Welcome to makeup by pauline beauty tips and tutorial page,
... we are passionate in making you feel beautiful.

Solution to sensitive skin

Hi, I am back again after my long holiday, had my rest and now getting back to where I had left... feeling rejuvenated and full of ideas to share.

A few weeks of absence, I had people writing into the beauty questions. Here is one that urgently needed my advice and I feel I should share this with everyone too.

My skin peels and it feels a burning sensation when I remove my makeup after a whole day under foundation. Is something wrong with my skin or my foundation?

Now that I have uneven patches all over my skin, I have to use a stronger coverage.

Please tell me what I should do? … Sandy, 23

Sandy, I feel so sorry that your skin reacts to foundation that way. Your skin is being attacked by the strong harmful chemicals in your foundation that you are using for few hours. Then it is further aggravated by the makeup remover you are using.

First, stop using both the foundation and the makeup remover. Dump them to the bin.

Next, you may want to consider changing your foundation to a something less harsh. Get a dermatologist to check on your skin condition and probably she may advice you on certain products of foundation.

Give your skin a few weeks of break and time to recover. Meanwhile, go check out the net for foundations for sensitive skin. Tip : Go for water based foundation.

After your skin had recovered, here are the steps to protect your skin from further damaging.

Protect your skin before makeup. Invest into some good skin care or makeup base that is vitamin enriched. Try out Bobbi Brown Vitamin E enriched Face Base. Remember to tone your skin before the base.

Use the recommended foundation for sensitive skin. Use foundation brush for a more hygienic application. Foundation brush application is less likely to push the foundation into your pores. Apply using downward strokes. Immediately was you brush clean and not let any foundation sediments linger around to attract bacteria to inhibit in your brush.

When removing makeup, opt for something more natural. Go for Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil as your makeup remover. It is gentle on the skin, removes makeup efficiently (even good for mascara remover), it moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores. Best of all, it is inexpensive and readily available at any convenience stores or supermarket.

How to Use Under Eye Concealer?

Is it better to use your finger to apply under eye concealer? Yes, personally I prefer using finger. That way you can control your pressure and not drag the delicate skin under your eye area.

Moisturize the area well and allow 5 minutes for the moisture to absorb. Lightly tap around the under eye area to improve blood circulation.

This is how you do it. Squeeze a small portion of concealer at your ring finger tip (I love to mix Mary Kay yellow concealer to the foundation of your skin colour. That way it blends into your skin so perfectly). Lightly go over the under eye area and spread thinly. Your finger will warm the concealer as you tap and blend them well into your skin. Lightly brush over with loose powder to set the concealer. Why loose powder? Because it is light weight enough so that it will not amplify the fine lines at the under eye area. Isn't that easy?

To try out Mary Kay products, please call
010-2002280

A day in a life of a Bridal Makeup Artist

3.00am
Buzzzzzzzz..... The alarm clock blares off! Ahhh... I need a just a little more time to myself so I snooze off for another 5 minutes. Grrriiinnnnnggggg.... Thank God I have another alarm that is near the toilet. It sorts of forces me out of my bed and to the toilet to start my day. I am not gonna tell you what I do here...


3.15am
My morning devotion. I thank the Lord for this happy day to look forward to, another beautiful face to smile upon. I ask the Lord to guide me to a safe journey for my work early this morning. I ask the Lord for a smooth sailing day today.



3.40am
Preparing my healthy breakfast. Easy to prepare, healthy and my favourite. A palmful of oats cooked with milk and add in honey in my favourite green bowl. A warm milo in my favourite cup. Pop in a tablet of multi-vitamin for some positive boost of energy.


4.00am
Time for me to look beautiful. Slap on some simple makeup, tidy up my hair. dress up. Time for me to do the final check to make sure that I have not forgotten any single thing. Load the makeup cases to the car.



4.20am
Got my map ready (printed out from Google maps a few days before), set address to my GPS, got my car warm up and say a little prayer. Then I sms to my client to give her a morning call and to wish her good morning. Turned on the radio. I love to start my day with a song in my heart. Took a slow drive, with a thanksgiving heart for a smooth day.


4.50am
Reached the brides house. No problem in looking for her house. Waited at the car till 5.00am.


5.00am
Greet the bride and set up my makeup tools. My mission to make her the most beautiful bride begins ...


5.15am
Prep her skin, getting her ready for makeup. Before that, I have got her permission to take her picture before the makeover. She gladly oblidge to my request. Thank you so much, Xing Huiy.



















7.45am
She is all set, makeup and hair done up. She is looking so radiant and excited waiting for her husband to be to greet her.

Beauty Tips ...

Is it better to use your finger to apply the under eye concealer? Yes. Use a cotton bud to pick up the creamy concealer from the tub. Lightly go over the under eye area with gentle care. Your finger will warm the creamy concealer as you tap and blend them well into your skin. Lightly brush over with loose powder to set the concealer.

How To Have Kissable Baby Soft Lips...

A good pair of soft baby lips will greatly attribute to that radiant glow on your big day. Here are some good tips to help you prepare your lips a few weeks in advance. Also learn up some makeup tips to help you achieve that kissable lips.

Exfoliating and Lip Care

Apply on your lips generously with Vaseline and let it soak on your lips for full 5 minutes. Purse your lips every minute to speed up the softening.

Gently wipe off the excess Vaseline away from your lips.

Brush your lips gently using a baby toothbrush with a little face wash or face cleanser in small circular motion. This massaging effect will help remove dead skin and stimulate blood circulation to plump them naturally. Remember to massage around the lip line area too. Rince with warm water.

Then, dry your lips and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep them moist. This will prevent cracking.

Do this every alternate days to maintain the softness of your lips.

Makeup Tricks to a Plumper Sexy Lips

A moisturized lips is a good canvas to begin with. Follow the steps above for a week or two before your big day. That way, any peelings or bruises should heal by now.

When applying foundation, cover your lip line a little. Powder very lightly over your lips.

Select a lip pencil that is closest to your natural lip color, slightly brighter than your lips. Lightly trace the outline of your lips. when you reach the heart shaped arch at the centre of your lips, instead of drawing a sharp edge, soften the edge with rounder shape. Use Q-tip to lightly soften the line so that it doesn't look harsh and artificial.

Fill your lips with a lip color of your choice, preferably creamy lip color.

Now the tricky part is here. Get a lip color of the same color with 2 shades lighter. Fill up the centre of your lip area, both upper lip and lower lip. Blend the colors well so that you will not see the two separate colors.

Finish off with a high gloss with shimmers to give you the full, plump and juicy lips.

More tips on lip care...

… avoid licking your lips every now and then. Saliva will dry your lips more than it can help you smoothen. Becoming more aware of this habit can help you stop.

… drink lots of water! It helps hydrates the lips (and skin in general, for that matter.)

… to create the appearance of fuller lips, use a teeth whitener to create a dazzling white smile. White makes things look larger and stands out to attract.

… use highlighter lightly brushed at your T-Zone area and cheekbone area, will give the illusion of youthful baby look.

… practice lip pouting in front of mirror, when nobody is looking.

Hiring a Professional Makeup Artist

If the idea of putting on eyeliner makes your hand shake, you may want to hire a pro to do your makeup. Here's how.

If you're not much of a makeup person -- and even if you are -- you should think about hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day. A pro can give you picture-appropriate makeup that stays put. Here are some tips for seeking out someone to help you look big-day beautiful.

Finding One

• Ask your friends. Nothing beats word of mouth when it comes to finding true talent, especially in the world of weddings. Get recommendations from your friends especially those who has just recently got married. If you like her look on her wedding day, you should try to contact her makeup artist.
  
• Check out department stores. Talk to beauty consultants at cosmetics counters and pay attention to how their own makeup looks; let the ones you feel comfortable with give you a makeover (it's free!). Explain that you're shopping for your wedding-day face, and if you're happy with the results, ask if they make house calls or if they'll schedule time for you to come to the store the day of your wedding.
• Search from the net to get names of makeup artists in your area. Or make a list of beauty salons and call around to see if they offer makeup services.
• Ask your photographer. Most photographers have worked with makeup artists and can recommend some good ones.
• Be sure to check out their portfolios and their past credentials. Those with wider experiences are definitely far better than those newcomers in the market (as they tend to take you as a guinea pig while gaining experience).
  

Working With One

• Insist on a trial makeup. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting. Trial makeups allow you to first test out the makeup artist, second to discuss the idea of look you want for your wedding. The makeup artist may even suggest a few other ideas (from his/her professional perspective) that you may want to try out too.
• Arrange to go for the trial makeup with a girlfriend of yours, so that she can give you an honest opinion.
  
• Collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for.
  
• Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Some makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow!
• Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin. Does it last or fade away? Note any color changes or allergic reactions. Report to him/her the next day itself so that the makeup artist will have some time to find solution to your problems.
  
• Find out if the makeup artists charge a higher fee to come to your home. See if they also expect you to pay their travel expenses. Check out other hidden expenses too (don't be shy to ask the makeup artist).
  
• Finally, plan with the makeup artist on the program for your wedding day.
  

Tips : After each makeover, have someone take your picture. What looks great in the mirror doesn't always look right on film, and vice-versa. The photographs will also help you remember what you liked -- and didn't like -- about each application.

Wedding Photo Tips

Weddings provide plenty of opportunities for candid moments. Here are some ways you can get great shots of this special day.

=

Be Creative with a Tilt

Photo by Leslie Patopoff

For this image the photographer tilted the camera to put the focus on the little boy being led by his sister. By not showing much of the sister, Leslie avoided pulling attention from the main subject.

Start Early

Photo by Heather Melzer

Some of the best shots come before an event even starts. For weddings, shooting the bridal party’s preparation, as in this photo, can yield both fun and meaningful photos.

Watch for Unplanned Shots

Photo by Jen Lessinger

Be on the lookout for unexpected moments during an event. Here, the photographer caught interaction between the bride’s and groom’s fathers, who were oblivious to her as they chatted.

Capture Candids

Designed by Christina Schmidhofer

Keep your camera clicking to document the unplanned moments. Guests and kids especially are enjoying the day, and you'll get some extra special shots with minimum effort.

Be In Position


Photo by Greg Scheidemann

Be sure to capture the happy couple as they make their grand entrance. Find out where they will be entering the reception site and position yourself so you can get a clear shot of the smiling couple.

Chinese Tradition of Tea Ceremony

In this modern times, the tea ceremony has become the most significant event everyone (including the old relatives) is looking forward to. The bride and groom are formally introduced to each other's family through the tea ceremony, which is carried through on the wedding day itself.

Normally, tea is boiled with dried longan, lotus seeds, red dates and is lightly sweetened. Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea for two reasons. First, the words “lotus” and “year,” “seed” and “child,” and “date” and “early,” are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage and every year, which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. Also, the sweetness of the special tea is a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.

Serving the Tea:

On the wedding day, the bride serves tea (holding the teacup with both hands) to her parents at home before the groom arrives. She does this as a gesture of respect and to thank her parents for raising her. The tea at this time does not need to have the lotus seeds or dates. She pours and serves the tea before the groom arrives. During this time, the parents usually gives her their precious advice preparing her into her new life. Most often, this may get a little emotional.

Traditionally, after picking up the bride from her parents and the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea (holding the teacups with both hands), inviting the groom's elders to drink tea by addressing them by formal title, e.g. first uncle or third aunt.

The general rule is to have the woman on the left side and the man on the right side. The people being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel. For example, when the newlyweds serve tea to the groom’s parents, the bride would kneel in front of her father-in-law, while the groom would kneels in front of his mother.

The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.

For more information about Chinese Traditional Wedding, visit http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com, a website dedicated to preserving chinese wedding customs and culture.

Something old, Something new, Something borrowed & Something blue...

Ever wonder what does something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue means? It is a tradition back then during the Victorian age, where all well wishers grant the bride good luck and longevity in her marriage. The phrase of the poem goes like this :

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" signifies the transfer of happiness from a happily married woman to the new bride, which is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. "Something blue" symbolizes love, purity and fidelity.

Here are some thoughts on finding meaningful objects to fulfill this tradition.

For "Something old", get something you treasure before you decide to get married. It could be anything from your old precious diary, your childhood photos with your girlfriends or even your baby boots from your mom's collection. Get "Something new" for yourself that you have intended to wear after your wedding, perhaps a beach wear for your honeymoon or a gift for your new husband to be.

The tricky part is "Something borrowed". This could be an item of jewelry, a hair ornament, a lacy handkerchief or some other suitable accessory. By tradition, a bride borrows an item from a happily married friend, relative or someone you love - ideally, something that the lender wore at her own wedding. Ask them tactfully, make it clear that you aren't expecting to keep the item, that you will take good care of it, and that it would mean a lot to you to be able to wear something connected with the lender on your wedding day. I am sure, she would feel honored to grant you something that you see value in.

Get creative when it comes to "Something blue". To make sure that it doesn't clash with your bridal gown, go for something that reveals a little or perhaps gives a little hint of something blue underneath your bridal gown, such as a lace blue-trimmed garter, a blue lingerie, a blue topaz or rhinestone pin attached to the cleavage of your gown, or you could paint your toenails blue.

Beauty Tip of the Month

Beauty Tip of the Month :

Add some white floral 3D sticker to your newly varnished french manicure. Remember to add some sparkling gemstones. These accessories are inexpensive and easily available at any nail stores.

To learn how to make french manicure, check on Label for the month of June 2009 (Bridal French Manicure).

Another Bridal French Manicure sample :

Click on pictures to get bigger image.

How to put on fake lashes

Fake lashes can help you create an illusion of a bigger and wider eyes. It can glamorize your eyes in an instant. Here are the steps to help you and you will be ready for a big night out on the town!

Getting Ready : Fake lashes of your choice (natural bristles, criss-cross bristles, rainbow colors, feathery lashes, half lashes, etc); eyelash glue (some fake lashes comes with a small tube of glue, probably a cheaper one and won't adhere effectively. I would advise you to get additional glue too if you are doing this for the first time. There may be incidences that you will have to try on a few times to get it right); a toothpick (if your glue doesn't comes with brush); small scissors; eyelash curler; flat angle brush, black powder liner, black gel liner; and mascara.

Now, trim those fake lashes with a small scissors according to the length of your upper eyelash, probably you may want to extend a little bit longer towards the end for an illusion of wider eyes.

Curl your natural lashes with an eyelash curler so that the fake lashes can rest on your natural lash for support while drying.

Spread the glue on the edge of one of the eyelashes. Wait a few seconds for the adhesive to get just a little sticky so it will stick to your eyelid better.

Lay it as close to the lash line as possible like as if it rests on your natural eyelash. Now, use the flat angle brush to pick up black powder liner and press it down to your natural lash. Open your eyes to see if you need some adjustment before the glue dries completely.

Let the glue dry, and then apply a black gel liner to camouflage the line of the fake lashes and then apply your mascara. The mascara will help blend your own lashes with the fake ones, and make your eyes look fuller and larger.

Sign up for personalized step by step makeup lesson, call 010-2002280 or write in to www.makeupbypauline@yahoo.com for enquiry.



Additional Tip : For lash removal, apply some eye make-up remover to your eyes and let it soak in for several seconds to soften up adhesive bond. Take a corner of the lash band and gently pull off the lashes.

Welcome to makeup by pauline beauty tips and tutorial page,
... we are passionate in making you feel beautiful.

www.makeupbypauline.com

The New Nude Look

How to Achieve the Barely There Makeup

Moisturizer. If you want beautiful and luminous skin, you have to take care of it. The secret to a fresh complexion is hydration. Use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive or combination) morning and night. A weekly exfoliation is recommended for your skin to glow.

Concealer. Concealer helps cover imperfections like redness, spots and uneven skin tones, thus making foundation easier to blend. Green-based concealer neutralizes redness and evens out the skin, while beige illuminates shadow zones, under-eye shadows and little spots. Pink-based concealer will even out the yellow tone of your skin, thus giving youthful glow instantly. Apricot-based concealer can give you that sun-kissed look especially if you apply at the cheek and nose area. This is how you apply concealer. Apply with your ring finger, dab little by little at the red areas / spots and blend until the color absorbs into your skin evenly.

Foundation. The latest trend, skin should be veiled in a silky transparent film. Choice of foundation should be light, luminous and with highly absorbent texture. Forget 'mask-effect' that gives you too much coverage. Application should start from the corner of the side of your nose, forehead and chin. Blend outwards using your fingertips (Foundation brush will give you better blending and coverage. Good investment) till you see the foundation disappear into your skin.

Eye Makeup. Eye makeup should be at its minimal with natural colors of grey and brown. Line the upper eyelid (very closely to the eyelash) with black or brownish black eye pencil. Smudge it to create a light smoke. Top up with natural grey or brown eyeshadow. Curl your lashes and add 2 coats of mascara.

For eyebrow, I would recommend the use of eyeshadow instead of eyebrow pencil to create a more natural brow. Go for natural browns that is according to your hair color. You don't want that "Madonna" look in the 90s.

Blusher. This season is all about spring fresh makeup, just enough glow to give you that radiance. Go fro light reflecting blusher. Pick up your colors and swirl around at the cheekbone area and blend it all the way out to your temple. Don't be afraid to try out vibrant shades like pink, coral and apricot.

Lips. This season's nude look requires lips that are shiny, radiant and luscious, with hints of pink or transparent reddish wine that highlight their natural shade. Apply lip balm and purse your lips for a light coating. Wait for a few seconds for the balm to work on, then apply a light coat of natural shade of lipstick. Top it up with shine.

Enroll yourself for a specialized step by step makeup lesson with me. Call 010-2002280 or fill in at www.makeupbypauline.com to know more.

Lady Gaga Poker Face Makeup Tutorial

Being a huge fan of Lady Gaga, I have gotten hundreds of request to replicate her eye makeup in Poker Face ... Michelle Phan

Beauty Q&A

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Jolene Chan, 34
If I am in a hurry for a meeting, what are my essentials?

Pauline says : In the boardroom, you should command attention. So opt for stronger eyes. Line those eyes with dark brown or black eyeliner. Smudge the eyeliner a little and top those lashes with a coat of mascara. Go for strong lip color of natural shades. Choose matte lipstick over shine.

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Evon Liew, Marketing Executive, Kuala Lumpur
I love to party on Friday night after work. How do I change my look from Day to Night makeup in a jiffy?

Pauline says : Blot your face and apply 2 way powder pressed onto your face. For those eyes, just add on stronger and deeper colors. Add a little shimmer to the top of your eyeshadow. Careful not to put too much shimmer as it will make your eyes seem smaller and puffy. For that flirty look, try fake lashes. Shu Eumura has got a wide range of selections of funky lashes that work wonders. Tissue off old lipshade and top it up with glittering reds.

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Ms Chin, 29, Subang Jaya
Help! I have a pair of very small eyes. How do I make them stands out?

Pauline says : Dark brown eyeshadow (not too dark) and black eyeliner is the solution to create an illusion of bigger and more expressive eyes. Apply a layer of eyeshadow on the upper eyelid (close to the lash line) and slowly blend the colors upward and outward. Start with little colors and add on when you think that it is not enough. Line at the top lash line with black gel liner. Extend a little longer to make your eyes appear a little longer and winged it upwards. I love Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black. It gives your eyes the definition it cries for. Curl your lashes and top them with 2 layers of volume or lengthening mascara. At the bottom lash line, gently apply a thin line of brown eyeshadow. Go easy on the mascara at the bottom lash.

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Janet C, 23
How do I achieve that supermodel eyebrows like the ones in Hollywood?

Pauline says : Draw the desired shape with a soft eyebrow pencil (hint : brush your brows upward to find your natural arch). Tweeze the strays under the brow first. Using an eyelash comb to comb upwards and trim any hairs that extended beyond the natural arch. Clean your brow with cool toner. Defining your eyebrow with eyebrow pencil of similar shade of your hair color. Use small, light and feathery strokes starting from the inner corner working outwards. Brush through your brows with angle brush for a soft natural look. The trick that Hollywood makeup artist use is to highlight the brow bone area before applying eye makeup.

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Masitah, 43, Sunway
Each time I apply blusher onto my cheeks, it look streaky. Why is it so?

Pauline says : The keyword here is blending. Use a bigger and fluffier brush for easy blending. Start small circle at the apple of your cheek and gradually blending into bigger radius.

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Geena, 17, Student

I have waist length, straight hair. My grandma says brushing hair 100 times a day and you will get shiny and healthy hair, but how come I am dropping so much hair?

Pauline says : Brushing with the wrong method and wrong tools can result in hair fall. This is the right technique to hair brushing.

Start off by detangling your hair with your fingers, then the wide tooth brush (go for natural-boar bristle comb). Don't brush your hair when it is wet and brushing a 100 times is too much, just do it 20 to 30 times is sufficient. The act of brushing is actually to stimulate your blood circulation around the scalp area, thus stimulating your hair follicle to produce and distribute the natural oils from your scalp to your hair. Another way to stimulate your scalp is to massage your scalp area with the ball of your fingers, then brush your hair gently from root to hair end. This way you can reduce hair fall by half.

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You are most welcome to ask any beauty questions. Write in to www.makeupbypauline.com and I will provide you with solutions and ideas. Thank you.

Bridal French Manicure

If you like perfectly natural nails, a French manicure is an essential part of your beauty routine! You can't go wrong with subtle, classy manicured nails, so what are you waiting for? Here are the secrets of beautiful nails!


Well I do recommend that you grow your nails out a little bit, just because it makes it look better. Shape them up with a nail file to your liking.

Take your scotch tape and place it on your finger, not right at the tip, but just below it. This is the part where you will be painting the nail, its almost like a stencil! You can cut the tape to the shape of a smile. The tape gives you a nice curve line and its easier to see if there is paint leakage.

Now paint the tip where the tape isn't covering with your white nail polish. Let it dry, and peel off the tape. Now do the same with the rest of your nails.

After you have painted all 10 fingers, remove all of the tape, and then paint over them with your clear top coat twice.

At Makeup by Pauline, we provide bridal french manicure at only RM38 for set of 10 fingers. Stones and decorations to be charged separately according to budget. Call 010-2002280 or write in to www.makeupbypauline.com to know more.

Beauty Tip
of the
Month :

Add some white floral 3D sticker to your newly varnished french manicure. Remember to add some stones for some sparkle. These accessories are easily available and inexpensive.

Beauty Tip of the Month

Puffy eyes in the morning? Here is my favourite trick. Place a wet metal spoon to freeze for 10 minutes while you brush your teeth and wash your face. Place the back of the metal spoon down at your eyebag and roll the spoon upwards, rolling from side to side gently. Repeat on the other side with another spoon.

This trick not only sooth the eye but also gives your eyelash a lift. This method has been tested on my bridal clients and has proven to be magical, but only temporary. For a more permanent solution, try...

Thalgo Exceptional Eyes, .51 oz (15 ml)

Thalgo Exceptional Eyes is an ultra-effective
youth concentrate with its silky, velvety texture.
It contains Argireline to provide a smoothing and
dermo-relaxing corrective action. Your eyes
appear brighter and younger.
Price unavailable.