IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex

Describe the brand in five words.

Clinical brand. Active ingredients. Validated.

What is it?

'A breakthrough best selling formula that at cellular level, utilises clinically proven intelligent proteins, peptides, key growth factors and potent antioxidants to target the eye area with immediate and long term results.'

Who is it for?

All skins.

What’s in it?

Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10, Citruline, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycosaminoglycans, Urea, Glucose, Guanidine HCI, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Phytonadione, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, PVP, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol

What's not in it?

fragrance, parabens, mineral oil

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

N/A - although as always, you can be allergic to anything.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

This is a clinical brand and they tend to worry about results, not ingredients being 'clean' (thank GOD), so this is 'man-made' in that it's a lab brand, not a green 'kitchen' brand.

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/No

How does it smell?

It literally has no smell.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

Really lovely. Absorbs beautifully, not sticky.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

Apply as with all eye creams, after toning, before serums. If, however, your serum is extremely light, and is designed to tackle pigmentation for example, you can use it first and go slightly nearer the eye. 

How long before you should see results?

Depends on the severity of your issues. Fine lines will go immediately, heavier wrinkles will take a little longer. Pigmentation is the longest treatment time, puffiness quite quick. If you have everything and your eyes are your bug bear, expect good results, don't expect miracles.

How long did I test it for?

Two+ weeks. I'm quick with eye creams, my dark circles may soften lightly, but if I get a good result on lines/puffiness, we're good to go.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

£80.00 for 15ml. Hard to give an amount per dispense but it will last around 2-3 months if you don't go crazy.

What’s good about it?

Since getting back into facials, I've been leaning more towards clinical brands than traditional department store brands, and I really like this eye cream. A tiny bit goes a long way, so the price is steep, but you don't have to use a lot to see a result.

It's extremely hi-tec, containing proteins, peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid microspheres and glycosaminoglycans, to support collagen, elastin and 'bounce', which in an eye cream basically means it supports the structure around the eye.

It's fragrance-free, which is important to those of you with sensitivities, eczema or allergies, and mineral oil free, giving less room for puffiness.

My lines are almost non-existent using this. Pretty simple.

What’s not so good about it?

It's expensive, but that is literally the only negative. 

Works well with?

Anything - eye creams are fairly independent. 

What’s the website like?

The US home website is great, full of information, clinical trial details, the UK retailer websites, not so much. A bit messy.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes absolutely. It's firmly in my collection now.

Do you need it?

If you're young, fit and fabulous, no. If you're over 40, consider it. If you're over 50 and hate the area around your eyes, try it.

Similar products?

Less products, more brands. Clinical brands like NeoStrata, SkinCeuticals, Exuviance and IntraCeuticals will all have eye creams that are anti-ageing and fragrance-free.

IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex is £80.00 for 15ml and available from www.effortlessskin.com/youth-eye-complex in the UK and $95.00 from Skinstore.com in the USA.

*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good.
See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq
The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

goop Perfecting Eye Cream

Describe the brand in five words.

Gwyneth. Clean. Toxic (non). Diptyque (packaging). Kale.

That's literally what springs to mind. 

What is it?

'The Perfecting Eye Cream deeply hydrates, soothes and firms the delicate eye area, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.'

Who is it for?

Everyone. 

What’s in it?

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Juice*, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice*, Vegetable Oil, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Tetraoleate, Jojoba Esters, Coconut Alkanes, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fusanus Spicatus (Sandalwood) Kernel Oil, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Squalane, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Iris Pallida (Sweet Iris) Leaf Cell Extract, Narcissus Poeticus (Poet’s Daffodil) Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

*Certified organic ingredient. This product is formulated with 78% organic content.

What's not in it?

Quote:

'goop by Juice Beauty products were formulated without any of a long list of ingredients linked to harmful health effects – including, but not limited to parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene or butylene glycols, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, silicones, gluten, artificial dyes or fragrances. 

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Nope.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

78% organic. Precisely. ;)

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/No

How does it smell?

Nice. Very, very faintly of weak cucumber, but not in a bad way, and I hate cucumber. The smell disappears almost as soon as it is applied. 

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

It feels beautiful, absorbs slowly (which an organic product should do) but surely. No residue.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

The usual, before everything else, after you've cleansed and toned, AM and PM.

How long before you should see results?

Depends on the state of your eyes. If they are dry/dehydrated, you'll see an instant fix. If they are lined, it will relieve the immediate 'look' of the wrinkle, but take longer to smooth out.

How long did I test it for?

I've emptied the pot.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

$90.00 for 15ml.

What’s good about it?

goop hype be damned, I love this eye cream. It's now up there with Tata Harper in my favourites pile. It hydrates, softens, blurs lines, smells lovely, goes on beautifully, works all day, and doesn't make me puffy. I had major eye surgery over Easter (video and more info coming on that - just haven't had time) and this was one of the creams I chose to use afterwards when they were very delicate and healing.

Love it.

What’s not so good about it?

The price. It's $90.00. Compared to other high end creams, it's in a similar vein, but when most of the other products in the line are only about 20 bucks more, for double the quantity, its a bit hard to swallow. It also means when it does eventually get to the UK, it'll probably be about £75.00, similar to Zelens and Tata Harper.

Let's just ignore the whole 'non-toxic' thing shall we as I fear I will begin to sound like a broken record? 

Works well with?

Anything. Eye creams are good like that. 

What’s the website like?

Great. It's just an extension of the original goop site, so it's black & white, easy to read, and had all the ingredients without having to click on 7 different links etc.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes. I've used mine up, on myself and my facial clients, which means asking friends to buy and ship it to me again from the States. Get your arse in gear Gwynnie, we want it over here.

Similar products?

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream

goop Perfecting Eye Cream is $90.00 for 0.5oz and only available from goop.com because they hate the rest of us and don't care about our problems. :)

Five New (ish) Eye Creams I'm Enjoying

Some eye goodness that's made its way into my inbox recently - and a quick head's up on whether it may be for you or not.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Yeux
Brand new extension to the Hydra Beauty range. Lovely light texture, superbly hydrating without being sticky, and finally a fragrance free addition to those of you wanting to use this Hydra range but have problems with scented products.
Best for: dehydrated eyes, the quickest 'fix'
Any downside?: No
£44.00 for 15ml available from feelunique.com: http://bit.ly/1Z2Wa5V*


goop Perfecting Eye Cream
Much talked-about new line from Gwyneth and her goop brand and one of my favourites texture-wise. It's a really lovely cream, but I haven't used up the entire pot so therefore can't say what the benefits are long-term, although if noticeable lines and wrinkles (esp 40+) are your main concern I'd reach for the chemical, not the plant. I will use this all up though, the texture is beautiful.
Best for: organic obsessives and people who used the word 'toxic' when talking about skincare
Any downside?: $90 for an organic product in jar packaging? That tells you it may well be organic but it will need to be loaded with good preservatives to keep it intact. I'd have put it in a pump myself, but I'm not Gwynnie.
$90.00 for 15ml available in the US only from goop.com


Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm
Another new addition to the Goat Milk range, this is more of a cooling balm than a traditional eye 'cream'. It's a gel-like balm stick that feels cool in the packaging.
Best for: puffy, tired eyes. Travellers, people in warm climates or stuffy offices and hayfever people. Easiest for application.
Any downside?: Contains a synthetically derived menthol so not great if you're really sensitised in the eye area.
$38.00 for 8.5g exclusively to Sephora.com*


First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream
More newness. This time from First Aid Beauty, who are quietly taking over the middle market with good, affordable products that play a big game. This is the lightest texture after Chanel, and more of an all-rounder if you are worried about lines specifically.
Best for: lines, wrinkles, morning puffiness
Any downside?: Not that I can see
$36.00 for 15ml from Sephora.com*


Merumaya Intensely Youthful Eye Cream
Although not new, probably the most 'anti-ageing' of the five. Lots of active ingredients designed to target all the traditional eye concerns.
Best for: someone wanting an affordable, all-rounder eye cream
Any downside?: Smells of the echium oil, but that dissipates quickly.
£26.50 for 15ml from merumaya.com 

Beauty Myths No.18 - eye creams fix genetic dark circles

Dark circles driving you mad? Tried everything under the sun? Whilst there are limited things that you can do about them and definitely things that make them worse, if they are genetic, i.e., if you know for a fact that ma and pa gave them to you, you are limited in what you can do.

I'm talking specifically to my lovely Asian readers, darker-toned readers and even my lovely red-headed extremely pale readers. If you can see dark circles, and to your knowledge, there is no particular reason for them, look at your parents/immediate family. If they also have them, you're probably genetically lined up in a similar fashion, and there isn't a cream alive that will safely deal with that kind of dark circle.

Sure, there are excellent eye creams out there that can take the edge off, and some brightening ones that will 'lift' the appearance of them, but anyone that looks you in the eye and says 'this cream will absolutely fix your dark circles' is either misinformed, or not being completely straight with you. It's a little easier for those of us with occasional dark circles caused by things like illness, dehydration, too much of a good (bad) thing, but genetics are hard to mess with. 

Eye Cream Cheat Sheet - this is really old, I should probably do an updated version:  www.carolinehirons.com/eye-cream-cheat-sheet

All eye cream reviews - www.carolinehirons.com/eyecreams

What to Buy? Tata Harper

Where to start? I've never met a Tata product I didn't like. So good is the choice, that the hardest part for this type of review is singling out individual products.

So as not to go completely overboard, I am limiting myself to one cleanser (OHGODHELPME), and excluding the Rejuvenating Serum that I wrote about last month here, for no other reason than it's in the Hall of Fame, it was in my Cult Beauty Box, it's an obvious choice. So let's assume that's a given.

All products and further information are available from TataHarper.com but they don't ship everywhere so there are also local links below.

The Can't Live Without:

OK this has a back story. I mentioned on Twitter a few weeks ago that I was thrilled to find an amazing product that was going into the Hall of Fame the next day, and then it didn't happen. In a nutshell, the juice in this product is phenomenal. The packaging, however, is not appropriate for it. The formula is slightly too 'firm' to be in a tube. I squeezed it so hard that I split the seal on the tube. This needs to be in a pot, or the formula adjusted to lessen the viscosity. But that of course is a concern, because if they mess with it, it may not be the same, and that would be a great shame, as this is a beautiful eye product. The team at Tata are working on a solution.
That aside, it has not stopped me using it. I don't use it as a mask. I apply it on the under-eye area only, and I do not remove it. It softens the skin and plumps out wrinkles almost immediately. It is easily the nicest thing I have used on my eyes in a long time. I will absolutely not be without this when I fly at the end of the month. If I have to, I will take scissors to it, and decant it all into a Muji pot. No problem. If you have a Tata stockist near you, visit them and put some of this on your eyes. It's just WOAH. And it was a lovely surprise. I would never have thought that an eye mask would be so good, but there we are.

The Boosted Contouring Eye Mask is £115.00 for 30ml from BeingContent.com or $150.00 from TataHarper.com - but you may want to check yours before you buy or keep an eye out for different packaging in the future. *wields scissors*

Purifying Cleanser is the one I went for in the end. It's one of my first choices for morning cleanse, or the perfect second cleanse in the evening after a particularly 'grimy' day. It's refreshing, feels like a runny clay and wakes up your skin and your mind. More info here. I would avoid this if you're using retin-a creams - I mean prescription strength, not over the counter. They're fine.

Purifying Cleanser is £45.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk or $58.00 from Sephora.com

Replenishing Nutrient Complex has been on here before, just over a year ago, when this also went in to the Hall of Fame. It is a no-brainer. This is a beautiful, nourishing, serum-oil that has slowly replaced my Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate, which I now find a little too fragranced if my skin is sensitised. It's light, absorbs beautifully and is suitable for all skin types. I carry the rollerball version everywhere when I travel, and for that reason, it is my preferred size.

Replenishing Nutrient Complex starts from £36.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk and $45.00 from Sephora.com

Hydrating Floral Essence is another no-brainer. Probably, pro-rata, the product I have used the most since discovering this brand. I use it at the spritz stage, so if you are watching your budget, this is one you can pass over for something more affordable such as Serozinc. If however, you have addiction problems when it comes to all things spritz, this is great. It's a mix of aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate, rosewater and gotu kola and gives a light mist as opposed to drenching your face like the shower. Beautiful.

Hydrating Floral Essence starts at £50.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk and $65.00 from Sephora.com

I know I know - another eye cream. But I have used this on and of for years and I love it. Light, penetrates, soothes lines and puffiness and is just generally a really good eye cream. Zero irritation. Lovely.

Restorative Eye Cream is £60.00 for 15ml from CultBeauty.co.uk and $90.00 from Sephora.com

I love and use both of Tata's moisturisers, but this one pipped the Repairative Moisturiser due to its ability to hydrate really well, absorb perfectly and act as the perfect barrier on top of all the other loveliness underneath. Made for combination/oily/dehydrated skins, but I would happily recommend this and the Replenishing Nutrient Complex to someone with dry skin.

Rebuilding Moisturiser is £80.00 for 50ml from CultBeauty.co.uk and $100.00 from Sephora.com

That's the Top Six. Honestly, I could easily pick 5 more. But it's January and I'm showing restraint. ;)
Safe to say, if you are ever at a Tata counter, and can't decide whether to buy it or not, proceed.

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel

Updated 9.07.15*

What is it?

'This breakthrough serum-in-a-gel contains a synergistic antioxidant combination to help protect the delicate eye area from oxidative stress, while targeted actives revive under-eye skin and helps reduce the appearance of puffiness.'

Who is it for?

Literally all skin types and ages, but sit up and pay particular notice if you have issues with your eyes or are 30+ and/or smoke/drink/party. :)

What’s in it?

Aqua / Water / Eau, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Undecane, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tridecane, Phloretin, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta.

What's not in it?

Mineral oil

Parabens

Fragrance

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Silicones

Alcohol

Natural? Organic? Man-made? Vegan?

Man-made/Vegan

Sold in China/possibly tested on animals?

Unknown. If the brand confirm I will update the post.

What’s good about it?

Lord above this is the best eye cream I have used in years. It's up there with Zelens Triple Action and Tata Harper - both of which are very different products, but ones I use when my eyes are in certain 'states'.

This little powerhouse has an immediate firming and lifting effect and has taken years - years off of my lower eyes in particular. The effect is extremely noticeable (on me), to the point where I now find myself trying to ration it so I don't run out by using my usual heavy-handed dosage. Upon doing my research, I discovered that they recommend using half a pump per eye whereas I've been happily using a full pump, ggrrr.

It contains three antioxidants: 1% Phloretin, 5% Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic Acid

to help with all aspects of free radical damage and therefore pretty much all the signs of ageing along with ruscus aculeatus (it's an evergreen plant) and caffeine to counteract dark circles and puffiness.

And it works. 

I am still often asked if we 'really need an eye cream?' because 'it's all just skin Caroline'. Yes, it is all skin, but the skin around the eye is up to 10 times thinner than the fat stuff on your cheeks, meaning if you use a really thick, gloopy, mineral oil eye cream, it doesn't penetrate and swells the surface giving you puffiness ahoy. Even if you disagree with my stance on mineral oil, I would really, really, urge you to avoid it in eye creams.

What’s not so good about it?

The alcohol content is a little confusing for me personally, this is in no way drying or irritating, something that my skin would normally pick up on. I have asked SkinCeuticals to confirm that a: my inci list is correct (this is a reformulation) and to advise why they have used it. If for example, it is to mildly 'strip' (I hate that word but it makes it clear what I mean) back the epidermis to allow the other products to penetrate deeper, something we know that a lot of companies use it for? When I get a reply I will report back.

*UPDATE* - 09.07.2015
SkinCeuticals have replied to my email with: 
'The small amount of alcohol in AOX+ Eye Gel is necessary to solubilise phloretin. The alcohol, however, has a high flash point and quickly flashes off of the skin.'

It's £69.00. Not the cheapest, so if you have no problems with your eyes, still spend on your serum as the priority. If, however, you look in the mirror and think 'Oh gimme a break, look at my eyes!' then check it out.

Having said that, it's recommended for once a day use so will last twice as long as normal.

The other challenge is finding it - SkinCeuticals are not a high street brand - normally sold through clinics/spas etc - details are below.

Where to use in your routine?

Post-tone, pre-serum, in the morning. As it's a preventative/protective eye product they recommend using in the morning and another eye cream in the evening that is more directed at repair.

How do you use it?

Apply a pump to the top of your ring finger, tap onto opposing ring finger, and swipe/pat under both eyes. I take over the brow bone and end up in full circles.

Works well with?

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

How much is it and where can I find it?

It's currently £70.00 sold as a kit with a Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30 from www.my-dermacenter.com and other SkinCeuticals stockists.

As an aside, one thing I really like about the SkinCeuticals official websites is that they call out all of their unauthorised resellers: skinceuticals.com/authorize in a way that most brands are too afraid to do. Some of these retailers are known to get their products from old, deleted, stock - in some cases the goods are stolen and in others they are counterfeit. It's well worth having a look as I am asked frequently about some of the ones listed.

Similar products?

Zelens Triple Action

Dennis Gross MD Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

Ish. It's $92.00/£69.00.

Hylamide SubQ Eyes

What is it?

An eye cream/serum

Who is it for?

Anyone with visible signs of ageing in the eye area that they would like to part company with.

What’s in it?

aqua (water), propanediol, perfluorodecalin, glycerin, perfluorohexane, aminobutyric acid, polymethylsilsesquioxane, perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, adipic acid/neopentylglycol crosspolymer, nylon-12 fluorescent brightener 230 salt, albiziajulibrissin bark extract, polyvinyl alcohol crosspolymer, myristoylnonapeptide-3, dipeptidediaminobutyroylbenzylamide diacetate, hydroxyethylacrylate/sodiumacryloyldimethyl tauratecopolymer, fucusvesiculosus extract, vp/vacopolymer, dimethicone/vinyldimethicone crosspolymer, polyacrylatecrosspolymer-6, epigallocatechin gallatylglucoside, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, isohexadecane, gallyl glucoside, propylgallate, polysorbate 60, caprylyl glycol, hexylene glycol, amodimethicone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, benzyl alcohol, pentylene glycol, xanthan gum, darutoside, dehydroacetic acid, chlorphenesin, phenoxyethanol

(Lifted from the website - clearly some spacing between words needed along the way chaps! I fixed what I can.)

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Not that I can see, but have you seen those ingredient names? Who would know outside of a lab? :)

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man-made

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

bismuth oxychloride

How do you use it?

Apply Am and PM after toning

What’s good about it?
Extremely light, immediately hydrating and a little goes a long way. Loaded with peptides, retinol and a ton of other actives, this is an excellent product, the price of which, moves it into the 'must-have' category. Whilst it hasn't miraculously lifted my hound dog eyelids - it's a serum, not a plastic surgeon - it has made a difference to the overall appearance of my eyes - including the dark circles.

What’s not so good about it?

In my last post about a Deciem product, I mentioned how disgruntled I was about the dropper/bottle packaging. Not long after that was posted, I heard from Brandon Truaxe, the founder of Deciem. Brandon wrote me a long email explaining the packaging choice - some of which I am reprinting for you below - with his permission - obvs:

'The biggest formulation nightmare is always the same: your skin likes oil and repels water (contrary to popular belief). Since almost all good technologies are water soluble, for a serum to be truly absorbed into the skin (very different to below the skin in the comparison you made to injections), you need very good delivery mechanisms (and they really really do exist today) and these systems generally yield very thin liquid formulations when in water-only formulations. 

Most premium products (or most products really) offer emulsions of oil and water (creams, emulsion "serums", etc.) to simply offer a thicker, richer formula that "feels" more effective and lovely but, as importantly, opens the door to any type of packaging you wish to have but this viscosity adjustment does nothing other than impede absorption of water technologies in any formula. It's simple: If you feel something on your skin, less got in. 

When you avoid such systems, you're left with highly liquid formulas. With such low viscosities, airless pumps are definitely the wrong choice as the pressure causes a harsh spurt to come out and splash in your hand. Regular air (pump) systems have the same problem to a lesser extent. The other alternative is truly very narrow nozzle tubes which waste about 15% of the product that cannot get out at the end. Please believe me. We were not being cheap. Those simple glass bottles and droppers with a label cost about 50% more than the most sophisticated airless bottles. I am sure there will be a solution soon in the world. It's just not obvious today. 

As a result of this position, our most complex formulations in Hylamide, NIOD and WhiteRx are in dropper systems. We really were not trying to look apothecary or cheap. The alternatives were simply more problematic and I didn't want to sacrifice the formula.'

So that's me told. :) Although it's worth mentioning that my favourite Zelens serums are extremely 'high liquid' serums - they feel almost like water - and they are in a pump that works without splashing. Still, I have huge respect for someone that goes to such lengths to explain their reasoning without being defensive or aggressive. Thanks Brandon.

Similar products?

For this much active ingredient busyness and this good a price point? No, frankly. Eye creams have long been more expensive than their 'face' counterparts, annoyingly so in a lot of cases. This goes some way to bringing them back into the real world.

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

No. Deciem products are based in Canada but generally launched in the UK as the lead market and so priced accordingly. 

The Hylamide SubQ Eyes is £27.00 and available from Hylamide.com and Boots.

Deciem - the parent company that is also responsible for my favourite Grow Gorgeous hair products - are doing things differently and stirring up the way beauty is sold, talked about and ranged. It's so worth checking out their website here: deciem.com

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream

So I was sent this recently - along with a lovely bag of other bits from Dr Gross (thanks Meg in SoCal) and low and behold I have a new favourite eye cream.

What is it?

'A firming and hydrating treatment formulated with anti-aging Ferulic + Retinol and an ECG Complex™ to treat the entire eye area, including bunny lines, crow’s feet, and the 11's.'

Who is it for?

It says all skins/ages but you don't need this if you're the younger side of your 20's. In my opinion...

What’s in it?

water/aqua/eau, isododecane, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, butylene glycol, adipic acid/neopentyl glycol crosspolymer, lauryl dimethicone, potassium cetyl phosphate, polymethyl methacrylate, sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, glyceryl stearate se, glyceryl behenate, ceteareth-20, collagen amino acids, ferulic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, arnica montana flower extract, centella asiatica extract, retinol, aminobutyric acid, caffeine, euphrasia officinalis extract, sphingolipids, phospholipids, tetrapeptide-21, glycine soja (soybean) oil, macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) extract, sodium pca, sodium hyaluronate, saccharide isomerate, salix alba (willow) bark extract, tocopherol, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, acrylates/carbamate copolymer, bis-vinyl dimethicone/dimethicone copolymer, tetrahydropiperine, bht, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, hydrogenated polyisobutene, isohexadecane, benzophenone-3, polysorbate 80, citric acid, cyclodextrin, sodium citrate, tetrasodium edta, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, mica (ci 77019), annatto (ci 75120)

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

a wealth of acids - pretty much all of them - so read the inci list carefully before you buy 

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Cruelty-free/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/unsure but I don't think so - they have the right cruelty-free symbols on their website

What's not in it?

Fragrance! When I had my reaction recently this was surprisingly gentle on my eyes - given the high content of actives I was pleasantly surprised.

How do you use it?

As with all eye creams - apply a little 'pine nut' or two - see yesterday's post - across the top of your fingers and go outwards from the bridge of the nose under the eye, and from the inner eye -> out over the brow bone.

What’s good about it?

This had an immediate effect on my eyes. They were taughter, brighter and more defined. I think it also did a little for my dark circles which if you know me, is a miracle in itself. The ferulic acid is used to facilitate the retinol penetrating as deeply as possible (without a needle) whilst also acting as a massive antioxidant. That, along with all the acids, including glycol and lactic, make for a gorgeous formula that I don't see myself moving on from in a hurry.

What’s not so good about it?

My only complaint about this is the jar packaging. It contains a lot of good active ingredients, and while the preservative system is top-notch, eye creams generally last a long time and this will be exposed to a lot of air and bacteria over that time. That being said, it would not stop me buying it, so good are the results. I'd probably end up using more of it on a daily basis, which if you think about it, is a cunning plan on their part.

Where to use in your routine?

After toning, before serums, morning and evening.

Similar products?

Zelens Triple Action Eye

Sunday Riley Start Over

Moisturising Renewal Eye Cream

Radical Eye Revive

Revive Moisturising Renewal Eye Cream

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream is priced £62.00/$68.00 and is available online only at spacenk.com - which is a mistake if you ask me, put it into stores please chaps - and in most retail outlets in the US including Sephora and the Dr Dennis Gross website www.dgskincare.com

The Month in Skincare - January

I can't believe January is at an end already! Those of you that aren't on Instagram will be unaware that I've been keeping a daily record of the products I'm using. Not so much for me, more to encourage you to mix it up a little (where you can afford to - obviously), there is never a need to only use one brand. (Although I wouldn't mix a load of retinol products. You stay classy San Diego.)

Myself, the Mr and Max are all a little under the weather so there won't be a video tomorrow - I'll aim for Monday/Tuesday - but I need to rest up.

Feel free to ask any questions about the products shown or any routines etc in the comments. Although with this cold, bear with. Yes/no will be easier than essays this weekend! :)

Also: I'm focusing more on budget skincare in February. I'd be interested to hear from you with some of your favourites. :)

Have a lovely weekend everyone!