Do you find your eyeshadow getting patchy? Worried your concealer is creasing? Hate the way your eyes feel dry, itchy and uncomfortable after you create the perfect cat eye? You need to prepare the skin near your eyes for the makeup products you're going in with. What products you use before applying makeup will change everything about the way it wears, looks and feels.  

What is eye makeup? 

Eye makeup consists of multiple products ranging from mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, brow pencils and other products used to create different looks and styles. Eye makeup enhances the shape of the eye, making it look more attractive and pays great attention to detail.  

Why is an eye makeup routine important? 

1.Enhancing the natural look of the eye 

Following an eye makeup routine helps enhance the natural features of the eye, making them appear more defined and attractive. 

2.Hydrates the skin 

When the skin around your eye is well hydrated- it facilitates a better makeup application. It also ensures your skin is a smooth base to work on for the next step.

3.Prevents a cakey makeup look 

While factors like dehydration and ageing can play a significant role in causing eye creasing, taking care of your under eye skin stops your makeup from looking cakey. In addition, moisturized, well-hydrated skin will bring more attention to your eye makeup. 

4.Boosts your confidence 

Who doesn't love the look of a smokey-eye? Wearing eye makeup can enhance the overall look of your face, making you feel like a total diva! 

A step-by-step eye makeup routine 

1.Depuff

Late nights and deadlines are likely taking a toll on your eyes, leaving them puffy and swollen. Instead, you can do something simple — just put a cold spoon (from the freezer) and lay it across the under-eye area to constrict blood vessels underneath and reduce inflammation. You can even use a cooling, soothing eye mask with anti-inflammatory ingredients like caffeine, liquorice or Vitamin C. 

2.Always cleanse first 

Before you apply any product to your skin, it is best to start with a clean canvas that can accept it. Pick a gentle cleanser that eliminates excess dirt and sebum on your skin. This step is crucial to ensure the oil doesn't mix with your foundation and cause a sticky mess. The Daily Duet Cleanser is ideal here as it is powered with sodium hyaluronate, red algae, and Vitamin B5 to condition, cleanse and clarify the skin. 

Micellar water works great, too— it removes impurities and any leftover makeup without a rinse or rub on your face. Instead, use a cotton swab with it and swipe it all over your face, making sure to hit the under-eye area, lids and outer corners of the eyes. 

3.Apply an eye gel

Since the skin surrounding the eye is thin, it shows signs of ageing more evidently (and quicker) than other areas of the face. On the other hand, hydrated skin is bouncier and well-protected, so fine lines and wrinkles look far less noticeable. Use an eye gel to nourish the skin around the eye before moisturizing the rest of your face. Foxtale's eye candy firming eye gel contains a combination of peptides, brown and red algae extract, which provides a moisturizing effect, giving a smoother texture to the skin. It also lightens and reduces the appearance of dark circles.  

4.Always use a primer

An eye primer is a crucial prep step. If you have greasy lids, eye primer provides a barrier between the natural oils and your eye makeup, preventing it from streaking. On the other hand, if the skin is too dry, a dry eyeshadow powder may not have anything to grip. Eye primers are formulated to be slightly tacky, providing a surface and even base to which eyeshadow can stick to. It is best to avoid a silicone-containing primer as it may make the surface too smooth, making it difficult to evenly blend the product. 

5.Colour correct

Before you apply a concealer, you can use a colour corrector that'll work for you. Colour correctors are beneficial in getting rid of skin discolouration. Yellow and green colour correctors counteract red undertones, while orange and peach ones erase blue undertones. First, figure out what you need to cover up, and then use an eyeshadow brush or your finger to layer a thin layer on the under-eye area. Then, tap in your concealer to blend it all in. 

If you have oily skin, look for concealers with a matte finish. Concealers with a hydrating formula work best for dry skin types as they won't seep into fine lines and wrinkles. People with sensitive skin need to watch out for fragrances and harsh ingredients that irritate the skin. 

The Conclusion 

Applying eye makeup enhances the definition and beauty of your eyes and boosts confidence. Following these skin care steps can take your overall skin appearance to the next level, leaving it looking refreshed and rejuvenated.