6 Transformational Eye Products + 1 Rich Red Lip for Good Measure

Above: All about eyes.

(1) *Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm: Between a case of jet lag and long, end-of-the-semester teaching days, tired eyes have been the norm lately.  Consequently, I have been on the hunt for a product that can recharge the orbital area, both instantly on the surface and at a deeper, more long-term level as well.

This portable eye balm by Elemis possesses all necessary criteria.  I prefer to apply a bit right after my normal skincare (but before foundation) to hydrate, cool, brighten and tighten and then I toss the little tube in my handbag for when I require a mid-day refresher.  I’ve been experimenting with this radiant formula it for the past three weeks — not quite long enough to calibrate the long term effects — and am impressed with its performance thus far.

• 0.3 oz.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• By Elemis; made in the UK.

(2) *Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Sculpt Eye Kit:  Contour does not need to be relegated only to the cheek area; this handy kit features three genius formulas, a smoothing base, a illuminating highlighter and a silky powder contouring shade, for subtle sculpting.  Excellent for a “no makeup makeup” look or as a formidable base layer for the additional color to come, this compact holds the key to orbital optical illusions.

I use my ring finger to sweep the smoothing base over bare lids, add the contour in my crease and blend out for a lovely shadow and finish with some strategically-placed highlighter along my brow bone and in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten everything up while still looking entirely natural.  This trio is invaluable!

Official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus:

Now every angle becomes your best angle.™
This expert all-in-one eye contouring trio contains everything you need
to add depth and dimension for bigger, brighter, more defined-looking
eyes:

Smoothing Base: Creamy formula preps and primes the lid for flawless, stay-put application.

Highlighter: Brighten shadows and accentuate the features you want with a creme highlighter.

Contour:
Sweep on the powder contour to define the eye with multi-dimensional
allure. Ideal for wearing alone or under eye makeup.

SEE THE TRANSFORMATION
Look in the mirror. You’ll love what you see with New Dimension—a face that looks radiant and more defined from every angle.

Usage:
Step 1
Smooth:
From left-hand pan of the Eye Kit, apply Smoothing Base on eyelid and
to inner and outer corners of eye. Use fingertips or included brush
applicator. (Tip: use one end of applicator for creamy formulas, the
other for powder.)

Step 2
Highlight: From center pan, sweep
Highlighter along browbone and to inner corner of eye. Use fingertips or
same end of applicator.

Step 3
Contour: Flip the applicator
and using the fresh brush, apply Contour from right-hand pan along outer
third of top lashline. Then sweep in natural crease of eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An extreme, long-wear, high-intensity color liqui-pencil eyeliner.

What it does:

This eyeliner has the high intensity color of a liquid liner and
the ease of application of a pencil. Glide on smooth color while giving
eyes maximum color intensity and all-day wear. Featuring a creamy,
instantly blendable formula, it sets quickly for 24-hour wear—without
budging or fading.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

– Parabens

– Sulfates

What else you need to know:

Create a smoky effect by smudging product immediately. This product is free of fragrance and ophthalmalogist-tested.

 

 

 

Above: The Gucci lip color in Iconic Red applies so beautifully…it’s hydrating, smoothing and wears off evenly.

Above: I first applied the Elemis Eye Balm to brighten and hydrate the eye area.  I then followed the three steps for the Estee Lauder Shape + Sculpt for subtle contour.  Next, I blended a touch Le Metier de Beaute Eye Prism in Ultra Suede over my upper eyelid and added a bit of Neoprene at the crease.  I followed with Laura Mercier African Violet and blended outward.  Finally, I applied Lancome Baroque close to my upper lash line and swept a light combination of Lacome Embrase and Noir Extreme along my lower lash line for a multi-dimensional effect.

   

Above: Last look.