Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #40: Window to the Soul?

"The eyes are the window to the soul." It's an ancient proverb that dates back to biblical times and is still in use today.

One man in Italy has taken it to a whole new level. He whispers to cashiers and bank tellers, "Look into my eyes," then hypnotizes them to hand over the money in the till. The victims report having no recollection of the entire incident. You can read the article here.

Scientists have set out to prove that characteristics of the iris (the colored part of the eye) can actually determine personality. It's all very "sciency," which you can read here, but after studying my irises in a 12x magnification mirror, I came to the conclusion that my "crypts" are "dense" which means I am in touch with my inner feelings and I tend to be more empathetic than those with "open crypts."

It's all very interesting. So, how can we make sure our "windows" always look their best?

Tips for Youthful, Beautiful Eyes:

1) Stop frowning. Frown lines may make you look angry, stressed, overworked or tired. Some people frown without even knowing they're doing it. I have always been very careful not to frown, so I've never developed those muscles, but if you are a frowner and you consciously pay attention, you may be able to make a habit of relaxing the space between your eyes and avoiding frowns. Some people rely on Botox Cosmetic to keep the frown lines away.

2) Use concealer. Blueish under-eye circles are a result of pooled blood, while brownish or yellowish circles are the result of prior sun damage rearing its ugly head. To conceal blue circles, use a yellow shade of concealer, then apply your foundation over that. For sun damage-related circles, use a peachy colored concealer.

3) Lighten up. As we age, logic would tell us that we need more makeup to cover flaws. The opposite is actually true. We should wear less makeup as we get older. Celebrity Makeup Artist Bruce Grayson told me in an interview that "less is more" when it comes to makeup for us "Baby Boomers."

4) Lighten up again. Dark eye makeup colors may look nice at night, but during the day, try switching to lighter, natural shades such as peach, apricot or terra cotta, which are young and fresh looking. Avoiding glittery or shimmery shades will keep the focus off any "flaws."

5) Pay attention to brows. It is perfectly acceptable to give your brows some "help" by adding color or length, but here are a few tips for the most natural result. Some experts suggest using powder shadow or eyebrow powder in a shade lighter than your hair to add color to brows rather than using a pencil. The powder looks more natural than the "waxiness" of a pencil. Also, notice brow size. To achieve the optimum length, hold a makeup brush from your nostril to the inner corner of the eye. Where the brush crosses the brow is where your eyebrow should start. Repeat the process, but this time hold the brush from the nostril to the outside of the eye. This is where the brow should end.

Following these suggestions may help you keep your "windows" to the soul looking squeaky clean.