Recently in Eye Cream Category

I am into hocus pocus and love a good palm reading (free) at parties but even this was a bit far stretched for me.  Psychodermic skincare?  Who'd believe that!?!?  Or maybe it's the most brilliant marketing strategy, ever!  Of course I had to investigate and requested a sample of what's being touted as the first Psychodermic care for eyes in high-tech cosmetology.  Yes you read correctly, not only is your eyecream expected to rid you of wrinkles, it will now replace your psychologist, too.  Apparently our skin ages not only from the environment but also from our emotional state of mind (okay, I'll buy that-- stress makes me look and feel old).  Which is why Orlane has created "Psychorepair", a plant-based complex that provides skin with Omega 3 fatty acids, protects skin, and regenerates skin tissue to prevent aging.  This plant complex is said to stimulates the release of neuromediators involved in the response of extreme stress and after using it for a week I can't tell you if it's actually the cream or just finally being home after 3 weeks of traveling but I do feel more calm (most likely from being at home but who knows!?).

I do know this- the cream itself has a nice rich texture without being too oily and feels ultra moisturizing when massaged into the eye area.  I even use it during the day under make up which is providing me with an additional boost since I'm so dehydrated from air travel (no, it's not the wine we drank daily, I'm certain it's the airplanes!).  So if you'd like to see if it alters your own state of mind and are looking for a luxurious (expensive) new eye cream-- give it a try.  At the very least, your eyes will be hydrated and you'll look rested.  At most, you can stop going to your psychologist. 

 Orlane Hypnotherapy Eye Cream at Neiman Marcus $250

Creme Ancienne ($135) has been a cult-fave since Fresh first introduced it back in 2005. It's based on a 2nd century formulation that was developed to heal gladiators' wounds and the appearance of scars! The original formulation was updated by Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman and today it's produced BY HAND in a monastery in the Czech Republic. Given the popularity of the face cream, Fresh has just introduced Creme Ancienne Eye Cream ($95). The cream is a lightweight, hand-blended cream with a whipped texture that absorbs quickly into the eye-region. Though it isn't made using the same method as the face cream, it's made with the same oils and waxes. In addition it's formulated with Sugar Apple Seed Extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles (Jojoba Oil, Seabuckthorn Berry Oil, Chamomile Oil, Vitamin E, and Rosewater are also key ingredients). I received a sample of the eye cream and it has a nice rose-scent. The best part about it though is that because it's light and fast-absorbing, I can use it in place of a primer in the morning before applying makeup:-)

Eye creams and serums somehow magically all end up in my bathroom vanity, but the latest from Kiehl's is novel. First off, while the roll-on concept packaging is not new (use deodorant lately?), in eye cream territory, it is--at least for me. It took a little getting used to when it came to removing the top cap only to have to remove a second cap, but the no-muss, no-fuss roll, dab-and-go approach is quite efficient and travel-friendly. I'd definitely recommend it for frequent fliers. I suffer from tired, puffy eyes that dry out easily--blame it on late nights watching tennis and early morning meetings--so this product, as part of Kiehl's' ever-popular "Facial Fuel" line geared towards men, managed to hydrate the under-eye areas while providing a cooling sensation (there's honey in the moisturizer!). It's also lightweight and non-greasy, which my combination skin certainly appreciates. Arctic root and hibiscus tea are two of its main components, although I'm sure the caffeine component makes this the facial equivalent of a 3PM cup of coffee.

$18.50 at kiehls.com and Kiehl's counters nationwide

iS Clinical is so sure that you will become addicted to its latest fountain of youth, the Youth Eye Complex, that they are offering free samples to everyone!  I took advantage of the offer and have been using it for two weeks with amazing results.  I'd been having issues with flaky undereye skin due to the weather and my incessant traveling but this has taken care of it in two short weeks.  The area around my eyes look and feel softer and smoother.  One of the main ingredients is a strain of red marine algae that helps strengthen the skin by triggering the collagen replenishment cycle.  All you need to know is that it's a lightweight and smoothing complex that gives almost immediate results.  I use mine day and night (it's pretty powerful stuff, a tiny bit is all you need-- apply with ring fingers in circular motions going towards the inside of the eye) underneath my iS clinical eye cream.  It has provided the extra moisture I desperately needed with the cold dry weather without any heaviness or oiliness.  This is one of the most exciting new products for 2010-- go to the website and request a FREE sample, now!

Youth Eye Complex at isclinical.com $85

It seems all of my bffs are doing something to themselves. Smart lipos, boob jobs, injections, tucks and lifts, etc. Even Kelly had the Thermage done last fall and is now contemplating all kinds of other fun stuff.  I have nothing against "help" but just have not braved them myself.  But trust me, when it comes time, I'll be right there in line for that face lift!  Luckily, right now, all I need is the proper tools-- like the Make Up Face Lift Collection from Bobbi Brown.  She designed the items to allow women to look well rested and bright-eyed in five minutes flat.  Brighten your face and play up your eyes with just a few simple tweaks.

New Extra Eye Repair Cream

This is an amazingly rich concentrated cream that visibly revives eyes by targeting wrinkles and dark circles.  Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.  Price: $65.00

Tinted Eye Brightener

Bobbi's Tinted Eye Brightener, now in a NEW portable pen! Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are)- with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades.  Price: $38.00 

New Brow Pencils

Instantly give your eyes a "lift" with defined eyebrows. These creamy, blendable pencils give you the natural look of eyebrow powder with the precision of a pencil and come with their own sharpener. Available in five shades.  Price: $20.00

Brightening Lip Gloss

Introducing two new shades of Brightening Lip Gloss. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Wear alone or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick. Price: $20.00

All items are at BobbiBrown.com

CHANEL sent me the ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT TOTAL EYE LIFT to review and you all know I'm a total eye product whore so of course I've been slathering it on daily and nightly.  Fortunately I have not experienced any kind of build up and it has a very soft and silky texture cuz it's oil free (so I don't have to worry about little white bumps from over moisturizing)!  The cream is supposed to lift the eye-area skin from within while helping to minimize the look of puffiness and dark circles.  So far, after two weeks, I'm noticing the tightening effect but only when I use it.  This complex is great for use to massage around the eye area (going inwards in light circular motion with ring finger) because it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue.  I especially love it for day as a make up base, it helps my shadows stay on without creasing.  However, only time will tell if it has lasting lifting effects (and I'm thinking when I stop using it, the lift will be gone, too).  I use it as a supplement to my current eye cream, by the way.  You still need a nice moisturizing eye cream if you are older, those under 25 with normal skin can use it alone.

Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. Comedogenicity tested. Oil-free, fragrance-free.  Quite unusual as most Chanel products have a slight fragrance to them.  This is worthy of trying if you have sensitive skin, too!  $100 at Chanel counters in January.

Orlane has just come-out with the eye version of their famously pricey Creme Royal. Called Creme Royal Eye Contour, the creme retails for $300 for .5oz and is formulated to be an anti-aging, anti-sagging, anti-free radical, anti-wrinkle, hydrating, nourishing, and firming creme (talk about a mouthful!). The key ingredient in the creme is royal jelly, a substance that serves as the queen bee's sole nourishment and enables her to live 50 times longer than the other bees (sounds convincing, no!?). The eye cream also uses 24-carat gold (same idea as those Kanebo lipsticks everyone's talking about), which is used in plastic surgery to stimulate the production of elastic fibers and fight skin slackening. Lastly it's got Lupine Extract to fight puffiness, redness, and dark circles. This is a hearty eye treatment that is meant for those over the age of 30 (though if you're an over-worked New Yorker/frequently suffer from hangovers this could be for you as well!).

If you are under the age of 35, skip to the next blog article. Now, if you're about to enter the new age bracket (the 35-45 box at the doctor's office) or above, you need to know about this!  I was sent a sample of Sensai's Eye Wrinkle cream a month ago and despite the PR person warning me it was very rich and probably best for a more mature skin, I generously applied it twice a day.  The consistency is really thick but goes on fairly smoothly and I liked how it nourishing it felt around the eyes (and diminished the lines!).  However, I noticed a tiny white bump under my right eye recently which my facialist tells me is probably from over use of the very rich eye cream!  So I'm back to using my iS clinical eye cream (heard they have a new version coming, out can't wait!) and saving this for days I feel really old and tired.  If you are very dry or have very mature skin-- definitely try this.  Go ask for a sample at the counter at Neiman/Bergdorf and see if it's too rich for you.  I'm an eye cream addict and slather on eye cream like there's no tomorrow but now I will use the tiny bit that they always recommend because I don't want those little white bumps to appear again! 

Sensai Eye Wrinkle Cream $170 at Bergdorfgoodman.com 

I started a new regimen last month and can not believe I have not discovered iS clinical products until recently.  The rep told me not to use anything else during my test period and believe me, it was difficult to give up my usual 12 step routine with thick creams.  But I'm on a less is more mission to simplify my life and this could not have come at a better time.  I've always had good skin but my skin is now unbelievable, even the pesky little white heads on my forehead are gone!  I will describe each product below in detail and highly suggest you go to an iS clinical skin professional near you for a consultation.  It is only 7 products total for day and night and the best system I have ever used.   In fact, I believe in this regime so much I am going to give away this entire set in August!! 
AM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- I start each morning with a drop of cleanser to clean my T-zone area.  It removes left over residue from grease collected while sleeping and any make up that was not removed.
2) C Eye Advance + Gel- Lightweight but ultra potent, it does not sting on the eyes and can correct past sun damage if used consistently.
3) Super Serum Advance +  - This has replaced my Skinceuticals C+E, it's also lightened my pigmentation so I actually save money. 
4) Eye Complex- Chatecaille and La Prarie got nothing on this amazing eye cream.  Goes on under make up smoothly without greasiness or peeling.
5) Youth Complex- The fountain of youth~ if you get nothing else from my day routine you must get this (and the Active serium for night).  I apply a few drops on face, neck and chest.  Amazing!!  My make up goes on smoother and most days I no longer need foundation.  Just a dap of concealer and I'm good to go.
6) SPF Treatment Sunscreen-  I hesitated at first, 25SPF only?  But the organic and powerful ingredients in this is more than enough.  It is one of the best sunscreens I have ever used. 

PM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- This cleanser has a gel texture and cleans all my make up off, even the water proof mascara from Serge Luten that Kelly convinced me to buy. 
2) Active Serum- The HOLY GRAIL of the line.  You MUST get this.  Forget about emailing me with complaints about your wrinkles, spots and acne ever again if you don't get the Active Serum.  I can't help you if you don't help yourself.
3) Eye Complex- This is the same eye cream above.  I use it day and night.  Don't even think about getting botox or laser treatments for the lines around your eyes without trying this first! 

This showed up in my inbox and I was about to click delete until I realized I just tested SkinMedica products at a doctor's office a few days ago! I put a few drops on my hand and loved the way it immediately smoothed the texture of my skin. I made a mental note to buy some when I was out of my current eye cream but apparently the beauty goddesses have different plans for me.  I've requested samples from the line and will do a complete review upon receipt!

Very excited as I love all three actresses who use it.

Snob Quiz: Can you guess who the celebs are? Leave your answer in comments-- we'll pick a winner via random drawing on Friday, July 10 at midnight. US residents only please! Winner will receive a Beauty Snob T shirt!

SkinMedica is available through doctors' offices only-- click here to find one near you!