Lots of women tell me that they are concerned with dark circles/puffiness/lines & wrinkles around their eyes, and it usually turns out that they are not using any eye products to target that specific area.
Many people do not use eye creams/serums, and it's usually because they are thought to be unnecessary.
The eyes show everything that is going on internally, all of your internal organs are reflected in them. Everything can affect the eye area; diet, smoking, medication, alcohol, sun damage, lack of sleep, liver problems, etc. Eye products won't fix any of these problems, but they can help temporarily reduce the appearance of them.
Eye products offer protection and hydration, as well as keeping lines & wrinkles at bay. The eye area is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, which is why I apply them.
A few tips:
This is a great one if you are concerned with lines around the eyes, and loss of elasticity. It's really hydrating, with a lovely light texture, and sinks in really quickly. It's also really good under make-up.
Suitable for: anyone who has dryness around the eyes, and moderate wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
This is a really nourishing, hydrating eye cream. It's consistency is very creamy (as the name suggests), and rather thick, which is great for tired, dry and dehydrated eyes. It also helps strengthen the skin around the eyes.
Suitable for: everyone really! Especially dry/dehydrated and tired eyes. This one isn't the best for targeting lines & wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
This is the most basic of the bunch, hence the price. It's mineral oil free and is generally hydrating and moisturising.
Suitable for: anyone who doesn't really have any particular concerns, but just wants to keep the eye area hydrated and smooth. This is a great starter, I'd say it's most suited to anyone in their 20's.
To use: same as above.
Many people do not use eye creams/serums, and it's usually because they are thought to be unnecessary.
The eyes show everything that is going on internally, all of your internal organs are reflected in them. Everything can affect the eye area; diet, smoking, medication, alcohol, sun damage, lack of sleep, liver problems, etc. Eye products won't fix any of these problems, but they can help temporarily reduce the appearance of them.
Eye products offer protection and hydration, as well as keeping lines & wrinkles at bay. The eye area is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, which is why I apply them.
A few tips:
- Do not use mineral oil around the eyes, it doesn't absorb, it just sits on top of the skin and blocks the pores. (More on mineral oil in a future post.)
- Eye products should be applied after cleansing & toning, before your face serums/oils/moisturisers. If you apply them afterwards, they are not able to target the eye area and can end up being moved around your face.
- Do not overload the eye area with too much product, this causes puffiness, and can also cause milia. Milia are tiny white, solid bumps under the skin, most common around the eye area. They are basically mini cysts, caused by not cleansing/exfoliating the skin adequately & using products that are too heavy.
- Eye products should be applied above and below the eyes, on the eye bone/socket, not directly under the eyes or on the eyelids. Again, this can cause puffiness. Your eye products disperse to where they are needed.
- You can apply your eye products morning and night if you wish. I generally only apply mine in the morning, to keep my eyes hydrated and protected for the day, but if my eyes are feeling particularly dehydrated, I will also use something around my eyes at night.
Below are some recommendations:
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal £63, available here.
This is one of the best, higher-end options for your eyes. This has gone through clinical trials, and has been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles in 3 weeks! The main ingredients are padina pavonica (within all the Elemis pro collagen range), mimosa and rose. It has a lovely creamy, light texture and absorbs into the skin really well. I'd use this morning & night for best results.
Suitable for: anyone concerned with lines & wrinkles around the eye contour.
To use: Dot above and below the eyes, on the eye bone, and then use sweeping movements to rub in. The sweeping action helps to drain any excess puffiness.
- Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Eye Cream, £38 available here.
This is a great one if you are concerned with lines around the eyes, and loss of elasticity. It's really hydrating, with a lovely light texture, and sinks in really quickly. It's also really good under make-up.
Suitable for: anyone who has dryness around the eyes, and moderate wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
- Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, £33 available here.
This is a really nourishing, hydrating eye cream. It's consistency is very creamy (as the name suggests), and rather thick, which is great for tired, dry and dehydrated eyes. It also helps strengthen the skin around the eyes.
Suitable for: everyone really! Especially dry/dehydrated and tired eyes. This one isn't the best for targeting lines & wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
- Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate £19, available here.
This is a lovely cooling, refreshing eye cream. It's a very thin consistency, and it comes with a rollerball applicator. This one is great for puffiness, and tired eyes, it really helps wake you up in the morning.
Suitable for: tired, puffy, dehydrated eyes. Again this one isn't the best for targeting lines & wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
Suitable for: tired, puffy, dehydrated eyes. Again this one isn't the best for targeting lines & wrinkles.
To use: same as above.
- Boots Botanics Organic Hydrating Eye Cream, £9.99 available at Boots.
This is the most basic of the bunch, hence the price. It's mineral oil free and is generally hydrating and moisturising.
Suitable for: anyone who doesn't really have any particular concerns, but just wants to keep the eye area hydrated and smooth. This is a great starter, I'd say it's most suited to anyone in their 20's.
To use: same as above.
