Want Sparkling Eyes? 7 Essential Tips for Whiter, Brighter Eyes Every Day

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They say the eyes are the window to the soul. So, to make a good impression, you’ll want yours to look bright, clear, and full of life.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror wishing your eyes appeared more awake, you’re not alone. Many people get told that they “look tired” even when they feel fine. This is often due to redness, dryness, or a lack of that natural sparkle in their eyes.

The good news? A few simple tweaks can bring that fresh, wide-awake look back to your eyes. From smart daily habits to makeup techniques that make a big difference, here’s how to give your eyes a whiter, more vibrant appearance – every single day:

1. Protect Against Dry Air

Dry air can quickly lead to red, irritated eyes, especially in environments like high altitudes and desert climates. This can also happen even on airplanes.

Wind and smoke and heated indoor air from hair dryers or car heaters, can also strip moisture from your eyes, causing discomfort and redness. Limit your exposure time under these conditions as much as possible to keep your eyes looking bright.

If avoiding dry air isn’t realistic, consider carrying artificial tears to maintain optimal hydration for your eyes. A few drops will refresh and soothe your eyes, bringing back that natural sparkle even in less-than-ideal environments.

2. Eat Better

Your diet plays a big role in how bright and clear your eyes look.

Nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants support eye health and help maintain that bright-eyed look. In particular, vitamins A and C boost liver health, which plays an important part in keeping the whites of your eyes looking clear and healthy.

Among the food items that contain these vitamins are:

Oranges
Lemons
Carrots
Pumpkin
Spinach

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are also essential for keeping eyes hydrated.

Can’t have fish in your diet? You can switch to plant-based sources like chia seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds, which offer similar benefits. For an extra boost, omega-3 supplements can be a good option, especially for anyone dealing with dry or tired eyes.

These minimal, realistic changes to your diet can go a long way toward enhancing the natural brightness of your eyes.

3. Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Consistent, restful sleep is essential for keeping eyes bright and free from redness. Aim for at least seven to eight hours each night to reduce eye redness and help your eyes look more awake and refreshed.

Without enough rest, your eyes may appear dull or bloodshot, signaling fatigue even when you’re wide awake.

Can’t fall asleep easily? Good sleep hygiene has a huge impact on eye health.

Keep electronic devices away from your bed and turn off screens an hour before sleep to reduce eye strain. Exposure to artificial light before bedtime can interfere with natural sleep cycles, leaving your eyes feeling tired.

For added comfort, consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated to prevent morning puffiness, which can dim your eye’s natural brightness.

4. Hydrate

Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your eyes naturally lubricated and free from redness.

Proper hydration also helps maintain moisture in your eyes, reducing the likelihood of irritation. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to ensure your body – and your eyes – get enough hydration. It also helps to increase your water intake on especially hot days or if you’re physically active.

Small, consistent sips throughout the day will help keep your eyes looking refreshed and clear, letting their natural sparkle shine.

5. Use Eye Redness Relief Drops

Over-the-counter redness relief eye drops can work wonders to soothe dry, irritated eyes, especially if you:

Frequently wear contact lenses
Take certain medications
Deal with seasonal allergies

Also known as whitening eye drops, these contain ingredients to reduce redness and refresh your eyes quickly.

When using eye drops, make sure you apply them sparingly. For best results, follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.

Redness relief eye drops are available at most pharmacies, including newer options like Lumify, which helps whiten eyes fast and keep them bright for up to eight hours.

If OTC options don’t help, consider consulting an eye doctor who can recommend prescription-strength drops.

6. Take Regular Eye Breaks

For those who spend hours staring at screens, regular eye breaks are key to reducing strain and keeping eyes healthy. An easy technique to try is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away. This quick reset gives your eyes a much-needed break, easing dryness and irritation from prolonged screen time.

Remember to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist naturally, preventing irritation. To further reduce strain, adjust the screen brightness and ensure good lighting in your workspace. These small adjustments can keep your eyes feeling and looking fresh, even on long workdays.

7. Rethink Your Eye Makeup

Did you know that simple makeup adjustments can make a big impact on how bright and open your eyes appear?

For example, using an eyelash curler can lift your lashes and open up the eye area, giving you that wide-awake appearance. When curling, aim for the base of your lashes and apply gentle pressure for the best results.

Another trick is to add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes for an instant brightening effect. Pat on a tiny amount and blend for a subtle glow that makes the whites of your eyes look whiter.

Finally, try switching to white or flesh-toned eyeliner on the lower waterline instead of darker shades that create shadows and make the eyes appear smaller. These easy makeup tweaks can help create a fresh, wide-awake look that’s both natural and attractive.

Bring Out the Natural Sparkle of Your Eyes

A few daily adjustments can help keep your eyes looking bright, fresh, and full of life.

Stay hydrated, get quality sleep, and make nutrient-rich food choices to bring out that natural sparkle. Apply redness relief drops and simple makeup tweaks for the finishing touches.

If you incorporate these easy habits into your routine, you’ll enjoy eyes that look vibrant and awake every single day.