Beauty Secrets: Youthful Eyes Part II

Last week, we discussed how to take care of the skin around your eyes. No matter our age, well-moisturized, healthy skin gives us a beautiful, youthful glow. But even the most conscientious among us find ourselves startled by our reflections in the mirror on the occasional Monday morning—any combination of dull skin, puffy eyes, and dark bags under the eyes don’t make for the best start to the day!

Here are a few tricks to fake it until you make it to the next catnap:

If you have a little time on your hands minutes:

If the skin around your eyes is dry: Apply a moisturizing mask. Whip half an avocado with two glugs of olive oil. Apply a thick layer to your face and rinse after ten minutes. Follow with toner, your regular moisturizer, and SPF. Avoid applying powder under your eyes—this will accentuate dryness.

If your eyes are puffy: Slice a cold cucumber into 6 coins, apply one over each eye, leaving it there for 3 minutes. After three minutes, replace with fresh slices, and so on. The caffeic acid and vitamin C will reduce inflammation while the cold, water-dense slices will reduce water retention.

Do ten minutes of yoga or jogging to revive your circulation and help drain fluids form your face.

If you’ve got dark circles under your eyes: Drink hot lemon water. Rehydrating is essential—dehydration contributes to dark circles. Adding lemon to your water gives you a boost of vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants for more glowing skin. (Only one of many reasons to drink lemon water.)

Allow two caffeinated tea bags to steep in warm water for five minutes then apply to your eyes. The tannins in the tea will reduce dark circles.

If you’ve only got time for a little makeup:

Makeup tricks for well-rested, bright eyes…

If the skin around your eyes is dry: Avoid powder formulas. Pat a thin layer of oil-based concealer around your eyes, and go for a soft eye look, like smudged brown eyeliner. Bold palettes will emphasize tired looking skin. Bring the focus to your lips with a nice peach lipstick.

If your eyes are puffy: While you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen, use your ring fingers to gently press along your eye socket. Hold each press for 10 seconds. This will help drain the fluid from the area.

If you’ve got dark circles under your eyes: Fight against the darkness with the color wheel. Dark circles tend to have a bluish/purple-y tone. Try using an apricot tinted concealer to neutralize the cooler tones. While you’re at it, apply a white or flesh-toned eyeliner to the “waterline” or inner-rim of your lower lash line. Avoid smoky eyes and opt for a subtler look. A thin dash of eyeliner on the upper lash line with a little mascara should do it. You can also smear a little light, shimmery powder on the inner-corners of the eyes to “open” them up.