All About Eyes - The Gloss Magazine

All About Eyes

Mask-wearing is now part of our lives and so we have to smile with only our eyes. And make-up is adjusting accordingly. We’re seeing a focus on statement eyeliner, big lashes and expressive brows. At the autumn/winter shows, black eyeliner was big business everywhere, from Valentino to Miu Miu, Moschino to Marc Jacobs, with metallic embellishment drawing attention to the eyes. As make-up artist Pat McGrath commented backstage: “The strongest look, with a black eye pencil and red lipstick, is timeless.” For more inspiration, look to rock stars past and present: you can never go wrong with Blondie, and watching old clips of Amy Winehouse at Glastonbury reminded me of the simple joy of winged eyeliner. The mood? Rebellious yet sophisticated. I especially loved the elegant piratical vibe at Dior, where eyes were ringed with the blackest of black (try L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature, €8.99 at Boots) or simply accented with a tip of colour at the edges. And Miu Miu’s full-blown cat’s eye sweep of liquorice black. Adopt the catwalk trick of using white liner on the waterline to underline the darkness of your liner. At Chanel couture, make-up director Lucia Pica went for a “punk attitude”, using a very thin elongated eyeliner with balmy highlight on top of the lid, paired with a dark lip. There were gleaming autumnal shades at Tom Ford – a sheen of copper, bronze or deep rose speaks of a glamorous winter. We’ll be trying a delicate shell colour on eyelids too, worn with precise sharp liner as at Richard Quinn. The question is will we brave blue eyeshadow? It’s something most of us shy away from. Just a hint of Bowie’s technicolour “Life on Mars” look is enough – Marc Jacobs paired turquoise with big lashes, while there were flashes of the iciest blue at Prabal Gurung and lilac washes at Gucci. Try some cerulean liner or even turquoise-tinged lashes for a modern take. Just trade your standard beige for something more eye-opening this autumn …

STOP FROWNING TREATMENTS FOR THE EYE AREA

1 “Eye treatments are in demand,” says Nuala Woulfe of Serenity Day Spa in Glasthule, Co Dublin. “Well-done, minimal Botox can help counter heaviness of skin round eyes, while microcurrent treatment around the eyes can help too.” She recommends RadioFrequency, a tightening and contouring treatment, to target loose skin around the eyes. “In conjunction with good skincare, this can make a difference even after one or two sessions. It’s a great pick-me-up.” RadioFrequency treatments from €150; www.nualawoulfe.ie.

2 Ultherapy ultrasound technology works to stimulate new collagen and elastin production in the skin and can be effective for a lowered brow. “Ultherapy is a very popular procedure for those looking for a natural lift to the brow area. A single 20-minute procedure with little or no downtime, it has become the treatment of choice for those who want a clinically significant, very natural lift,” says Dr Orla Grimes, Clinical Specialist, Beacon Face & Dermatology at the Beacon Hospital, in Sandyford. See www.ultherapy.co.uk.

3 For an at-home option, the Foreo UFO Smart Mask Treatment Device delivers sonic pulsations; use under eyes to reduce puffiness. “I recommend the UFO to help soothe tired eyes and prevent wrinkles,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Raj Arora. “It’s a great preventative device to reduce the effects of ageing skin.” €199, at Arnotts.

POTS OF GOLD EYE CREAMS WORTH THE CASH

“You need more than just a moisturiser around the eyes – it’s the most expressive part of your face,” advises Clarins Innovation Director Marie-Hélène Lair. “Sleep, stress and exposure to screens all have an impact on the eyes, so they need targeted care.” Nuala Woulfe warns against overdoing eye cream, though: “I’m not a huge fan of overly heavy eye creams as they can end up in your eye – avoid using creams on eyelids, and always wipe off any excess to avoid any trapped moisture, which can lead to occlusive dermatitis. Also, don’t forget sun protection around the eyes – choose a good mineral-based one that doesn’t migrate or seep into the eyes.”

FOR LIFT Clarins Total Eye Lift is designed for the entire eye area. It has a smoothing effect and sinks in immediately with no stickiness. It’s fastworking and suitable for all concerns, from dark circles and signs of fatigue to lines. For lifting power, it contains harungana extract, a pioneer plant that in-vitro tests proved to be as powerful as retinol €68.

FOR BOLSTERING 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks help to prop up the eye area. Devised by a plastic surgeon, these are firming favourites for bolstering the bags. €85, pack of eight, at Brown Thomas.

FOR BOOSTING BROWS You don’t need to spend a fortune fixing your brows. To nourish and boost growth, try Pukka Herbs organic cold-pressed Castor Oil (€14.75 at health stores), high in vitamin E and fatty acids, or BaeBrow’s castor oil-rich serum (€27), new at Arnotts, with its neat applicator.

FOR DEPUFFING I love Anne Sémonin Express Radiance Ice Cubes €61, www.annesemonin.com) – kept in the freezer, they refresh the eye area instantly. I also rate SkinCeuticals AOX gel (€80) as it’s light yet robust. For a pharmacy option, try uplifting Vichy Minéral89 Hyaluronic Eye Fortifier (€20).

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