The Eye Cream Diaries: La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Few things are as luxurious as Creme de la Mer, but it takes a lot to impress this jaded beauty girl, especially when it comes to eye cream. I've been testing out La Mer's The Eye Concentrate for awhile and have been pretty happy with the results thus far. I dug this eye cream out of my stash when I was battling serious dehydration and fine lines, not to mention insane dark circles due to lack of sleep from my work overload and was hoping this would be the ticket. 

It's definitely hydrating alright. As rich and moisturizing as this is though, I love that the texture is still light and refreshing instead of heavy, tacky and sticky. It's definitely too rich for daytime for me though (I get oily throughout the day) so I stick to pm use. The Eye Concentrate absorbs super quickly and almost gives my eye area a glossy bright eyed look. The fine lines have definitely been reduced and dark circles have lightened up. 

The Verdict:

If you need an intensely hydrating eye cream that tackles fine lines and dark circles without harsh anti-agers that can irritate like retinol, leaves eyes with a luminous and you have cash to burn (retail price is $165) pick up La Mer's The Eye Concentrate and you'll look bright eyed and refreshed in no time. Head over to the La Mer site if you're planning on ordering because you'll receive complimentary shipping and two samples.

The Eye Cream Diaries: Bvlgari Regard Precieux

Bvlgari Regard Precieux Intensive Regenerating Eye Contour Cream is a luxuriously rich eye cream that isn't too heavy or greasy and illuminates the eye area with a surge of moisture. I went into testing out this eye cream thinking it would be a great hydrator and would probably lessen the appearance of dark circles, but I didn't have very high hopes for its wrinkle-smoothing benefits.

Well, I was completely wrong. After only a few weeks of use, Regard Precieux really smoothed the appearance of fine lines, brightened the overall eye area and hydrated. I will say I don't have major lines, just the beginning signs of aging from tanning (which I no longer do). I use this cream day and night and it's super concentrated so you only need a tiny amount. 

The only downside is the price tag: $150 for a .5oz. size. Not all luxury skin care lives up to its claims, but Regard Precieux absolutely does. If you're in the market for an eye cream that is super hydrating, basically erases fine lines and illuminates the eye area, pick this up. For a little savings, head over to Luxury Parlor where Regard Precieux is discounted to $111.99.

The Eye Cream Diaries: Avon Reversalist Illuminating Eye System

Ok, first things first. A huge I'm sorry for lack of posting - Mr. M and I made the very long drive from Indy to NJ late last week and it's been a whirlwind of bachelorette parties, dog sitting for the Big D while she's on a cruise, and attempting to find a summer sublet in the city that isn't $1 million a month. 

Now to the goods. I recently had the chance to try out Avon's Reversalist Illuminating Eye System, which is a fab little eye cream that contains an illuminator that acts as an instant dark circle remedy. I have been battling dark circles for as long as I can remember, which are largely attributed to a combo of genetics, caffeine and lack of sleep. This two part eye system takes on fine lines and dark circles with Activinol Eye Technology (exclusive to Avon), which in clinical and consumer studies has been shown to:

    * Instantly, helps reduce the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes    

    * In 2 weeks, fine lines and wrinkles visibly improved up to 25% 

    * Over time, clinically shown to improve the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles

The texture of the eye cream is amazing - light, yet rich, absorbs easily and feels really hydrating. And the Brightening Veil (shimmery cream highlighter) is a life saver. You can apply under or over makeup, and continuously apply throughout the day to wake up the eye area and instantly diffuse dark shadows. I even pat a little on my brow bone sometimes to act as a subtle brow highlighter. I've definitely noticed an improved appearance in dark circles and increased hydration around the eye area, so stay tuned for more results in the coming weeks. 

Also be on the lookout for a Q&A post with Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Global Skin Care Product Development for Avon all about Activinol and anti-aging in general.

ANEW Reversalist Illuminating Eye System retails for $30.00 and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Disclosure: a press sample of product was provided for editorial consideration.

The Eye Cream Diaries: YBF Verdict

It has been quite some time since I updated you on my experiences with YBF Correct, my eye cream dujour for The Eye Cream Diaries. You can read all about my initial thoughts here, but to sum up: YBF Correct moisturizes, firms, tones, depuffs, smooths fine lines, lightens dark circles. So here it is, the final verdict!

Verdict:

YBF Correct is truly one of the best eye creams I've ever used, in fact, I can't think of a single one I like better, so that my friends, is a huge victory in Beauty is the New Black land. This is the perfect eye cream for anyone who hates the way their eye area looks and needs a product that will tackle a multitude of issues. My dark circles have definitely lightened up, my eye area looks firm, toned and awake, my puffs diminish immediately upon application and fine lines have really been smoothed out. The texture is great, it's kind of like a gel cream, so it's really refreshing for day, but hydrating enough for night. 

At $150 for .5 oz. YBF Correct is a bit of a splurge, but I've always said I'd rather pay money for products that work than own a bunch of non-working $30 eye creams. Order online at The Skincare Shop.

The Eye Cream Diaries: YBF Correct

Yes, friends, it's the return of the Eye Cream Diaries and I just started using a brand new product - YBF Correct. If you're not familiar, YBF or Your Best Face is a line of ant-aging products that multi-task, are pure and refreshing and well-tolerated. If you visit the site you'll soon realize that founders Darrell and Kimberley are super into ingredients and there's even an ingredient glossary. I love a brand with nothing to hide. 

I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Correct, and let me tell you, I have high hopes for it. According to YBF Correct tones, prevents fine lines, reduces wrinkle depth, lightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, invigorates and moisturizes. I've been using it morning and night for a few days and so far, I'm impressed. Immediately I've noticed that my dark circles have already begun to lighten, and my eye area is looking really tight, toned and refreshed. I must have been walking around looking like a zombie mess and not even realizing it because as soon as I put this on, my eye area was transformed. 

The best way to describe it is that you just look awake. Since I'm only in my late 20s I don't have serious crow's feet or anything, but I definitely have noticed the signs of aging rearing its ugly head. Most noticeably in the form of dry fine lines, puffiness and just a general untoned appearance. Correct solved all that in a matter of days.

As of now, I have to say it's one of the best eye creams I've ever used. Stay tuned for the final verdict in the weeks to come!