Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.
I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.
The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I usually gravitate towards creamy and thinner concealers for under eye. I tend to like the luminous and natural looking finish. But sometimes, you just need a little help from some friends. And that friend lately happens to be Miracle Skin.
This comes out of the tube in a paste-like form. But it actually spreads and applies smooth while providing a dose of moisture. The best part, is the coverage is substantial so you don’t have to cake on layers – something not so fun in the summer heat. Skin is also soothed with White Rose and Chamomile and the concealer can help correct signs of aging at the same time.
Note, you just need a very very small dot of product for coverage under both eyes – this stuff goes a long way. When I get a little more than intended, I love using it as an eye primer. My perpetual dark lids are transformed into nude and prepped for my favorite summer golden shadow. Or I just wear it alone for a bare, natural look.
Available in four shades – I use Medium and, believe it or not, I find it to be ever so slightly light. Available at Nordstrom.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I’m one of those freaks that needs loads of sleep. If I had my druthers, I’d get nine hours every night. But we know sometimes that just isn’t possible. I used to be able to fake that “rested” look with my beloved NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, but I’ll be darned if I am starting to need some extra help as I approach the big 3-5.
While I have tried tons of eye creams and masks, I haven’t really found something that provides a more immediate result. Enter Chantecaille’s Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask. While I feel like I should note this is truly a luxury item, it is both a short-term solution and long-term investment.
Using all natural seaweed as a base, the formula is infused with an anti-aging gold serum. The transparent gel masks provide a cooling sensation. After one use, lines are minimized and puffiness is gone. The revealed radiant skin replaces dark circles. Longer term, gold works to protect DNA and boost collagen.
I am wearing my third set of masks as I type and one of my favorite features is that they disappear on your face. I have no fear of frightening the FedEx man if he happens to knock on the door. I also appreciate the the small crescents adhere to the under eye area without slipping and sliding. They stay put for the entire recommended 20 minutes.
Paraben free, fragrance free, petrochemical free and cruelty free. Includes 8 pairs of eye gels per box. Apply 3-4 times a week.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
Darn genetics: I have just a touch of darkness under my eyes. The new Creamy Concealer Kit was designed just for this problem so I had to give it a whirl. The concealer is one of the creamier formulations I have tried, and it works well on my normal-to-dry skin. I have tried application with both a brush and my finger and I definitely recommend the precision of a brush. While there isn’t a lot of luminosity to the pigment, the color is very natural. The setting powder gives powerhouse stay-ability. The formula did slightly settle into fine lines, but over all, the long-lasting wear makes it a winner. ($32)
This double shot of makeup and anti-aging is a winner. Aside from the fact the swirl of the two products looks really cool in the container, the concealer works very well under the eye. While it does contain Olay Regenerist Serum, the pigment is just strong enough to cover up dark circles while still appearing luminous. It is easy to apply because the consistency changes as you apply it to the skin. While it looks cakey in the container, it turns to a smooth liquid on your skin. Because of this, I recommend using your finger. I try to use the ring finger because it offers the least pressure on the delicate eye area. While you can’t really use this for blemishes because it is really creamy, I did use a little on my chin and nose instead of foundation and it works great!
Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.
