The Smart Ager Guide to Eye Products
If there’s one thing I can wax lyrical about, it’s the correct application of eye creams. I have friends who buy an expensive cream only to notice that their eyes look more puffy after using it for a while.It’s because if you use even a touch too much cream under the eyes, it can overload the area and go against what an eye cream really should be doing. There are two rules. First, all you need is a tiny dab for each eye – a grain of uncooked rice is about the right amount. And second, placement is key: just around the eye bone, and not too close to the bottom lash line. The skin around the eyes is so fine and delicate that it really only needs a bit of an extra moisture boost.
My favourite eye creams are below. But creams aside, there have been exciting developments in gadgets for the area, too. Most excitingly, Dr Dennis Gross, a renowned New York-based dermatologist, has launched the SpectraLite in UK Space NK stores. It’s like something from a sci-fi film: the flexible, silicone mask-like device sits across the eyes and, when switched on, emits a powerful LED light to the surrounding skin. Light-therapy is one ofthe most effective treatments for skin rejuvenation, but is usually only used by therapists in-treatment, as the tools can be pricey. This is ￡168, so not cheap, but for the effects you get, it’s well worth it. Use the device for three minutes a day (I use it at night before bed, as the red light has a surprisingly relaxing effect). It helps to soften fine lines and, for me, has made my eye area look well-rested.
The game-changing skin gadgets and tools that are worth the investment
Another interesting recent launch is the Inhibit High Definition Patches by Natura Bissé. These are expensive – ￡350 for 20 – but revolutionary: each patch has tiny micro-needles attached to it. Micro-needling is one of the most effective in-clinic treatments for boosting collagen production, so these pads adopt that principle by creating tiny, pain-free pricks on the skin’s surface, which stimulates new collagen production. They are particularly effective for deep wrinkles that you would like to soften. Leave them on for a couple of hours while you get on with other things and, with continued use, it will help to make the whole area look more refreshed.
Katherine Daniels Multi-Tasking Eye Balm, ￡35.50
Apply a little of this to help smooth the skin around the eyes.
Olay Ultimate Eye Cream, ￡24.99
This is an excellent all-rounder for helping to brighten dark circles and soften fine lines.
Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum, ￡65
This is so easy to use, and makes a real difference. Roll it on the eye bone for a fresher appearance.
Sisley Sisle?a L’Intégral Anti-Age Eye & Lip Contour Cream, ￡138
This helps to improve the appearance of dark circles and tired eyes.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Mask, ￡36 for four
These are great before a night out. Apply for 15 minutes.