On improving the look of the eye area...

I'm 55, going through the menopause and I'm on medication for angina and diabetes. I seem to have a large area between my lower lashes and the lower contour bone, resulting in large bags and a "shelf" /indentation where the contour bone/top of cheek is. I don't know if this is due to my age, medication or bad luck! I use good quality products but haven't noticed a significant improvement. The lines under the eyes diminish and are plumped but I still have this indentation that makes me look so tired.

I also have a problem with concealers in that they "break up" especially in the corner of my eye. I have some phytopeel (as yet unused) and having watched decleor recently discovered that this can be used on eye area. I wondered if this would resolve the problem of the concealers breaking up? Please help.

Alison: This 'shelf' that you describe is common and particularly with the type of illnesses that you suffer from so, I have a few tips to help you improve the look if it. The Decleor Phytopeel should work and will help to lighten and brighten up the eye area. Plus, it should help with the application of any other products - meaning that they will break up less as your skin is more hydrated.

You can use this product right up to the lashes, both above and below the eye. Apply a thin layer and let it sink in until you can't see it. You can then just roll it off with your ring finger, stretching your eye area slightly, and it should take the dead skin with it. Keep rolling until nothing else comes off.

For dry and swollen eyes...

My mum is 50 and she is struggling to find an eye product that works. Her eyes look very dry but also swollen - both the eye lid as well as under the eye. What would you recommend she try?

Alison: I want to make sure that this swelling isn't caused by sensitivity. If so it could be because you're using an all-over cleanser or facial wash and not a specific eye product. If you wear eye make-up, then the Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover works well. If not, then use the Liz Earle Eyebright. If you do have any medical concerns or are on any medication, then you may want to mention your swelling and sensitivity around the eye area to your doctor in case they are somehow linked.

For the dryness around the eye, try the Prescriptives Intensive Rebuilding Cleanser, which can be used on the eyes as well as the face. It's designed to replenish your skin's natural moisture levels.

For bags under the eyes...

I am 35 and have dreadful bags under my eyes. I have very sensitive/combination skin which is prone to breakouts too.

Alison: Bags and puffiness could be your natural face shape or skin condition. Concentrate on products that have detoxifying and firming properties. A product that has had a lot of success with other viewers is the Gale Hayman Eye Lift Gel and a new product is her Gale Hayman Youth Lift Gravity Defying Eye Cream. Apply it from the tear duct to the temple area - this is a good physical drainage technique. Avoid wearing eyeliner or mascara on the lower lid and try lighter pearlised shades of eye shadow as these draw attention upwards.