Eye Bet

{eye doctor}

I wrote a few weeks ago about my recent quest for an eye cream. The skin around my eyes has become really dry and thanks to a few fairly close-up photos I am definitely aware of a few new wrinkles. Why must this happen now? I'm not ready!

Since whining doesn't help anything the least I can do is sample eye creams. I'm not sure if a cream will reverse the wrinkles I already have but perhaps it will make me fell better about myself. And that definitely stands for something.

Below are the creams I have tried so far. I tried to use each one for a week at a time to judge the effects and here are my findings:

{hydraquench}

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Bi-Phase Serum
Claims to restore a more youthful looking appearance to dehydrated skin. $58.00
I'm a big lover of Clarins products and this was recommended to me as an all-purpose serum that I could also use under my eyes. Unfortunately it was just not moisturizing enough for what I wanted.

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminée Eye & Lip Cream
Claims to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark circles, decongest puffiness, and protect the skin from free radicals. $49
I liked the way this light cream softened the skin around my eyes but it didn't do anything to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. It would be a great choice for someone looking to prevent fine lines.

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Cream
Claims to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soothe puffiness, and alleviate dark circles. $75
This cream had a zing when I put it on but after two days the zing began to burn and it gave me a terrible rash. Clearly not a good choice for me but it smells nice.

{pulpe vitaminée}

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Claims to clinically reduce puffiness and dark circles instantly. $37.50
I liked this initially as it hydrates and sits well under makeup but I didn't notice a difference in the appearance of the dark skin under my eyes. After a few days this cream started burning when I applied it so I stopped using it. It turns out that my Mom is allergic to Ginseng, so this active ingredient may be the culprit.

Origins Eye Doctor Moisture Care for Skin Around Eyes
Claims to counter crow's feet, reduce puffiness and fade dark shadows. $38.50
Success at last, this eye cream is brilliant! The skin around my eyes is well moisturized, I've noticed a reduction in the fine lines and I look refreshed. I use it morning and night and it is great under makeup. Well worth every penny.

Two Minute Makeup

Though I may not be a makeup expert, I do credit my limited abilities for preventing me from looking like a zombie in the first year of Eloise's life.

I also rarely, if ever, go makeup free. I wish I could, but thanks to dark under eye circles I wouldn't dare leave the house without at least concealer. Hormones have done a number on my skin since pregnancy as well and I am certainly starting to notice my age. I am finding that my skin requires more moisture and I have been trying out a few eye creams to combat the super dryness and new fine lines around my eyes. Ah the joys.

Time is of the essence when I'm trying to get out the door in the morning so I have perfected a routine that allows me to easily do my makeup in two minutes, five if I add eyeshadow and liner. Here's what works for me:

 Prep

I wash my face with an Eminence cream cleanser and use a Clarins moisturizer. I let this soak in while brushing my teeth and then I prime before applying makeup. My girlfriend Alex sent me a fabulous primer from Australia called Napoleon Perdis but I can't manage to find it here, so I bought one from Sephora. Their primer certainly does the job, but is not nearly as hydrating as the Napoleon Perdis. Nars makes an awesome primer too.

Conceal

I have major love for Lancome concealer. It is a great consistency and I use it on any blemish, not just under my eyes. It's also waterproof and lasts all day. I do a light dusting of loose powder to set everything (bonus: the powder I use is a drugstore bargain!)

Makeup

I like to do a bronzer-blush combo on my cheeks. I start with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick and finish with a dusting of Nars Orgasm, the blush that looks good on everyone.

On an average day I just curl my lashes and give them a few coats of good ol' Maybelline Great Lash. But if I am going out or have a consultation I use MAC Era in combination with Sephora Duo Eyeshadow in Natural Brown. I like a subdued cat-eye, so I line my upper lids with Lancome Le Crayon Kohl which I can confidently say is the best pencil liner I have ever used.

Finish

A tube of Carmex (always in a tube and never cherry) keeps my lips moisturized and if I'm not wearing a sheer pink gloss, my go-to lip colour is Lady Bug, a bold red from MAC.

What do you do to get yourself ready for the day?