I recently discussed why we get puffy dark under-eye circles and some ways to treat them but I also want to review some of the eye creams I've been using lately. Eye creams work differently on different people. Everyone has a different skin type and need and there are plenty out there that will truly help address your issues. It's just a matter of finding the right one for you. Here are some of the latest eye creams I've tried out and liked:
Sampar Eye Rule ($78 at www.Beauty360.com) The cream comes in a massaging ball applicator. Click it to the right and the solution neatly comes out in a circular formation on the ball. The cream is packed with adenosine and peptides, which hydrates, refreshes, and smoothes the skin. It definitely feels refreshing on and I look forward to using it after a long day out and about. It seems to calm down the aggravated delicate skin and there's no doubt the cream has softened the area.
Sensai Recovery Concentrate For Eyes ($180 at bergdorfgoodman.com) This luxe serum is thick, creamy, and extremely moisturizing. It helps boost cellular enery metabolism and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. My skin definitely looks radiant after using it and it's very gentle on the skin. I kinda wanted to lather it all over my face.
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment ($52 at us.shiseido.com & sephora.com) This award-winning cream addresses both melanin formation and poor local microcirculation. Two major causes of dark circles. The treatment brings a brightness to the eye area and diminishes the appearance of melanin pigments. I've been using this for a few weeks and while I haven't seen any radical changes yet, I still really like how it feels on the skin. It's also made the skin under my eyes feel incredibly soft. Not sure about the dark circles yet but am still holding out hope!
B.Kamins Bio Maple Eye Cream ($60 at b.kamins.com) I love this skincare line. The cream is meant for dry skin (like mine) and its glossy finish soothes the skin and relaxes the eye area. It's formulated with Episphere-Blue™ technology, which is made of heat-activated, time-released tiny blue capsules of anti-oxidant vitamin E to help moisturize and repair the skin.
I'll be adding to this list as I continue to try eye creams, so keep looking out for my reviews. I will not stop till I find the perfect eye cream!!
For many women (including myself), dark, puffy under-eye circles is their number one beauty concern. You can get plenty of sleep, keep alcoholic drinks to a minimum and still have circles and bags. This beauty ailment can be the result of a few different factors: allergies, lack of sleep, nasal congestion, sun exposure, fluid retention, pigmentation irregularities, and/or heredity and age. Unfortunately, dark circles can make you look older and tired and really take away from your face's natural radiance.
Main Causes:
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Susan Evans explains that, " Dark under-eye circles begin in the capillaries. Your capillaries are so small that red blood cells sometimes have to line up, single file, to get through. Frequently, red blood cells get lost and wander and leak into the surrounding skin." According to darkcircles.net, this is normal and your body has a mechanism to mop us these rogue cells. Enzymes break down the red blood cells , including their hemoglobin (which gives blood its color). Unfortunately when the hemoglobin is broken down, the remaining components have a dark black-blue color. Your dark under-eye circles are caused by leaky capillaries. This is the same reason we get bruises. Blood can leak out into the surrounding skin and the excess hemoglobin (which appears dark purplish) remains. According to an article in realbeauty.com, dark circles can also be caused by excess pigment produced from the melanocytes, or pigment cells.
Puffiness on the other hand, may be attributed to changes as you age. Your body holds the natural "fat pads" of your skin in with supporting ligaments. As we age these ligaments stretch and the "fat pads" become more visible. There is also a loss of elasticity to the surrounding skin which may cause the puffiness around the skin.
These main causes aside, some circles can be attributed to more serious medical conditions. Dr. Evans says, " Medical causes for unexplained Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) for all patients should be excluded first. Your initial differential diagnosis may include kidney or liver disease, diabetes and Peripheral vascular disease". She goes on to say, " PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) arises from an acquired excess of pigment related to an inflammatory process, such as infection, an allergic reaction, or a reaction to medication, trauma. In particular, PIH often occurs as a consequence of inflammatory skin disorders, including acne, drug-induced eruptions and eczema". Once you've ruled out these issues you can look for a solution that suits your skin care needs.
Treatments:
A good eye cream is essential but there are a few other treatment options you can use to depuff the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Cool Compress/Green Tea Bags-For puffiness Dr. Evans recommends applying a cool compress with green tea bags to the lower eyelids. You can also use chilled teaspoons or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to reduce puffy skin.
Elevate Your Head- According to mayoclinic.com try to "elevate your head with two or more pillows to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids."
Saline Wash or Spray-The website also recommends using a saline wash or spray. They advise you to "rinse your sinuses with a saltwater solution (mix 1/4 teaspoon sea salt with 2 cups warm water) or over-the-counter saline spray to relieve nasal congestion". I personally have never done this therefore, can't personally endorse this tip.
Potato Slices-Realbeauty.com recommends putting your food to work. By cutting a potato (which has a skin-lightening enzyme called catecholase) into two thin slices you can temporarily fade the rings. Leave them on for 10 minutes (twice a week) to allow the juice to seep into your skin.
Take an Antihistamine- Realbeauty.com recommends consulting your doctor if your circles appear during allergy season. Ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert Mirsky says, "Airborne allergens cause blood to pool in the vessels under your skin. Plus, rubbing your eyes can bruise those same vessels, causing a dark appearance under the eyes." Your doctor might recommend an antihistamine or allergy-relief eye drops. Do not try anything without consulting a medical professional.
The other solutions remain the most popular: using eye creams
Realbeauty.com recommends doubling up on eye creams. They cited a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology which showed that Vitamin K (the gold standard for lightening the color of the under-eye area) is even more effective when combined with a topical vitamin A derivative (such as retinol). Since retinol is always used on its own, use two creams-one with retinol and one with Vitamin K. Vitamin K can reduce the coagulation of blood in the area and reduce the appearance of dark circles. They recommend MD Skincare Lift & Lighten and MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Anti-Aging Eye Complex.
Retinol isn't for everyone (it makes your skin very sun-sensitive and can be overly drying), which is why Dr. Evans urges people to speak to a medical professional to consult with them what products you're using in combination. It's important to speak to someone who knows your skin type and color and who is familiar with these products because incorrect use of these agents can lead to hyperpigmentation.
If you can tolerate retinol (remember a little goes a LONG way) you should use it. Retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production which will help strengthen the skin and reduce complexion imperfections. Elle.com recommendsOlay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex.
I myself am still searching for the perfect eye cream. I've definitely found a few front runners but I have yet to find a product I swear by. In the mean time, I'm going to focus on getting plenty of rest so my skin doesn't look hollow and thin and focus on the creams I'm testing out to see how the affect my skin and what I like. Different eye creams work for different skin types and needs. There are many out there that will work effectively on your skin. I'll do my best to help connect you with those winners! Stay tuned!
When applying concealer under the eyes, mix it together with a little primer and then lightly dab it around the eye bone. The primer will not only help spread the concealer more evenly and smoothly, it will also keep your makeup on longer and prevent it from creasing. Apply a few dots of a hydrating eye cream beforehand to add moisture to the skin and to prevent flakiness (which makes the delicate area look wrinkly and dehydrated). Eye cream should be used at night and in the morning and/or as a part of your general skin care regimen. As we grow older the skin under the eye becomes more and more delicate and can wrinkle if we don't properly care for it. A moisturizing eye cream and the right concealer can take years off your face and make it look brighter and more alert.
Primer:
I love Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This makeup artist fav. is a silky formula that fills in fine lines and pores and feels unbelievably light on the skin. It's also a Best of Sephora winner and been featured in countless magazines.
Korres Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Primer is another great lightweight primer. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and Oak extracts repair fine lines and enhance skin texture. It also contains Hyaluronic acid, which provides immediate moisture and softness. Translation? It'll extend the lifespan of your makeup and boost your skin's appearance. Plus, it's Silicone-free so it won't clog your pores.
Eye Cream:
Finding a noticeably effective eye cream, on the other hand, is like searching for The Holy Grail. A daunting task that produces many beautifully packaged fabrications. It's not that these eye creams aren't good it's more that they just don't perform the changes they say they're going to.
Next eye cream on my list? Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment. The brand's White Lucent skin care line has garnered plenty of accolades and their eye cream won the CEW's Beauty Award for Best Eye Treatment last year. The cream addresses both melanin formation and poor local micro-circulation, two major causes of dark circles. The Multi-Luminizing Powder contains light diffusing properties that bring luminosity to the eye area. Since I just started using this, the verdict is still out. The cream does feel great on the skin (especially after storing it in the fridge) but I'm still not sure if it's helping my dark circles.
Stay tuned!
Are there any eye creams you've tried that you either love or hate? Are you still on the quest for a great eye cream too!?
Happy summer people! It's officially official, summer is here and we can finally all bask in the hot, sticky weather and enjoy plenty of icy beverages and grilled yumminess. Now that it's socially acceptable to break out your head to tow white ensembles and frolic around in itty-bitty swimwear, it's a good time to chat about your number one accessory for the season: your skin.
Properly protecting your skin from the sun is the best piece of advice any doctor or beauty professional can give you to help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. There are so many misconceptions about when and who should be wearing sunscreen and what the actual effects of prolonged sun exposure are.
Myths: People with darker skin tones don't need to wear as much sunscreen and are less susceptible to skin cancer; you only need to wear sunscreen when you're lying out by the pool or on the beach; you don't need sun protection when it's cloudy out. Between all the questions we all have about skincare in the sun and what products work best, I thought it would be a good time to enlist professional help.
I enlisted the help of dermatologist, Dr. Heather Woolerly-Lloyd, an acclaimed and renowned doctor, who is frequently quoted in various medical journals and beauty magazines (she was recently featured on Oprah.com). She’s also the former Director of Ethnic Skin Care at The University of Miami and has focused especially on developing effective treatments for cosmetic concerns related to skin of color including blemishes, brown patches, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. I asked her all my burning skincare questions (best sunscreens, SPF, sun protection under makeup, etc). Here’s what she had to say:
Q: What are your top 5 favorite sunscreens? What makes them good for women (not greasy, looks good under makeup, not too smelly) and how often should you apply it?
A: For everyday use-just apply in the morning. It is optional to reapply in the afternoon. For outdoor use (i.e. hiking or beach) reapply every 2 hours.
1.Aveeno Positively Radiant- it’s a lightweight moisturizer with sunscreen and also contains soy to even out skin tone.
2.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch-it’s great for outdoor use and has excellent broad-spectrum coverage when you don’t want to get any sun.
Q: Should you only use products with Helioplex? What is Helioplex protection?
A: Helioplex is a complex that provides long term UVA coverage. Most sunscreens run out of UVA coverage in 2 hours. This provides long term UVA coverage. Helioplex is great for people with melasma because their condition gets worse with any sun exposure.Every sunscreen has its benefits (see my list above) so it really depends on your needs whether you should use helioplex. I recommend it for people who have melasma or people with extreme sun sensitivity. Also mexoryl, the ingredient in Antehelios, offers long term UVA coverage.
Q: Many women don't want to wear sunscreen under makeup because it looks oily, it smells and they are going to be sitting in an office all day. How should one properly apply it and what products avoid these issues?
A: All of the sunscreens that I listed above can be used easily under makeup. But for people who don’t want to apply lotions, you can always use a mineral makeup (like Colorscience) that has sunscreen in it.
Q: I seem to break out when I use sunblock. Why is that and what can I do to prevent that?
A: You could be allergic to one of the ingredients in sunscreen. Sunscreen allergies can cause little red bumps, redness, stinging or itching. If this is the case, then you need to switch to physical blockers such as Vanicream Sensitive Skin. The most common sunscreen allergies in chemical sunscreens are to the ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone so you could also look for sunscreens that don’t have these ingredients.
The other option is that you have acne, and the oils in the sunscreens cause you to get pimples. Then I would suggest the La Roche Posay Antehelios 60 Ultralight Sunscreen Fluid, which is extremely lightweight and does not cause acne.
Q: What makeup brands with SPF do you like? What are your opinion on makeup with SPF?
A: I like the mineral makeups with SPF such as Colorscience. These are great for people who don’t like to apply sunscreen lotions.
Q: Some skin creams have an SPF in them. Do you recommend these or do you think it's important to put on sunscreen on separately?
A: I highly recommend moisturizers with sunscreen for everyday use. They are easy and convenient. For people with melasma or extreme sun sensitivity I recommend a separate sunscreen.
Q: The biggest issue I notice with mineral makeup (that has natural SPF protection) is it makes my skin look chalky and white because of the zinc. Are there any products you like that don't have this issue for women with darker skin tones?
A: This is an ongoing issue and I don’t think anyone has completely solved this problem yet.
Q: People with dark skin tend to have bad under eye circles. Why and how do you prevent this?
A: Sometimes daily sunscreen use can help to prevent dark circles from getting worse with time. For many people, dark circles are hereditary. But I do recommend skin brighteners that can be used in the sensitive skin under the eyes such as Vivite. Also antioxidants like Replenix Infusion Eye Repair Serum with green tea have worked for some of my patients.
Q: There's a common belief/misconception that if you have darker skin you don't need to wear sunblock because they’re less susceptible to skin cancer. What's the truth?
People with dark skin do have a lower risk of skin cancer but still need to wear sunscreen. First of all, I have African American patients that have gotten skin cancer on the face so it can happen (especially for people who are outside a lot with sports like tennis and swimming). As a separate issue, most darker skinned patients complain of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation and sunscreen is absolutely essential to prevent this.
Q: The biggest issue I want to avoid now is wrinkles. How important is it to wear sunscreen to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots?
A: Extremely important. 80% of aging and wrinkles is due to external causes such as UV radiation, pollution, and smoking, (about 20% is genetic), so sunscreen is your first defense.
Q: What sun exposed areas do most people tend to forget about that end up showing signs of aging most quickly?
The hands and chest. I always tell my patients not to forget sunscreen on the chest, neck and hands. Also, it’s important to apply anti-aging creams there too.
I know it seems like I'm on a Sephora binge with all the accolades they've received from me lately but I feel like it's my civic duty to a) vote and b) tell you when I find something deliciously fabulous that gets me kid in a candy store excited.
So here's another way they're making our lives easier and more fun: Boxed Kits of customer favorite products. Each kit has travel size versions of different skin and beauty products for your lips, eyes, skin and face. Some of my favorite products are featured in each set such as Duwop Private Red (in the Lip Service Kit), Guerlain Powder Pearls for the Face bronzer (in the Glitz & Glam Shimmer and Shine Kit) and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (in the Radiant Skin Regimen Kit).
This sounds like the perfect little holiday stocking stuffer (hint, hint). Since I'm such a beauty junkie, the brand variety is enticing and lets be honest I'm not sure I'd be able to afford the regular size version of some of these fine products! Take a look at all the miniature sets here: Sephora Favorites
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Sampar Eye Rule ($78 at www.Beauty360.com) The cream comes in a massaging ball applicator. Click it to the right and the solution neatly comes out in a circular formation on the ball. The cream is packed with adenosine and peptides, which hydrates, refreshes, and smoothes the skin. It definitely feels refreshing on and I look forward to using it after a long day out and about. It seems to calm down the aggravated delicate skin and there's no doubt the cream has softened the area.
Sensai Recovery Concentrate For Eyes ($180 at bergdorfgoodman.com) This luxe serum is thick, creamy, and extremely moisturizing. It helps boost cellular enery metabolism and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. My skin definitely looks radiant after using it and it's very gentle on the skin. I kinda wanted to lather it all over my face.
B.Kamins Bio Maple Eye Cream ($60 at b.kamins.com) I love this skincare line. The cream is meant for dry skin (like mine) and its glossy finish soothes the skin and relaxes the eye area. It's formulated with Episphere-Blue™ technology, which is made of heat-activated, time-released tiny blue capsules of anti-oxidant vitamin E to help moisturize and repair the skin. 
