For a lot of women, getting a confidence boost (and in turn, having a better day) may mean making a simple change, such as putting on their favorite red lipstick. It’s enough to brighten their face and transform how they perceive themselves.
If you are thinking about small and quick changes you can make that can improve the way you look and feel, here are nine ideas to get you started.
1. Stop scrimping on your contact lens solution.
If you wear contact lenses for style or vision improvement, one of the best things that you can do to make wearing them even more comfortable is to use your contact lens solution more liberally. Opticians say that when it comes to caring for the contact lenses you buy online or from physical stores, using more lens solution is important in getting rid of small particles that can make your eyes feel itchy or even dry.
Extra: Your contact lens solution is quite a versatile product. You can add to it your mascara or gel eyeliner if they’re getting dry and clumpy. The solution will thin these cosmetic products out and make them good as new.
2. Switch to oversized sunglasses.
According to Woman’s Day Magazine, wearing sunglasses is something that everybody should do when spending time outdoors. This is an effective way to prevent eye strain or fatigue, as well as headaches when staying under the sun. Besides that, sunglasses will prevent you from squinting, which can lead to the early development of fine lines around the eyes or crow’s feet.
However, it’s best to use oversized sunglasses with concave lenses. They will offer better eye protection from the elements and prevent UV rays from having direct contact with the delicate skin around the eyes, which is highly prone to sun damage.
Therefore, although skinny protective spectacles are all the style rage these days, it’s “healthier” to wear bigger shades, particularly if you want to preserve youthful peepers. Besides, there are more designs for oversized sunglasses to choose from. There’s no doubt it will be easier for you to find a style that looks fabulous on you.
3. Clean your eyewear frames every day.
Most of the time, people only clean the lenses of their eyewear. However, it’s just as important to clean the frames of your glasses as well, especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen during the day. The sebum from your skin, makeup, and sunscreen can build up on the frames, which may lead to skin irritation and inflammation (pimples).
So, as much as possible, clean your eyeglasses thoroughly to get rid of all dirt and oil. There are disposable disinfecting wipes that come in individual sachets that you can bring with you anywhere.
4. Invest in a wide-brimmed hat.
A wide-brimmed hat is not only stylish, but it’s highly protective as well. If you want to delay signs of aging, wearing a large hat is one of the most helpful tricks to implement. This will protect the skin of your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin discoloration and even skin cancer.
Aside from that, when you wear a wide-brimmed hat every time you go out, you can avoid the tendency to squint due to the glare of the sun (if you often forget to wear sunglasses), which can lead to the early formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
5. Indulge your sense of humor.
Smiling has long been known as a beauty creator. It makes the face look friendlier and younger. It’s important to note that giggle sessions have been found to burn calories, dull pain, and boost the immune system. Thus, take the time to indulge your sense of humor by watching a funny video on YouTube, reading jokes, or exchanging funnies with your friends. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine.
6. Perform a five-minute face massage.
When you spend a lot of time in front of the screen, learn to take a five-minute face massage break. This will improve blood circulation and lower the risk of getting a headache and eye strain or fatigue. Likewise, this is an excellent way to relax and relieve stress.
Just make sure to clean your hands first before touching your face and consider using toning water to refresh your skin. If you don’t know how to do a face massage, piano tap all over your face, especially around the eyes, which can get very tired even if you wear computer glasses.
7. Apply sunscreen or sun protection often.
Sunscreen is an essential skincare product to use because it’s highly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage, which manifests through hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and wrinkles. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen several times a day to ensure adequate sun protection for your skin. This should be easy enough now that there’s sunscreen or sun protection in a lot of cosmetics and skincare products.
Typically, after two hours, you should lay down a new layer of sun protection for your skin. You can use a spray sunscreen, or a face powder with SPF, or a facial mist with natural SPF. Dermatologists say that there truly is nothing like sun protection to keep you looking youthful for a long time, and there’s nothing difficult at all with applying SPF and PA++ often.
8. Bring a tube of hydrocortisone with you all the time.
A small tube of hydrocortisone can do wonders for you, especially in the summer or if you live in a tropical country. According to Paradi Mirmirani, MD, hydrocortisone is an excellent cure for sunburn, poison ivy, and bug bites. Plus, you don’t even need to apply a lot. A small dab will do in making the itching or burning sensation go away.
9. Step out into nature.
Do your eyes feel tired? Do you often feel stressed? Take a break from what you’re doing and head to a green sanctuary. A garden or the park near you with lush vegetation can calm down your fight or flight response.
Studies show that green spaces trigger a response in the brain that makes you feel more positive and relaxed. They also refresh the eyes and help you feel like you had just used eye drops. Not only that, but being in nature has also been proven to improve heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension.
The nine quick changes suggested above are all truly easy and affordable to implement. Try them and discover how they can work effectively in making you feel and look better.
AUTHOR BIO
Firas Saab is the Training Manager at Al Jaber Optical in Dubai, the leading optical and eyewear company in the UAE that offers a comprehensive range of eyewear and optical services across the board, through a wide range of modern optical products and facilities. Firas is an enthusiastic trainer with more than a decade in the retail and optical industry and has recently acquired HND in Business and Management in addition to his Optical qualifications.
