But the road to vanity can lead to tragedy, especially if you're not picky about the kind of make-up or eye cosmetics you're using. Those endless rows of cosmetics found at big department stores may look like a dream come true for people who want to alter or improve their eyes. But they can spell disaster for those who aren't careful. In some cases, they can harm rather than help your eyes.



'Eye cosmetics are usually safe when you buy them, but misusing them can allow dangerous bacteria or fungi to grow in them. Then, when applied to the eye area, a cosmetic can cause an infection. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an infection from an eye cosmetic,' warned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors.

What makes the eyes vulnerable to problems? First the skin around the eyes is thinner and contains fewer oils and sweat glands, making the area prone to dehydration that, in turn, can lead to wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles, and other problems. Endless movements like blinking, squinting, laughing, crying, and continuous sun exposure are other factors that make your eyes look older and less attractive.

One common problem associated with using the wrong eye make-up is puffiness. Having puffy eyes can make you look haggard, tired and older than you really are. This is often caused by using the wrong mascara or eye cream.

'To help combat wrinkles and sagginess in this delicate area, one should remove eye make-up carefully (no pulling, tugging, or rubbing) with a soothing make-up remover and a soft cotton ball. Always move from the outside of eye underneath toward your nose and make a complete circle. And never, ever leave your house without wearing an eye product that hydrates and protects the eye area from ultraviolet damage,' said beauty consultant Lori Van Wormer, wife of Dr. Mark Van Wormer, a laser surgeon and diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine.

For fast relief from puffy eyes, Van Wormer recommends the following:

1. Check your mascara - it should be changed every 12 weeks due to the possible growth of bacteria.

2. If you wake up with puffy eyes, you could be using too much eye cream. In this case, less is best.

3. Check your eye make-up removal routine - it could be too rigorous. If you are using tissue to remove eye make-up, the microscopic splintery fibers can be irritating the skin around the eye. Switch to a soft cotton ball instead.

4. Sleep with your head elevated and try not to drink too many fluids before bedtime. Reducing your salt intake can help eliminate puffiness as well.

One promising product for puffy eyes is Eyevive which is available at This product contains special ingredients that can reduce or eliminate dark circles, fine lines, crow's feet, and wrinkles to make you look young and refreshed. Eyevive eye cream is specially formulated to strengthen the tiny blood vessels around the eyes so you can look your best.