Aisling on beauty: Three ways to wake up tired eyes

Spring allegedly made an official appearance on the calendar some weeks ago but the Irish weather didn’t get the memo. It has been a long spell of gloom but thankfully that is what make-up exists for. If people keep looking you in the eyes and saying those three annoying words – “you look tired” – these tips should help.

ONE

This is a tip you will use forever: it is the cheapest and easiest trick in the book. The waterline is the inner rim of the eye and it is naturally a reddish colour. This can make you appear bleary-eyed and tired. Lining the waterline with a neutral peachy shade will instantly make you look wide awake and fresher. Nars and Mac both have good neutral pencils, and the latest budget Wet n Wild pencil collection also has a nice neutral. Don’t use a white pencil on the waterline as it looks harsh and unnatural.

TWO

Use a good brightening highlighter under and around the eyes. A matt concealer can look too flat but a peach- or pink-hued highlighter can give you a DIY eye lift. I am using an apricot highlighter from YSL, and although I was initially sceptical, I found it works wonders to disguise tired-looking eyes. Try it: you will be pleasantly surprised.

THREE

Think pink. From lipsticks to entire make-up collections, pink is the colour of spring 2016. Although I never advocate the slavish following of trends just for the sake of it, indulge me a little here. Swap your neutral nude and brown shadows for pinkish shades. Many Irish women have pink-toned skin, and pink shadow on the eyes can look fantastic and fresh. Yes, even on redheads. If you’re not convinced, take it slowly. Layer a little pink over your neutrals or use it on the lid. Honestly, what’s the worst that can happen? If it’s horrible you can simply remove it.

• amcdermott@irishtimes.com
• Twitter@aismcdermott