It’s been said since ancient times that the eyes are the window to the soul.  So much can be conveyed with a wink, a sidelong glance, a smoldering gaze, or the hint of a dangerous secret – it’s no wonder women from Cleopatra to Scarlett O’Hara and Tyra Banks have perfected the art of the ‘smize’.

Like peacocks, we are naturally drawn to the season’s brightest eyeshadow palettes and plushest mascaras… but in truth, beauty of the eye starts with TLC and proper grooming.   Here’s where the right tools and the best tips are key.

Tip #1 – Banish Puffiness, Dark Circles and Nourish your Eyes


1. Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream (C$36.00)
2. Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream (US$32.00)
3. Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator (US$58.00)
4. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller (C$20.99)
5. Nip + Fab Dark Circle Fix (C$15.95)
 
There are a ton of awesome products out there right now that work their magic to soothe your eyes, reduce puffiness and dark circles and also provide sun protection- this is a selection of some of our faves! However, while a good quality eye cream does wonders for your peepers, but it’s not just the ingredients that provide that needed 'oomph!'. Use your ring finger (it’s the weakest and therefore gentlest finger) to pat the cream onto the lower eye area. This action doubles as a gentle massage to reduce fluid retention and increase circulation.

When a gentle eye massage isn’t enough, have a supply of ice cubes made from green tea on hand.  The cooling action combined with the tea’s caffeine and antioxidants are a cheap DIY alternative to the department store remedies.

Tip #2 – Take Care of your Lashes


1. Elizabeth Grant Intensive Eyelash Conditioning Serum (C$30.00)
2. L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum (US$9.45)
3. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Serum (C$9.29)

There has been a lot of buzz about lash growth products, but they aren’t right for everyone. A less expensive and invasive option are lash serums. Remember that it's equally important to focus on conditioning the lashes you already have. This starts with a healthy diet and lower stress levels, but remembering to use a proper eye makeup remover that contains conditioning ingredients is better than washing off with soap.  Many DIYers also suggest a swipe of Vaseline or olive, castor, or almond oils right before bed.

Tip #3 – Find your Perfect Brow Shape


Eyebrows have really traveled the spectrum in the last 10 years or so, from super skinny Sharpie-like strips to lush Brooke-Shields-circa-Blue-Lagoon fullness.  While most of us search for the happy middle ground, we might easily forget that Shape Matters.  Visit a trusted brow bar or use an easy tool like this to find the ideal brow angle specifically for your face shape. We are obsessed with these natural looking celeb brows that are full and frame their eyes to make them stand out. 

Tip #4 – Brow Maintenance


1. Sally Hansen Raise Some Brows Slant Tip Tweezers (US$4.99)
2. ELF Essential Brow Comb + Brush (US$1.00)
3. Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara (US$2.49)
4. Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil (C$8.39)

So now that we’ve talked about finding your ideal brow shape, it’s critical you keep them groomed and tamed. While you’re at it, don’t allow extra long brow hairs to make up for sparse volume. Comb your eyebrows upward and then carefully trim any hairs that are too lengthy with a small cosmetic scissor. It’s better to make up for sparseness with a proper brow pencil. Just think of your Grandpa’s combover, ‘mkay? 

Tip #5 – Fight Signs of Aging


1. RoC Sublime Energy Eye Treatment (C$49.00)
2. Olay Total Effects 7 Tone Correcting Eye Treatment (US$19.16)
3. La Roche Posay Redermic + Eyes (US$43.95)
4. Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream (US$18.99) 
5. Prevage Eye Adanced Anti-Aging Serum (US$100.00) 
6. Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Serum(C$65.00)  

It's important to start preventing the signs of aging (i.e. the dreaded crows feet) around your eyes early on since your skin around the eye area is so fragile and thin. Start incorporating an eye care product into your routine now, you'll thank us later! 

What are your eye care or eye grooming tips?