6 tips to beautiful eyes

Q: I’m so time-pressed in the morning. Is there a foolproof way to apply eye makeup?

A: For the daily grind, Toronto makeup artist Michelle Rosen recommends investing in a palette of four neutral eye shadows. Start by applying the second-lightest shade — likely a medium beige — all over the lid, right up to the brow (Step 1). Next, sweep on the medium shade under the bone starting from the outside corner of your eye and working in (Step 2). If you have a bit of time, use a stiff angle brush to apply the palette’s darkest shade as eyeliner (Step 3) and, while you’re at it, fill in any bare spots on your brows. The same dark shade can also be used for a darker, smoky effect in the evening, says Rosen. Finally, use the lightest hue as a highlighter just under your brows and on the inside corner of your eyes to brighten up your whole look.

Try: Cargo’s Essential Eye Shadow Palette, $32.

Q: Is there any way to disguise the fine lines around my eyes?

A: Rosen recommends filling in your laugh lines with a liquid primer before you apply anything else. Not only will it create an even canvas for your concealer and shadow, but your makeup will also stay put longer. For long-term wrinkle reduction, invest in a serum that plumps up fine lines by boosting collagen production around your eyes.

Try: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36. Lancome High Resolution Eye Collaser-5X, $76.
Q: Summer allergies have left my eyes red and swollen. What’s the best way to deal?

A: It’s probably best not to irritate your eyes further — but sometimes doing nothing isn’t an option. Start with an eye drop, such as Visine Advanced Triple Action, to combat redness and soothe itchiness. Then, says Rosen, tone down redness around the eye with a yellow-based corrector, followed by concealer on the lid and under the eye. Less is more when eyes are irritated; if your baby blues are watery to boot, Rosen suggests skipping the liner and applying waterproof mascara.

Try: CoverGirl Simply Ageless Corrector, $11, and Concealer, $11.

Q: I’m so tired. How can I hide these puffy dark bags under my eyes?

A: In the short term, send those bags on vacation with a cool compress, says Kucy Pon, a Toronto dermatologist. “Cool tea bags or refrigerated cucumber slices have long been used to reduce puffiness and refresh the skin around the eye. Eye creams containing caffeine, retinol and vitamin K may help improve the appearance of dark eye circles and puffiness.”

As far as makeup goes, concealer is the obvious answer for dark circles — but when all else fails, Rosen recommends distraction: blush on the apples of your cheeks and a soft eyeliner at the bottom of your lash line to keep others from noticing your dark circles!

Try: Clinique All About Eyes Serum – De-puffing Eye Massage, $33. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, $18.

Q: How can I make my bitty eyelashes look fuller and longer?

A: Two words — eyelash curler. We know, it looks like a creepy ancient torture device, but curling your lashes is the best way to make your eyes look wide open. Make curled lashes more visible with a swipe or two of mascara. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a new way to lush up your lashes — products that promote eyelash growth, including Fusion Beauty’s StimuLashFusion Intensive Night Conditioning Lash Enhancer, $89, and prescription strength Latisse, $135.

Try: L’Oréal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara, $9.

Q: How do I get the perfect eye brow shape?

A: Pluck ’em, wax ’em or thread ’em — whatever you do, shape those brows into a clean, natural shape. Skinny brows are passé, plus they make you look way older. “Eyebrows are very important because they frame the face,” says Toronto makeup artist Michelle Rosen. Once your brows have been sculpted by a pro, brush them up and outward. Next, apply an eye shadow that’s the same shade as your hair with a small angled brush, to fill in any sparse patches and define the shape.