Skincare guru and make-up artist to the stars, Nathalie Eleni, shares her routine for more wide-awake, bright eyes, PLUS her must-try eye skincare products.
Words: Nathalie Eleni. Images: Shutterstock and various brands.
The eyes might be the window to the soul, but they’re also the first area to show signs of ageing. The skin around the eye orbits is up to 10 times thinner than the rest of your face, making it more delicate and prone to fine lines, puffiness and dryness.
Dehydration, lack of sleep and hormonal shifts can all quickly affect this fragile area. As collagen levels naturally decline, the eye zone can become drier, duller and more crepey. But while your eyes may be the first area to show signs of fatigue, they’re also one of the easiest areas to revitalise. With the right daily rituals, nourishing ingredients and professional support, you can keep your gaze bright, lifted and full of life.
Dry, irritated or itchy eyes
Dry or itchy eyes can be triggered by anything from make-up residue to pollution or allergies. While most of us cleanse our skin carefully, few remember to clean the eyelid thoroughly, and yet proper eyelid hygiene can make a huge difference to comfort and clarity.
Menopause can also play a role, as declining oestrogen and androgen levels affect the meibomian (oil) and lacrimal (tear) glands. This reduces the tear film’s oily layer, leading to faster evaporation and irritation.
TRY IT: Purifeyes (£19.95) is a professional-grade antimicrobial eye cleanser that keeps the eyelids and lash lines balanced and healthy. Especially beneficial for anyone prone to irritation or blepharitis, it can be used daily to gently remove impurities without stinging or drying.
Puffy eyes
If you wake up with puffiness, it’s often due to fluid retention, a sluggish lymphatic system, or lack of sleep. Cooling hydrogel eye patches are a quick and soothing fix – keep them in the fridge and apply for 10-15 minutes to refresh tired eyes.
Caffeine-based products are also key. Caffeine is a hero ingredient for tired or puffy eyes. It works by constricting the tiny blood vessels beneath the skin, reducing blood flow and fluid retention. This visibly flattens puffiness and creates a fresher, more rested look, while boosting microcirculation to disperse trapped fluid.
TRY IT: ESPA Isotonic Hydra Gel Eye Masks (£46) are hydrating patches that leave the skin revived and re-energised, while Endocare Radiance Eye Contour Anti-Dark Circles (£40) is formulated with antioxidants, Edafence® technology, caffeine and niacinamide to reduce puffiness, brighten and protect against blue light and pollution.
Dark Circles
Dark circles can appear for many reasons, including genetics, pigmentation or lack of sleep. When circulation slows, blood can pool beneath the thin under-eye skin, creating a bluish or purplish hue. Opt for specialised brightening products, such as those containing peptides, which help to increase circulation and revive tired-looking eyes.
TRY IT: Wildsmith Skin Active Super Eye Cream (£120) is a luxury treatment powered by peptides, niacinamide and plant stem cells. It targets fatigue, brightens dark circles and smooths fine lines.
Another good product for dark circles is Rodial Banana Lowlighter (£38), a multi-purpose complexion enhancer with a soft yellow undertone that corrects dark circles, while brightening the skin for a natural, lit-from-within glow.
Bonus Boost: Support your routine with Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus, a marine collagen drink with retinol and hyaluronic acid to plump and firm skin from within. £35.69 for 14 sachets.
Pigmentation and uneven tone
Pigmentation around the eyes can result from sun exposure, hormones or excessive rubbing. Brightening ingredients such as vitamin C help to even out tone, boost radiance and support collagen production.
I also recommend using SPF even on cloudy days and in winter, as it’s only UVB rays that are less strong in winter; UVA, the one associated with deeper ageing, is still present and can reach the eye area and worsen pigmentation.
TRY IT! Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (£69) contains stabilised vitamin C and light-reflecting micro-minerals for an instant brightening effect. Extend your sunscreen up to the orbital bone for full protection with NecessaryGood Protected & Hydrated SPF50 (£29), which is a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen suitable for use around the delicate eye area.
Reactive eyes
Be gentle when removing eye make-up, never scrub. Place a make-up remover pad over the eye, allow it to dissolve make-up, then gently sweep outwards.
TRY IT! Peep Club Soothing Coconut Eye Balm Wipes (from £12) are biodegradable wipes infused with virgin coconut oil, bilberry oil and chamomile extract. They remove even waterproof make-up while caring for sensitive eyes. Ophthalmologist-tested and ideal for travel.
Heavy or drooping lids
Heavy eyelids are often caused by muscle laxity, thinning skin and fat-pad descent. Over time, the levator and frontalis muscles (which lift the lids and brows) can weaken, connective tissue loses elasticity, and fat may shift, leading to a heavier appearance.
Microcurrent devices can help by delivering gentle electrical impulses that re-educate facial muscles. Used above the brows and around the orbital bone (as directed), they can stimulate the frontalis muscle to lift the brows and open the eyes, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, and encourage collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin.
When using an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device, focus on the brow-lifting zone just above the brows, use a conductive gel and a gentle current, and work in upward motions, holding for a few seconds at the outer third of the brow.
TRY IT! Magnitone Pebble Pro Advanced Microcurrent & LED Facial Toning Device (£89.99) combines precision microcurrent along with LED light (blue 460nm, red 660nm and near-infrared 850nm) to tone, sculpt and boost radiance. Use daily for 10 minutes with a conductive gel to achieve firm, glowing skin.
And when home care isn’t enough, professional treatments can offer targeted rejuvenation. Carefully applied “baby Botox” can subtly lift the eyes and soften crow’s feet. Less is more for a natural look.
Dr Marwa Ali at The Wellness Clinic, Harrods, is an expert in advanced eye rejuvenation. Her bespoke approach focuses on precision “tweakments” for youthful, refreshed results. To try the upper face/eyes treatment (from £350), email [email protected]. Always seek an experienced practitioner for the best results.
Nathalie’s top tips
Layer your eye cream under a lightweight, light-reflecting, colour-correcting concealer to instantly disguise tiredness and add luminosity. Use your ring finger to lightly tap product from the inner corner of the eye out towards the temples.
This follows the lymphatic drainage path and helps to disperse trapped fluid. Avoid using facial cleansers too close to your lash line, as they can disrupt the eye’s natural microbiome. Instead, dedicate a few seconds each day to a specialised eye cleanser to maintain comfort and clarity.
At-home eye massage ritual
Boost circulation and drainage with this simple daily ritual:
1. Begin by gently tapping with your fingertips just behind the collarbone to open up the lymph nodes.
2. Apply a drop of eye serum or lightweight facial oil for glide.
3. Starting at the inner corner, press gently and sweep beneath the eye bone toward the temple.
4. Circle up and over the brow, then glide back to the inner corner, forming a figure-eight motion.
5. Repeat three times, breathing slowly and evenly.
6. Finally, lightly drain down the sides of the face and neck to help flush toxins and reduce puffiness.
Nathalie Eleni is a make-up and skincare expert to the stars and has worked with BAFTA award-winners. Follow her at instagram.com/nathalieeleni_ beauty for more fabulous skin and make-up tips.
