My Eye Surgery Story

Hi All,

The vids are back. All you need to know is in the video, happy to answer any questions in the comments. 

Another video will be up on Sunday. 

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 

Sonya Dakar Eye Wash

When I posted this picture on my Instagram last week it received more mixed reviews than usual. Most of the comments were based around the Flash Facial (the majority love it, but not the smell - in a nutshell) although I myself am more impressed with the not-so-famous Eye Wash.

What is it?

'A delicate eye makeup remover suitable for the most sensitive of eyes.'

Who is it for?

Anyone can use, but particularly good for those that wear a lot of eye makeup, including waterproof, but also have a sensitised eye area.

What’s in it?

Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cucumber Oil, Apple Extract, Natural Fragrance (Pure Essential Oil Blend)

What's not in it?

parabens

mineral oil

synthetic colour

synthetic fragrance

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

I was really shocked when I saw that this contained essential oils for fragrance purposes, because it literally has no smell. In fact, it smells like raw oils, which is to say, not something you would wear as a perfume. :)

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

100% natural/Vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/No

Country of Origin?

USA

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

It says to apply 1-2 pumps to eyes an massage in before removing with a damp cotton pad. I apply 1 pump across both eyes, massage gently and then go over with my cleanser before removing the whole lot with a flannel.

If you were double cleansing, this could be your first cleanse. Only if you were wearing a high SPF under your makeup would you maybe need to go in again a second time with your cleanser.

What’s good about it?

This is a really gentle, thorough eye makeup remover that in all honesty, took me by surprise. I'm not sure what I was expecting but this works really beautifully and is so gentle that it feels like you're giving your eyes a massage rather than removing product.

One pump is sufficient for my normal makeup, if you are a habitual waterproof wearer, you may need 1.5/2 pumps. Crucially for the eye area, there is absolutely no sting or irritation at all, and I asked three friends to test it too, just to be sure I wasn't a fluke.

Eye Wash contains two very powerful anti-inflammatory agents: ursolic acid and quercetin contained within antioxidant-rich grapeseed and cucumber oil, which not only moisturizes, but has antiseptic properties. 

Despite its oil base, there is absolutely no greasy residue.

What’s not so good about it?

Despite the inclusion of the fragrance, it smells reassuringly of a cold-pressed grapeseed oil, which is to say, slightly pongy. It reminds me of my training days though and mixing our own massage oils and so for me, is not an issue. This is not for you if you want everything floral or citrus. (I have asked the brand what the oil blend is and will report back when I hear from them)

It's obviously an oil, so no good if you wear fitted fake lashes, as it will break the glue seal.

It's only 15ml, like most eye skincare products, although if only using one pump a night it will last a few months.

How's the website?

Good. No full list of ingredients, but everything else is clear and concise, including a detailed Q&A about each individual product: sonyadakarskinclinic.com/eye-wash which is really good.

Similar products?

Clinique TTDO Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips

Lancome Bi-Facil

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Sonya Dakar Eye Wash is $42.00 and available from Sonyadakar.com in the US and £32.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk

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

An Evening with The Body Shop - See Life through younger-looking eyes

On Thursday October 9th I will be holding an evening event at The Body Shop dedicated to all things eyes.

Come down to Oxford Street between 6.30 and 8.30pm for mini-makeovers, pampering and closed-door shopping time (love that!).

To win tickets you can apply here: thebodyshop.com/tickets




Where: The Body Shop, Oxford St.
Date: October 9th
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm



*This event is sponsored by The Body Shop.

Ole Henriksen - Truth is in the Eyes

I love this product. It's one of those that you don't need to use very often and see results from very quickly.

I being the freak that I am, use my exfoliating toners all around the eye area - I always have. This however, goes that step further and really makes the skin smooth and soft and thus much more tolerant to absorbing eye products.

Inci:

Water, Chondrus crispus (Carrageenan), Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydrolized Rice Bran Protein, Oxio Reductases, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol (preservative), Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Pullulan, Oleth 20, Allantoin, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Calcium Ascorbate, Aloe Vera Extract

It is extremely gentle. Seriously. I've had no adverse reactions to this and heard no reports about problems from readers that have tried it. If you suffer from tired, wrinkled, puffy eyes this could be the answer to your prayers.

More info here: www.olehenriksen.com
$42 US/£38 (approx) UK

Three Do's and Don'ts with Ole Henriksen

My mantra of turning to a Dr or a Facialist when thinking about buying skincare has not altered since meeting Ole Henriksen. Since opening his first Clinic in California in 1975 he has gone on to be one of the most recognisable brands in treatment-led skincare.

When he visited London recently I was fortunate enough to catch up with him for a 1 to 1- and ask him his Top 3's.

Top 3 Don'ts:

1. Don't go to bed with your makeup on - ever. (I already love him)
2. Don't remove eye makeup too vigorously - the area is very sensitive - take it gently.
3. Don't over-treat the skin. Too many actives/scrubs and having the water too hot can damage your skin - don't disrespect your skin.

Top 3 Do's:

1. Cleanse properly - close your eyes and take your time - enjoy your routine.
2. Eyes are the window to the soul - use a good eye cream containing efa's and peptides.
3. Ensure the skin is adequately hydrated and moisturised - use anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids so that the acid mantle is maintained and the skin feels soft to the touch.

And my favourite quote from the man?:

'Women have the right to walk around with no makeup on and glowing skin.'  (seriously dude - we should hang out more)

If you are looking for somewhere to start with Ole's products have a look at this little beauty:

Although I can't look at it without hearing Sofia Vergara in my head shouting 'LOOK INTO MY EYES LOOK INTO MY EYES!' - I LOVE this product.

It's a peel. For your EYES. 

Containing lactic and glycolic acids, micro algae and rice bran protein - apply in the evenings and in the morning it leaves your eyes feeling silky soft and smooth - and more importantly - better able to absorb the ingredients in your AM eye cream - usually peptides - which in turn, gets rid of your lines. Hey Presto!

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Ole Henriksen is available from Harvey Nichols and selected online retailers. Truth is in the Eyes starts from around £39.00 (there are different sizes).