream) contain antioxidants and active peptides, both of which strengthen collagen and increase circulation. Best applied at bedtime, to wake up with new, fresher eyes.

Change how you sleep - If you sleep on your side or stomach, you are encouraging fluids to accumulate in the area under the eye. It’s best to sleep on your back with a pillow cradling both sides of your head. It will take some getting used to, but it works.

Caffeine - Caffeine is a diuretic. It moves fluid away from the eyes, deflates puffiness, and firms the skin, making the eyes look fresher and younger.

Concealers – Apply yellow or peach shades to cancel out the bluish tint under your eyes. The best way to apply a concealer under the eye is to think of an inverted triangle, smoothing it horizontally along the base of the eye, then feathering down with a narrowing contour towards the middle of your cheek.