Eye Care part # 7

Eyes present very different challenges at mid-age. They become smaller and less “defined”. Too much “shadow” or wrong texture can draw attention to wrinkly or saggy areas. Aim for a clean, defined look.

• Apply an eye base under eye make-up: Apply eye cream and allow it to sink in, so your shadow has something to “cling” to; then put a bit of smudgy brown shadow on the lid with a light liner at the base of the lashes and mascara.
• Light-reflecting concealer for dark circles under eyes: Apply the concealer in the hollows under the eyes to brighten the area. Stroke the product as a triangle of lines, one under your eyes, then two slides sloping down to meet at a point on the eye-socket bone. Pat in lightly with a finger to cover the area.
• Puffiness: If you tend to have puffiness under your eyes, the first stroke an ice cube around your eyes area for a few minutes. Don’t draw too much attention to the under-eyes. A little mascara winged out, a fine line at the outer third of each eye and a pot of brightener under the eyes draw attention away from puffies.
• Hooded eyes: For a less pronounced case of drooping eyelids, use highlighter/ luminiser under the brow to ‘lift’ the eye, a very soft wash of taupe on the upper lid to mute it, mascara to define upper and lower lashes, fine eyeliner pushed into the lash-line along the lower.
• Define the shape differently: Over the tip, try a sheer wash of matt eyeshadow, in a neutral shade, then focus on mascara and eyeliner to frame the eyes. Try a sharpened eyeliner pencil or liquid product with an in-built fine brush in grey, deep brown, aubergine, or navy.
• Top with two coats of mascara: Apply a second coat before the first has dried to avoid clumping. Waterproof mascara avoids panda eyes, especially during hot flashes.
• Touch of highlighter on the brow bone: Dot on a touch of ivory or bone-colored shadow and if the skin is smooth, it can be subtly shimmering.
• Play down the brows for stronger shadow and eyeliner

Eye make-up is an issue where we can’t be psychic unless we have a friend who can make up your mind about what looks best, but you can definitely get a free make-up consultation in-store from most brands.

Some products to end your search in the market.

Eyeliners:

THE LIP BAR Eye Liner

NYX Professional Makeup RETRACTABLE EYE LINER