Scientific studies have shown again and again that while eyes may not be the window to the soul, they certainly do have a critical role in relaying information. Nonverbal communication accounts for a large portion of our interactions, and eye contact is the primary nonverbal method of communicating interest, attention, engagement and involvement.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is a back-and-forth that, through encoding and decoding of wordless clues (either consciously or unconsciously), allows individuals to convey information quickly. We do this everyday, often without even thinking about it–like when you put two fingers up when you tell your barista how many espresso shots you want in your coffee, or the way you read a person’s body language when meeting them for the first time. These these silent exchanges of information are present in many of our relationships and often help us define the nature of these relationships.
In the Definitive Book of Body Language, co-authors Alan and Barbara Pease break down the senses used in nonverbal communication by percentages; 83% sight, 11% hearing, 3% smell, 2% touch, and 1% taste. Perception is a critical foundation for nonverbal communication; one must be able to decode the gestures and signals of another person. Often, a first encounter or impression can strongly influence another’s perception–therefore a person’s appearance during a primary encounter can have long-lasting implications for a relationship of any nature.
The Role of Eyes in Nonverbal Cues
A study published in Sage Journals found that it takes one-tenth of a second for someone to form a first impression based off of a snap judgement. The study also found that when participants in the study were given more time to make their judgements, they simply grew more confident in their snap judgements. A first impression is thus a visual decoding of one’s physical features and gestures done in under four seconds that can influence the decoder’s behavior towards an individual for a much longer period of time.
Most people focus on carefully selecting their attire to make the right impression. While the overall presentation of an individual is important, the face, and the eyes in particular, are where most people look to gather clues. The eyes, as the focal points of the body, are naturally drawn to the eyes of the person with which one is communicating.
What Your Eyes Say About You
During a first impression, or even in subsequent interactions, the area around the eyes alone can communicate a plethora of different things–unfortunately, they are not always positive. Things like dark circles and under eye bags can convey exhaustion, lack of energy, and irritableness. These are not qualities one typically wishes to exude, but individuals with hereditary eye bags and/or dark circles may find it difficult to overcome this social hurdle using natural methods.
How to Project Confidence and Vitality
Many individuals try to cover their under eye blemishes with concealer. This can be a tedious task to do on a daily basis, and, if applied incorrectly, a useless one. Under eye bags are especially difficult for cosmetology novices since they cast a shadow, which can stand out even more when the surrounding skin has been covered with concealer. However, with the use of dermal fillers, eye bags can be reduced in severity.
For under eye treatments, a dermal filler is typically injected into the tear trough area and then shaped in order to camouflage the bulge and make it more in line with the face. The calcium hydroxyapatite-based filler Radiesse can be particularly beneficial for those with both under eye bags and dark circles, as the white, opaque calcium particles suspended in filler can have a brightening effect on the skin. The results of a dermal filler injection can begin to take effect within just a few moments, allowing individuals to see the difference almost immediately. With the distractions of eyebags and dark circles taken care of, first impressions can be based off of more positive qualities and reflect a more confident visage.