The eyes are everything, especially these days with frequent mask wearing. In my 20 years’ experience as a makeup artist and aesthetician whose clients mainly range in age from 50 to 90, I’ve found that accentuating the eyes is a central game changer.
Here are a few time-trusted secrets that make your eyes pop, which is increasingly important as the years accumulate.
The eyes tell a story of who we are—the mystery, the depth. And, yes, the cliché is true: “The eyes are the window to the soul.” First, a must-have is a super emollient eye serum. One of my proven go-tos is Cosmedix Opti Crystal ($95). This is the unicorn of eye creams because it treats all the areas—fine lines, dark circles and crow’s-feet.
This product is 97.7 percent pure liquid-crystal technology, which gives the serum an iridescent color, and has so many benefits. Although pricey, a tube of this magic potion should provide at least 90 applications.
Another favorite at a lower price point is balm for tired eyes: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream. At around $45 (depending where you shop), this retinol-rich product is great for sensitive skin.
I also recommend the Precision Eye Serum Applicator (also Cosmedix; $18), paired with the eye serum of your choice. This crystal-shaped tool allows you to evenly distribute the serum around the delicate under-eye skin. The cooling sensation of the applicator not only helps with puffiness and dryness but also reduces the risk of spreading bacteria.
The next must-haves for fuller lashes and brows are Borboleta Lash Serum ($65) and Image Brow and Lash Enhancement Serum ($49). Add these products to your nightly routine by swiping your lashes. My clients see results within a few weeks. These are the only lash serums I have carried that have not caused eye irritation. And unlike some other brands, they won’t change the color of your eyelids or eyes.
Both serums are fragrance-free and animal-cruelty-free formulas and offer super safe and nourishing fuller lashes and eyebrows.
OK, let’s move up one step for a lasting eye-catching look: semipermanent eyelash extensions, a procedure that is $200 and up. This is definitely a supreme confidence and beauty booster if you are aware of increasing signs of aging in the eye area. I often hear from clients that lash extensions changed their mind about getting surgical eye lifts.
Eyelash extensions, which mimic your natural lashes, offer myriad options of curvatures, lengths and thicknesses to achieve your chosen look. Each extension strand is applied to each single lash, resulting in a seamless and natural appearance. Touch-ups are necessary every few weeks and can run about $50 and up, depending on your salon.
I cannot stress this enough: Make sure to go to a certified eyelash specialist. I personally am certified through Xtreme Eyelash Extensions by Jo Mousselli and have had excellent results with its adhesives, extensions and detailed instructions for aftercare. My clients check out the results in the mirror after my applications, and I see them batting their eyelashes with huge smiles.
I am well aware of the cost and addiction of eyelash extensions, so if you want a more affordable alternative, turn to products that lift and tint lashes. This treatment is so low maintenance that you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner.
Basically, it is a process that gives the appearance of longer, thicker and darker lashes by redirecting growth into a new lifted style. My favorite products for this treatment are by Elleebana and SugarLash. Once the lashes are lifted, in the same appointment your aesthetician can add a tint with a safe vegetable dye. The results typically last six to 12 weeks, depending on your natural lash shedding.
Now get out there and treat yourself to some eye-popping treatments and tricks. I promise you, girlfriends will ask, “Did you get your eyes done?!”
Benjamin Madgwick/August Image
