Driven by a desire to improve eyelid health and comfort for patients who wear makeup and suffer from dry eye, optometrist and CCLS NZ president Adele Jefferies has created Elin Eyes, a locally made organic range of lid- and lash-care products.
Many of her patients have dry eyes or related issues that are often caused or exacerbated by cosmetic lash procedures or wearing a lot of makeup, she said, noting the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society’s (TFOS) Lifestyle Report findings which led her to develop her new beauty-care product range. “We all understand that lid hygiene is important for many of our patients. With Elin Eyes, I set out to create a range of New Zealand-made products that not only cleanse the lids and lashes but also won’t strip moisture from the skin or clog pores, while possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.”
Drawing on her clinical expertise, Jefferies said she collaborated with a team of chemists to develop effective formulations that wouldn’t compromise eye health. “I have been involved in every stage – from concept and formulation to testing and packaging. It has been a four-year journey, beginning with a lot of reading and research, then collaborating with leading chemists to create safe, effective and gentle solutions for the delicate lid and lash area. There have been a few formula tweaks along the way and there’s also been a fair bit to learn about cosmetic and personal care regulations in New Zealand.”
