Eye creams and gels should be applied every night if they are to work, writes Melanie Morris
The skin around the eye is the finest and least protected part of our faces. It gets full blast of all the elements and is often neglected because we're too lazy to add an extra step to the daily regime.
The products: There are countless creams, serums and gels on the market to help relieve puffiness, diminish lines and dark circles and keep eyes looking bright. None of them will work, however, unless you apply them religiously every night. Particularly good are Face Stockholm's Magic Eye Treatment, Clinique's Repairwear for eyes and Avon's Anew. For tackling lines, Lancôme's Resolution Yeux and Vichy's Myokine contain their own patented formulas that relax the dermal muscles to deploy contractions and thus smooth fine lines over time.
Location, location, location: On the whole, eye creams and gels should go up to and around any bones (Dr Daniello's 24 Hour Eye Care is the exception; it can go right onto lids and is especially good for lashes). Pat on gently using the ring finger - don't stretch the skin - and remember, a little really does go a long way a grain of rice size amount per eye.
Instant gratification: Dior's Capture for eyes will offer some immediate lift, and l'Oréal's Wrinkle Decrease Serum will bring first results within an hour of application. For those in search of more dramatic solutions, botox can be injected in to crows' feat to iron out creases but tread carefully; you might remove the expression along with the line.
Lighten the load: Concealer is massively beneficial when applied correctly. Those with dark circle problems need a pink-based product, preferably one that also illuminates the area - think YSL's Touche Eclat or Dior's Skinflash. Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit comes in seven shades and includes a setting powder in the base of the compact - only apply the latter if needed or it will highlight fine lines. In years of experimenting, my tip is to mix Nars Eye-Brightener - a light concealer and illuminator (six shades) - with Chantecaille Total Concealer for a non-creasing, light-reflecting disguise for all ills. Apply after foundation and powder so you know exactly how much coverage is required.
Pluck it anyway: Eyes look best with well-maintained lashes and brows. In the eyebrow department, put plucking over waxing and go for regular re-shapes. A professional will always achieve more symmetry. Fill in the gaps daily with a good colour product and set with primer. Lashes should be conditioned with Vaseline every so often. Avoid waterproof mascara (it dries out the lashes) and semi-permanent falsies, which have a nasty, balding effect when removed.
Unmake-up: The surest way to tired, heavy, ugly eyes is not to remove all traces of make-up every night. And that includes mascara.