The eyes are the most abused part of the face. Eye shadow, mascara, crying, rubbing, squinting, allergies, poor sleep, all wreck havoc around the eye area. The skin around the eyes is the first to show signs of aging, wrinkles, lines, puffiness, dark circles. Yet, the eye area is the most overlooked when it comes to skin care.
Eye care should start before problems develop; protecting the skin around the eyes will result in a long-term younger looking facial appearance.
Eye creams are specifically made to moisturize and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Since this part of the face has the least oil glands and is the thinnest skin on the face, special care is necessary to prevent lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and other concerns.
Eye Cream Know-How
It all begins with choosing the right product. Not all individuals react well to eye creams and or ingredients. It wouldn’t be the first time a woman invests in eye cream only to end up with puffy teary eyes. Begin by understanding the difference between an eye cream and gel. Note that a face moisturizer is not appropriate for the skin around the eyes.
Eye creams have a high content of oils and emollients that plump up the eye area, relieve dryness, and provide elasticity. Eye creams are best for dry skin, non-sensitive skin, and for mature skins. Try, RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, Perricone Cold Plasma Eye, or Lancôme Absolue Premium Bx Eye Cream. For additional care, also use a night eye cream like Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream.
Eye gels are lighter, greaseless, ideal for treating dark circles and puffiness due to their refreshing cooling ingredients. Eye gels are perfect for sensitive skins, oily skins, and mainly for sensitive eyes that react negatively to creams. Sample Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel, Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate, or Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Crème.
How to Use Eye Cream and Eye Gel
The eye area is delicate and should be treated with care. Do not rub; instead pat a small amount of product all around the eye area using the ring finger. Eye creams and gels go a long way, over applying will not provide better results. Eye care products should be applied twice a day, in the morning before make up and after cleansing at night.
Removing Eye Makeup
Before applying eye cream, cleanse. To remove eye makeup use products specifically designed for that purpose. A good eye makeup removing routine should not result in teary, red, puffy eyes. Choose a cleansing product with the same care as choosing an eye cream. Use either a liquid eye makeup remover or a facial cream cleanser.
For liquid eye makeup removers, moisten a cotton pad and wipe off gently until all traces of makeup are removed and then proceed with face cleansing. Try Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.
Or use a cream cleanser or cold cream such as Pond’s Cold Cream, or Mario Badescu Cucumber Makeup Remover Cream. Massage gently around the eyes and over the lashes, and wipe off, repeat until no traces of makeup remain. Do not use face wash to remove eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara. Use only after makeup has been removed.
Special Treatments - Eye Serums and Eye Masks
Eye serums are cocktails of antioxidants and other anti aging ingredients that repair and make the skin around the eyes smoother. Serums are usually applied in combination with eye creams or gels. Eye serums are an extra step and expense that might be only necessary for mature or damaged skin. Some good finds are Korres Wild Rose Brightening Serum or Anastasia Beverly Hills Cooling Eye Brightener.
Eye masks are intensive treatments to perk up eye area and perfect to de-puff eyes after a late night out, periods of extreme stress, or simply a luxurious treat. Eye masks range from store bought products such as Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask, Sephora Power Mask - Hydrogel Eye Mask, or a couple of slices of cucumber or cold tea bags placed over the eyes.
Another good trick is wearing a silk mask to sleep at night. It will help against pulling, rubbing, and eye wrinkles waking up to a beautifully rested eye area.
Proper care of the eye area is the best defense against under eye wrinkles, under eye circles, or puffiness. Ask for samples at beauty counters or buy trial size in order to find the perfect one.
Grettel Miguelez - Our personal appearance projects to the world a lot about ourselves. When we take care of our appearance, we project self-confidence. I ...
