It is held that your eyes are the window to your soul … But for a bride they are even more; they are the loving stare of a new wife to her husband, they are features to beautify and highlight her facial appearance, they are the glint which expresses the radiance of her inner happiness.
But like all good things if you are not mindful and do not exercise care, they can work against you and very often do. At this time the extra stress, lack of sleep, skin care neglect etc., can cause undesirable results, which if left untreated can be devastating for your look.
Red bloodshot eyes, dark circles, bags, puffiness, wrinkles etc., will all show up in your photographs as they are either not possible to, or not always successfully hidden by make-up.
Remember also that regardless of how much you may use eyewash or drops, nothing beats the natural
clear look of rested, healthy eyes.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR EYE AREA
Eye care doesn’t mean taking care of only the eyes themselves; the gentle skin that surrounds them is a telltale place for showing a multitude of problems. Toxins build up causing puffiness; the sun destroys collagen and elastin, contributing to wrinkles etc.
The skin around your eyes is very different to the rest of your face; it is extremely thin, sensitive and fragile, requiring delicate, regular care. Correct use of treatments and methods is also important, so as not to create more damage than protection and repair.
As the skin is different, the products have to be different also, and the way you apply them. Generally everything has to be gentler, lighter so as not to unnecessarily stress the eye area.
ABOUT DARK CIRCLES
Dark circles are the result of a variety of reasons, lack of sleep, nourishment, fluid collection etc., resulting in alteration in the blood vessels of the eye area, which causes it to appear dark.
EYE WRINKLES
These can appear at any age but are largely affected by environment, poor nutrition, hormones and genetics, gravity, lifestyle habits etc.
Smoking is the number one eye aging habit, restricting blood flow to the skin, which prevents it from receiving the oxygen and nutrients needed to remain plump and youthful. Unfortunately, second hand smoke is just as bad, robbing you of firmness and elasticity resulting in crow’s feet and other aging looks.
Sun exposure is also a major factor as is lack of hydration to lubricate the skin cells.
You cannot totally prevent the wrinkling process any more than you can stop smiling or frowning; you will always express yourself when needed, but you can slow down and lessen the appearance of eye wrinkles and look great for your big day and beyond.
THE DO'S OF SUCCESSFUL EYECARE
Do … Use an eye cream to add moisture and nourishment around the eye area, cushioning facial expressions. A cream specially formulated for this place is more suitable, as it is particularly created to be the lighter, more fluid consistency which will be mild, easily absorbed and kind to such a delicate area.
Do … be very gentle around the eyes so as not to stretch or tug the skin unnecessarily. A patting motion using the ring finger is an excellent method for applying cream. This finger is the mildest as it is the least used finger, so has a softer touch than the others.
Do … Put cucumber or thin potato slices on closed eyelids and rest, to refresh and revive, keeping puffiness and dark circles at bay.
Do … Ensure that you get an adequate amount of sleep (preferably 8 hours every night to reduce the incidence of dark circles forming.
Do … Gently splash your eyes with cold water; this has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect.
Do … Use an eye base with powder eye shadows which will enable it to adhere, reducing particle dust which could enter and irritate the eye.
Do … Ensure that your head is slightly elevated when resting to reduce the possible accumulation of fluids to the lower eye lid.
Do … Enjoy relaxation packs, eye pads soaked with cold milk or water; squeeze excess, place on closed eye lid and lie down for ten to fifteen minutes.
Do … Consider witch hazel as a gentle, natural way to remove eye make-up.
Do … Have a professional eye check to ensure that all is well.
THE DONT'S OF SUCCESSFUL EYECARE
Don’t … Handle your eyes in a rough manner this can stretch and weaken the skin leading to an aged look.
Don’t … Continue to use old make-up, particularly mascara, which can not only irritate the skin but also the actual eye itself, with deteriorated ingredients. Discard before a year of use.
Don’t … Touch or rub your eyes with your fingers throughout the day. Apart from the fact that your fingers are a breeding ground for germs (which could lead to infection) such rough handling can stretch the skin and may scratch the eyeball if any debris is within the lid and you continue to grind it in. If you need to touch your eye for routine reasons like contact lens wearing, make sure that you wash your hands before approach.
Don’t … Sleep in your contact lenses, this can stress and cause redness to the eyeball.
Don’t … Use harsh cloths to wipe your eyes. A soft, disposable tissue is far kinder.
Don’t … Strain your eyes by sitting too close to the television.
Don’t … Hesitate to have a professional check up if you feel anything is wrong
USING SUNGLASSES
The use of sunglasses when outdoors is like a rescue team for your eyes, protecting them from over exposure to UV rays, keeping you from squinting, protecting and retaining vital nutrients to the skin and helping to prevent cataracts. It is best to invest in a good quality pair which will have the correct amount of polarisation and clarity to suitably protect. Shielded sides are more effective.
CHOOSING FRAMES
Ensure that they are adequately dark enough for your needs; do not sacrifice your sight for the sake of fashion, lulling yourself into a false sense of security that you are more protected than you actually are. Balance the size of the glasses with your face. A small face looks swamped in large frames. You can consider your face shape as a basis for choosing your glasses but you do not necessarily need to stick to it, it is always best to try on first, using any suggestions as a basic guide only.
CHOOSING LENSES
In a tropical climate like Barbados with all the activities which are possible, it is important that you choose the right lenses for your needs.
POLARISED ... Filters light waves, reduces glare. Suitable for beach, water activities and direct sunlight
NON POLARISED TINT ... Suitable for general use.
PHOTOCHROMIC ... Transitional lenses which change from light to dark etc., in direct sunlight. Suitable for multiple activity days, when conditions will be constantly changing.
MIRROR ... This reflective finish offers protection for extended periods of outdoor activity, where you will be in direct sunlight like sunbathing, boating etc.
Good eye care is a cumulative treatment ... With regular care you can have great looking, healthy eyes, consistently.
