When it comes to questions about your eyes, we strongly recommend you ignore Google and turn to our panel instead.
“I’ve been reading about permanent makeup and have seen ads plastered all over the newspapers and periodicals about it. I am curious how permanent eye makeup is applied and how safe this procedure is? Can I change this at a later date, if I do not like the makeup anymore?”
– Sussanne Shepherd, Al Ain Road,
Response : Kate Goodwin, Makeup artist:
“Permanent makeup or semi-permanent makeup is applied using tattoo machines specially designed for the face. It uses pigments and a thin needle to apply makeup, such as eyeliner on the eyes or lip liner on the lips, which are the most common requests for this technique.
It is usually done under local anesthetic and there is some swelling afterwards. It cannot be altered or changed once it is done, so you must carefully decide on your preferred look and select a qualified professional to perform the procedure. The makeup needs retouching after 6 months depending on the product and the therapist’s experience.”
“I suffer from dry eye syndrome and find my eyes drying up even more during winters. What should I do about this? Are there any medications or eye drops that I can use to keep my eyes lubricated and not have to keep rubbing my eyes all the time?”
– Sayed Al Makhtoum, Al Ras Road,
Response : Dr QA Qasem, Ophthalmologist:
“Dry eye syndrome is pretty common among middle-aged women or patients with autoimmune connective tissue disease such as arthritis. Such patients can use artificial tear drops or gel products regularly, without worrying about any side effects – especially if they use preservative free products. Adding Omega 3-rich food, like flax seeds, fish or olive oil, to your diet can improve the function of your lacrimal glands and help in your condition. There are environmental factors that can compound the symptoms of dry eyes, such as humidity level, ventilation and room temperature. You can keep these well regulated to get some relief.”
“For a night out, should I always stick to shimmer eye shadow? Or can I get an interesting look even if I use matte eyeshadow and eyeliner? Please do tell.”
– Rashida Khatun, Dubai,
Response : Kate Goodwin, Makeup artist:
“Matte eyeshadows are very flattering and great to use to contour the eye socket and lift the eye. They are easier to work with too. Shimmers are nice as long as they are applied and blended well. But ultimately the choice between shimmer or matte eye makeup should be taken after you have put together your attire for the evening. If you are wearing bright metallic clothes, then shimmer eye makeup can look great.”
“For a long time I have been searching for a mascara that can give my lashes very good length, volume and definition. I want the kind of lashes singer Katy Perry has – thick and dense and which actually stand out in her face. I have tried many varieties from various brands till date, but none gave me the thick lashes I seek. Can you give some options for this look?”
– Sarah Jacobs via e-mail,
Response : Kate Goodwin, Makeup artist:
“When it comes to getting the mascara right, it’s all in the brush. When applying mascara, try using black and start at the root of the lash pulling the brush upwards gently giving it a little wiggle to make sure every single lash is getting coated. Repeat again for a fuller look. Use a lash comb to separate the lashes nicely so they don’t look clumpy.”
“I was recently gifted MAC’s Grey Friday lipstick, which is a shimmery silver-gray shade. I have always worn very muted lipstick and minimal makeup to go with it. And now I don’t know what makeup goes best with the Grey Friday. Can you suggest something that’s not over the top, but is eye catching too?”
– Masuma Sheikh, Abu Dhabi,
Response : Kate Goodwin, Makeup artist:
“The Grey Friday is a great colour! Ideally one should choose a lipstick depending on the skin tone. If you have a wheatish complexion, you should pick warm colours. And you are light-skinned, opt for lighter colours as they can be more flattering. Be careful not to wear shades that will end up making you look like a corpse as they are too cool for your tone. The Grey Friday is not an everyday lipstick shade for most people, but it can add a shimmery tint to your lips. You can use it best with metallic eye makeup in steely shades.”
“How often should I take my 10-year old daughter for eye tests? She has normal vision and does not enjoy getting her eyes examined as she fears it will be very painful.”
– Emily Banks via e-mail,
Response : Dr QA Qasem, Ophthalmologist:
“Vision screening is required for children from the age of four as per the international guidelines. If one of the parents or both are wearing glasses, it is more common for their child to end up with some refractive error.
By seven or eight years of age, the child’s vision will be fully developed and complete and regular eye examinations will only help identify if there is any need for the child to wear spectacles, or if the child has any visual complains that need to be addressed.
Incidentally, a routine eye test is absolutely pain-free and it can be a pleasant experience if it is done in a child-friendly environment.”
Dr QA Qasem is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Imperial Healthcare, Dubai. A specialised paediatric eye surgeon, he has been a specialist for more than 15 years, and his name is included in the Specialist Register of the Irish and the British Medical Council. Dr Qasem is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.
Kate Goodwin, Founder of Illumin8 Media Make-Up Studio, is a leading celebrity makeup artist. She has worked in the industry for a decade for various assignments in magazines like Vogue India and Brazil, Harpers Bazaar Arabia, Elle, Marie Claire Arabia along with luxury clients such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and D&G. She has also worked with celebrities including Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, Ivanka Trump and Jay Sean.
