The Fight Against Dry, Irritated Eyes

Summertime can cause a host of eye issues, from melting makeup to dry, irritated peepers. Lack of sleep and allergies only add to the mix, leaving you with puffy, watery eyes that cause eye makeup to run. Luckily, we've got some great treatments and ways to for tired, irritated eyes, plus makeup tips to keep you looking fresh.

Eat Like a Nutritionist

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) protects against dry eyes, in addition to giving you a healthy glow. It's also important to eat lots of leafy greens and vitamin C fruits as well as superpower foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, like eggs and carrots, says Dr. Robert Mirsky, an ophthalmologist in New Jersey. Have insomnia or other ailments? There are goods to help those too!

Water-Resistant Mascara
Oily skin and allergy-prone eyes spell smudges, making water-resistant mascaras a summer must. Even better, they hold curl longer. We tested mascaras on real women - check out the only eight you'll ever need to buy.

Choose the Right Eye Cream
Since the skin around the eyes is especially thin and sensitive, you'll want to try an eye cream that contains calming, hydrating ingredients like chamomile, elderflower, oat extract, and green tea. Try Clinique All About Eyes Rich, $28.50. Also beware: allergies can make the eye area puffy. Do this to deflate them.

Nonslip Eye Shadows
Even your lids aren't immune to summer sweating. To prevent creasing, opt for a matte or mineral eye shadow that will help control oil on your lids. This easy step will also help.

Drink More Water (and Less Caffeine)
It's always a good idea to up your water intake, especially if your eyes are feeling Sahara-like. And while you're at it, keep your caffeine consumption under 300 milligrams per day (one cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams), says registered dietician Lisa Drayer, author of The Beauty Diet, since the mild diuretic effect of caffeine can leave you dehydrated. Bonus: cutting out caffeine can also help reduce stress.

Easy Eyes
Dark, smoky eyes may be super-sexy, but black kohl pencils will likely melt and run in the heat (try this to make your eyeliner last). Instead, use more natural shades like golds and browns to play up your eyes. "My absolute favorite eye shadow for the summer is Go The Distance Double Color Eyeshadow by Mally in Marathon Brown," L.A.-based makeup artist and brow/lash expert Juliana Landis says. "The colors complement every complexion, and it has two cream-based shadows in coppery gold colors and two powder shadows in browns. I recently wore these on my Mexican vacation, where I swam and sunbathed, and my eyes looked glam all day!"

Always Remove Your Eye Makeup
Once in awhile we all crash without washing our faces, but it's really important to at least take off your eye makeup. "This is the easiest way to prevent eye irritation," says Dr. Mirsky. If you're really tired, keep unscented baby wipes next to your bed so you can swipe off your mascara and liner while literally lying down. Or try one of these great makeup removers.




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