We tested eye serums at all price points – one of them is a real godsend
FOR all the benefits of eye cream without the milia-causing heaviness, try a serum instead.
I put three to the test over the last few months and this is how “eye” fared . . .
Budget
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, 30ml, £7.11, boots.com: Application can be hit and miss – it takes a long time for the stickiness to vanish, and it also left me with white patches.
If you apply too much, it peels under make-up, so there’s a bit of trial and error to get it right.
I’ve found the best way is to put a drop on my ring finger and then pat it in rather than applying it straight to my face.
That said, I noticed results after only a few days.
It definitely helped reduce my dark circles and temporarily cleared the puffiness under my eyes too.
Mid-range
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum, 15ml, £18 for members, beautypie.com: My favourite.
I love the texture – it’s slightly thicker than The Ordinary’s so it is easier to control application and avoid squeezing too much out of the tube.
Once on the skin, it sinks in almost instantly and has been a godsend for the fine dehydration lines under my eyes, making the area look much smoother.
It works really well under make-up, and has stopped my concealer creasing around my eyes. It definitely makes them look brighter too.
It’s not caused any irritation and I’ve even been using it as a lip balm.
Luxury
Clarins Double Serum Eye, 20ml, £43.50, debenhams.com: More of a gel-cream hybrid than a traditional serum.
This is great for anyone with really dry under-eyes as it’s more hydrating than the others, but it’s not that much lighter than a classic cream.
It has a lovely botanical scent. I’ve got sensitive eyes and it hasn’t caused any problems, but may do if yours are prone to irritation.
I saw results in the first week – my bags are definitely smaller and the dark circles have continued to improve.
It will never get rid of them entirely, but it helps.
Pick of the week
BRUSH up on your beauty skills ahead of party season at next weekend’s The Beauty Beat in London.
Top brands The Inkey List, IT Cosmetics, Nars and Lancome, plus star guests such as Sabrina Elba and Coco Sarel, share their tips and advice.
Tickets cost £50, or watch the panel discussions free online. See thebeautybeat.co.uk.