makeup

PUFFY EYE SECRET WEAPON

TUTORIAL + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

I’ve always recommended keeping two spoons in the freezer to have on hand for an important date so you can place them under your eyes to help bring your puffy “bags” down. I also know that a lot of pageant contestants use Preparation H to bring the swelling of the puffy bags down, but I’ve never tried that and could never imagine buying it at the store, even though I’m sure it works great! You’ve also seen my Sleeping Technique Tutorial to help drain while you’re sleeping. Today, we’re sharing another way that will help bring down the bags, passed on to me by my dear friend and celebrity stylist Ilaria Urbinati!

It combines the cooling power of the spoons with the moisturizing power of your favorite eye cream! It might seem silly but don’t be so quick to dismiss. Try it on one eye and do your own experiment! For a traditional cream, apply it as demonstrated above by dotting NOT directly on your crow’s feet or lashlines but a few millimeters below so it doesn’t creep into your eyes, irritate them and cause more puffiness and swelling. Then pat it in. If you’re using one with an applicator tip, roll it back and forth in the same area above and really feel the cold tightening everything. Then pat in any excess with your finger if you’re applying makeup right away, otherwise, let it soak in on its own if you have a little more time. Yes, it’s not the most convenient place to keep eye cream, but what I do is when I go in the kitchen in the morning to feed the dogs, I grab my eye cream from the fridge and apply it right then and there!

TBD FAVORITE EYE CREAMS:

• Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Eye Treatment — this is every makeup artist’s secret weapon because it instantly reduces puffiness and brightens the area. It’s pricey but lasts awhile and perfect for those who really suffer from looking tired because of puffy undereyes.
• Volante Transformative Eye Cream — We love this feather light eye cream because it really plumps with hyalauronic acid while tackling dark circles and crow’s feet over time.
• Lancome Genifique Yeux Light Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate — I also love using this one on my clients because the applicator rolls and massages the eye contour. And it’s especially effective when it’s cold!
• Giorgio Armani Regenessence Eye Rejuvenating Serum — this awesome beveled applicator also works even better when it’s cold from your fridge! And the serum has caffeine in it to work miracles.

For those of us on a budget, this one with its tri-ball roller is my favorite drug store find!