Tag: eyes

The Best Eye Creams

I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!

Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System – Best Tool

I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.

blisslabs active 99.0 Multi-Action Eye Cream – Best Newcomer

I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.

Caudalíe ‘Polyphenol C15’ Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream – Best Multi-Tasker

Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just ~~can’t~~ don’t have the energy.

Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Advanced Formula Lifting Eye Crème – Best Value

I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm – Best For Fine Lines

SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment – Best For Puffiness

I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.

AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate Youth & Cellular Energizing Serum – Best Nourishing Eye Cream

When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.

Murad Instant Radiance Eye Cream – Best For Dark Circles

Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.

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Cle de Peau Beaute Perfect Lash Mascara

Today I have something new from the ever luxurious Cle de Peau. Their foaming cleanser has long been a favorite – we are talking going on a decade now. While I haven’t splurged much on their makeup, I am loving the Cle de Peau Beaute Perfect Lash Mascara.

Every once in a while, I find a luxury mascara that I think is worth the splurge. But to justify it, I would have to want to use it every day. This one I consistently reach for. The brush works to coat every lash. I get absolutely zero fall out. And I get a great balance of length and volume. Plus, the unique brush curves my lashes allowing me to skip that extra step on hectic mornings.

Need an excuse to go crazy at the beauty counter? Look no further –> There is probably nothing I love more than a tote of fun beauty samples to check out. And so now is the sweetest time of year – the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event. Get this tote and the following samples with any $125 purchase:

ev32 Effervescent Breath Treatments
Yves Saint Laurent Or Rouge Eye Cream
Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner
Glamglow Facial Set
AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Creme
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Burberry My Burberry fragrance
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Regenessence [3.R] Youth Regenerator
Jack Black MP 10 Nourishing Oil

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

mark. On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner

For the past several years, I have been lining my eyes with a pencil, focusing on definition with pigment along the waterline. I guess you could call it my signature look. But then the unthinkable happened… my favorite liner was discontinued (Note: the newer version is here – while I like it, it just isn’t the same.)

So I knew it was time to shake up my routine. As fate would have it, a liquid liner landed on my desk and it was just the push I needed to change up formulas. mark. On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner made me a convert.

The pigment is balanced – drying quickly but allowing for touch ups. The included brush is nimble – I am able to draw both an ultra-fine line and also something thicker and more dramatic.

Rather than pungent black, I have been wearing Cleo which seems like it has a little blue and brown to temper the shade. I swipe along my lashes and allow to dry for a couple minutes. And this stuff doesn’t budge all day long! And you can’t beat the price at ten bucks.

Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream

Last year, Kate Somerville first dipped her toes into color cosmetics in the best way possible. Her CC Cream married skin care and makeup with outstanding results. And her next product, Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream, is even better.

I am a huge fan of illuminating “wands”. I have tried so so many variations from the classic to offerings from more indie brands. But this one finally brings in a great eye cream, adding a skin care element in a way that only Kate can.

The click-pen dispenses a concealer/eye cream hybrid into a brush. For some reason, no matter what the brand, I always use my finger to apply and then use the attached brush to disperse. Lastly, I blend in again with my finger. But, I admit… to each their own. Applying with a brush might be more hygienic. I just perfect the final finish of a manual application.

The formula is lightweight and works to improve the look of wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The coverage isn’t terribly opaque but I like the more natural finish of a lighter-weight and illuminating effect. Bonus points for the two-in-one product – especially important with my rushed mornings that accompany my new job.

Not only will you look better immediately. Kate Somerville’s proven skin care ingredients work to improve collagen production, add firmness and smooth fine wrinkles. And my dry skin drinks up the added hydration. I use shade Medium for light to medium skin tones with a perfect match. Made in the USA.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection

I know… I know. We are just in the middle of summer and pre-fall clothing is already on the racks and fall color collections are hitting counters. NARS’ seasonal collection, always a gorgeous treat, launches today and it also includes the launch of Night Series Eyeliners. So even in the sweltering heat, you might want to consider your future fall lip and eye.

So what is the inspiration for this collection? Here is how the NARS team described the products:

“Eyes shine in amethyst and quartz shadows while intense black liners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl provide intriguing depth. Lips smolder in warm reds and cheeks are softened with a wash of glistening pink.”

My picks from the collection include Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore and Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight. First, is there a better lip shade for fall than a deep cranberry? This cranberry has a bit of a zip (think less brown) that brightens the face and flatters the pout. Plus, the Satin Lip Pencil is one of my favorite formulas with a balance of pigment and moisture. The pencils contain vitamins keeping lips healthy. And the jumbo pencil is super easy to use while still being precise.

I have a feeling I will love all the Night Series Eyeliners, but I have only gotten my paws on Night Flight. Needless to say, I am sold. The black with cobalt blue pearl is a deep and inky navy that can easily pass for black. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find sophisticated blue shimmer. I am a huge fan of blue-toned eyeliners, but if you prefer something else, there is also black with purple, gold or green undertones. I’ve found both blue and purple can really highlight the green in my hazel/brown eyes. NARS eyeliners have great staying power, lasting both along the lash and in the waterline.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot:

Available today on narscosmetics.com and 8/1 at at Sephora and department stores.

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Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler

As you probably can imagine, I am always trying out 2-3 versions of each type of makeup. Three eyeliners, two foundations, three blushes, etc… But one item I tend to stay loyal to is an eyelash curler. Keep in mind, this is one of my “must have” products. I love the way it can open your face and eyes in just one step.

It all started with a long relationship with Revlon. Then I had a love affair with the classic Shiseido. I went luxe for several years with CHANEL. But sadly that ended with a worn out tool. Might I add, it was a beautiful relationship and worth every penny.

Just in the nick of time, Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler landed on my doorstep. The key to these long term relationships is the curve of the implement. And this one is just right for my large and deep-set almond-shaped eyes. What makes Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler really special is the USDA-certified organic blue chamomile plush pad (note: each curler also comes with two replacement pads).

These pads have a super-cushiony feel and are gentle on lashes. The chamomile conditions the tiny hairs, keeping lashes long and healthy. The curling action doesn’t crimp, but imparts a long lasting swooping curl.

No wonder Winks by Georgie came up with such a revolutionary curler. Their faux lash collection hit shelves in 2010 with much deserved fanfare. They are the only strip lashes that I can apply and still look natural. Bonus: they are reusable and come with a botanically infused adhesive.

Right now, Neiman Marcus is holding their Beauty Tools Event. Receive limited-time gifts when you shop our best tools of the trade online! The curler is currently on back order but certainly worth the wait with an expected ship date of 8/1.

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Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.