I wish I had started using under–eye treatments sooner than I did. I am however, glad that I did start sooner than I actually thought I would. Eye treatments are just one of those beauty endeavors I thought I’d be getting into way past my 50s “when I’ll need it.” Ha. We all need it and the sooner the better because with the eyes, prevention is better than cure. I’ve been using eye treatments for a few months now and here are a few pointers to consider.
Address Your Concerns
We all have different issues when it comes to our under-eyes. From dark circles to puffiness to wrinkles. Selecting what treatment to use depends on what concerns we need to address. There are many different products and tools out there and they can be costly. So knowing exactly what we need and why is essential. Personally, my under-eyes are wrinkly, dark and dry. That’s why I knew the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye crème and the Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood brightening eye serum would work best for me, after much research.
The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye crème works to brighten the under-eye area much like a banana powder does over concealer, moisturizer the skin to reduce fine lines and nourish the skin. Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood brightening eye serum also improves the appearances dark circles and smoothens the skin.
Correct Application
Because the under-eye skin is quite thin compared to the rest of the face, it’s quite delicate. This is why specially formulated products are made specifically for this area. When using said products, the application methods need to be gentle and calculated.
First of all, we shouldn’t be heavily running or tugging when applying any skincare around our eyes. This can cause premature wear and tear, and ain’t nobody got time for that! It’s advisable to use our ring fingers because they exert the least pressure. Light tapping or dabbing motions only. It may take some time to work the products in but it’s worth doing it right, otherwise we will just be doing more damage. The other thing to be mindful of is the amount of product we use. When it comes to eye care, less is more. The thin skin is quick to absorb the products so we need not pile on loads. Lastly, it’s best to work around the orbital bone and not apply products too close to the lash lines. The orbital bone is easily visible or detected via touch and starts from under the brow to under where our bags usually are. Products will move and get absorbed all over the intended area without having to slather over the entire surface.
The order of application within our skincare routines is also important. Here, the rule of thumb is to go from lightest consistency to heaviest. So when using the serum, I use it after my face serums but before my moisturizer. When using my crème I apply it after my serums and fave moisturizer. This ensures maximum absorption of all products used.
Tools of the Trade
For the extra people, like me, beauty tools are a great way to give products a boost. And they give that touch of luxe that makes us feel like we’re getting a good ol’ spa sesh. Being a beauty and skincare enthusiast, I enjoy trying different tools. My favorites for the under-eye so far have been gel eye patches and rollers – all of which work best when chilled. I like to use the reusable gel patches when I have time to sit still and relax. Usually, I just pop them in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes and lay them over my eyes in the morning to depuff.
I use a chilled jade roller or eye massager in the morning as well for the same purpose or to work in my crème or serum. The cooling sensation also feel like heaven after an intense makeup removal and skincare routine to soothe and calm any irritation or rawness.
My Experience
I am obsessed with the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye crème because it has a very luxurious feel. The texture is rich and creamy and makes me feel like a boss! Plus it smells divine. I have to keep stopping myself from tasting it. It has been great at giving my wrinkly under-eyes some plumpness and smoothness. Using it under my makeup makes my concealer go on better and less creasy. And as a bonus, my concealer has a better brightening look. It’s also lifted my once really dark panda-esque circles. It’s worth every penny. The Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood brightening eye serum has been great for my night time routine because it’s so light and gets absorbed really fast. It has also played a role in lessening my dark circles.
The tools all keep my puffiness under control in the morning and soothe my irritation and discomfort after heavy eye makeup removal. My under-eye are has improved significantly since I started using these products and they will be part of my regimen for a long long time. I really believe now that they’re one of the most integral steps in my skincare. I know I still have a ways to go, but I’m better off than before I started. With eye treatments, dedicated, constant use is what brings results.
The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye crème is available at BelleLucille Beauty here for KShs. 5,500 ($55). Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood brightening eye serum is available at Sugar Punch Kenya here for KShs. 2,000 ($20). The Kalon Glo Jade Roller that I reviewed here is also available at Sugar Punch Kenya for KShs. 2,500 ($25). My friend Amina Abdi gifted me the reusable gel patches and the eye massager that she bought from Forever 21 in New York.
If you can only get one products, I thoroughly recommend the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye crème. It’s on the higher end price wise but it will last a long time and works like a dream by itself or under makeup, day and night. It’s never too early to start looking after tour under eyes so better get on it before you need to.
Xo
Oshin
