Let’s talk about…eye skincare

I wouldn’t say I suffer with lots of wrinkles or sagginess but I have started noticing the slight creasing under my eye (that I’ve had from since I was young) is becoming more pronounced with age and stress (+ increased screen time, lack of sleep, lack of silk). Plus, as many of my friends will attest to, I love sleep and I think that my eyes give away when I’ve not had enough of it. Therefore, I look for anything that brightens and hydrates to wake me up, not only before I put on my makeup but also on the makeup free days. Also worth mentioning, I’m a hayfever sufferer so I seek anything that won’t further irritate and soothes my eye area.

I’d be lying if I said my routine has always included targeted eye skincare. In fact, it was just before lockdown started, I properly introduced the daily use of eye cream, as part of my bid to solidify my skincare routine. I’ve come to properly realise that to see a change in your skin, products need to be used consistently before you write it off. Late to the party I know, but what better time to do it than 3 months at home! For the duration of my early 20s, I was firmly in team eye cream is a scam/unnecessary extra step in the routine. However, as time passed (translation I was turning 25) I came round to the idea more having read into a bit more; I agree prevention is better than cure, so why not start now before its properly “needed”.

I found it’s important to do your research around your skin type, and what you’re looking to achieve and protect before picking any product , otherwise it can congest the delicate area instead by adding an unnecessary layer of product. A couple articles I found useful are linked here and here. I’d also be lying in saying that I use one everyday, ~~sometimes~~ most times I truly CBA so I just gently take my serums and moisturisers up to my eye area; which is something I heard Queen Funmi Fetto says she does instead of eye creams, so if it works for her sounds great to me (I’ve actually been trialing this out for a few weeks to see which I prefer, will let you know the verdict!).

Although I’m still a eye skincare novice, I thought I’d share what I’m currently using, what I’ve tried and what other products caught my eye (sorry pun not initially intended) – hope you enjoy!

Eye gels and serums

My eye skincare differs morning and night, in terms of the formula and some benefits, but a recent consistent newbie is the use of an eye gel. Think of this as as a primer or base for eye creams; but some are designed to work just as well by themselves, as a formula alternative to a cream.

I had a sample of the Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes which I tried for a few days. Its a hyaluronic acid booster, combined with 89% of Vichy’s Thermal Mineralising Water and caffeine; this gel formula seeks to brighten, hydrate and thus awaken the eye area. Whilst I liked it, I did find it slightly too tacky to the touch (likely due to the hyaluronic acid properties); some would argue that makes it great for gripping your next product if you’re layering.

I actually prefer a much more affordable option, the Boots Cucumber Eye Gel. Anything with cucumber is a win for me, due to its soothing and hydrating benefits – the fact its £1.50 as well is a bonus. I’ve found this product to works well without interfering with other skincare and holds its own by itself. My next trial is putting it in the fridge overnight, to further adding a cooling effect into the mix.

Daytime

In normal circumstances, I would put makeup on top of my daytime skincare, so I personally wanted to opt for a lighter, slightly more fluid texture day eye cream. I use Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, £23* which contains ‘natural optic brighteners that rapidly wakes up tired eyes and restores a radiant look’. Sold. The formula even contains coffee beans, so no need for your Costa fix either.

From top to bottom, swatches are Origins GinZing Eye Cream, Boots Cucumber Eye Gel, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Eye Creme and Clinique All About Eyes.

Some people have said they see a slight white cast, particularly on darker skin tones. There is a slight cast due to the light reflecting pearlescent pigments but is easily blendable once your moisturiser is on too. I also think it depends on the amount you use, a little definitely goes a long way and I’ll admit it took some getting used to. However, I seem to have got the hang of it now and found it does brighten up my under eyes in the morning, especially paired with the gel. Its also a great base for bright under eye makeup, particularly brighteners and correctors such as BECCA’s or YSL Touche Eclat. It would be interesting to see how this compares to the Ole Henrisken Banana Bright Eye Creme, as they both play in the brightness claims arena.

Evening

For evenings, I prefer to use richer thicker consistencies such as the Estée Lauder Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Eye Creme* at night time as it matches the consistency of the rest of my evening skincare and I feel they can work their magic overnight. Initially I used this morning and night as instructed but stopped 1) its quite a rich formula and 2) I googled the price (WOW).

This cream claims to lift the look and strengthen the eye area, encourage radiance and reduce puffiness and appearance of dark circles. I’ve definetly noticed a smoother texture around my eye upon application, and hope that continues with consistent usage. Whilst I’ve grown to be a fan, I’m in the market for another anti-aging eye cream that isn’t as targeted for mature skin, in a slightly thinner formula and definitely more affordable. Bonus if it can be used AM and PM.

From left to right, swatches are Clinique All About Eyes, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Eye Cream, Boots Cucumber Eye Gel and Origins GinZing Eye Cream.

A nice segue into the Clinique All About Eyes* cream, which I’ve been using after receiving a small pot in a work goody bag. This is a slightly thicker formula than Origins but more fluid and gel based than Esteé Lauder, so a happy medium in my books. Suitable for all skin types, I like that its a lightweight enough to use both at morning and night, and have found that it reduces the puffiness I sometimes get in the mornings, with no white cast.

So those are the ones I’ve tried out, now let’s get into eye skincare products I’ve got my eye on (lol can’t stop myself). I’ve also included some tools and eye masks/gel patches, as I’m still very much a novice in these particular categories. Tap through below for a list of products I’ve got on my radar, at a mix of purse friendly or splurge price points too.