Beauty
I couldn’t find an eye cream that worked—until I used an eye gel
Why I switched to an eye gel Image by: Getty Images
Beauty
I couldn’t find an eye cream that worked—until I used an eye gel
The dry, sensitive skin around my eyes just didn’t respond to creams and oils—enter the eye gel.
There’s a reason why an eye treatment should be part of your skin-care routine. Your eyes are one of the first areas to show the signs of aging, and need special attention because the skin surrounding them is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face. But for those of us with sensitive eyes, finding the right formula can be difficult. For me, it was hard to justify spending the extra money on an eye cream when I couldn't see any real results—and in some cases where the product seemed to make my skin even more sensitive.
My own eye dilemma is that I have dry skin around my eyes which is also sensitive. Meaning that slathering on some heavy duty cream or oil doesn’t do it for me. It also means that I often get milia (small white bumps that are trapped keratin) whenever I apply product that is too heavy, even when I’m exfoliating. Everyone has different eye needs, and I knew that I wanted to use an eye product to fight off the signs of aging, and to keep my skin hydrated—but nothing I tried was doing the trick.
The solution? For me, it’s gel formulas. Using an eye gel regularly instead of a cream has completely changed my eye skin care. These formulas are quick absorbing and packed full of ingredients, but they’re also light enough to save my skin from irritation and those pesky white bumps.
The good news is, eye gels are a popular alternative to creams, and some might even be masquerading as light creams (with a gel-like texture), so make sure to check the eye care options from your favourite brand to see if they have a lighter formula for your eyes—especially if you're sensitive. The bad news? The hefty price tags that accompany eye care products are often still in effect for eye gels. Eye care products typically have more potent ingredient percentages which is what makes them more expensive, eye gels included. But, I have yet to find a dupe that works just as well. Sometimes, the price tag does reflect the quality.
Here are a few eye gels to try.
Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel
Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel, $110, Sephora.com.
The price tag on this treatment isn’t cheap, and I’ve tried less expensive dupes in the hopes of not having to shell out the big bucks. But, it works, and I keep coming back to this product because of it. Concentrated bamboo sap (for moisture), and a complex of bamboo leaf extract, water lily, green tea and cactus fruit help combat puffiness. When I use it before bed, my eyes are noticeably hydrated and the fine lines I’ve begun to notice seem softened.
SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel, $94, skinceuticals.com.
This formula is a serum-in-gel that contains 5% pure vitamin C and 0.5% ferulic acid to help combat environmental damage (think sun spots) while also targeting crows feet. This is my go-to morning eye gel because of those potent ingredients and I wear it under my sunscreen to make sure I’m well-protected from UVA/UVB rays.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, $88, thebay.com.
This super light creamy gel helps to strengthen and repair the skin around your eyes. It contains a concentrated infusion of hyaluronic acid (the go-to hydrating ingredient) to make sure that your eyes are bright and fine lines are softened.
The Body Shop Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel
The Body Shop Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel, $12, thebodyshop.com.
For a more budget-friendly option, this Body Shop gel is cooling which will help reduce puffiness—the perfect morning pick-me-up.
Fresh Lotus Eye Gel
Fresh Lotus Eye Gel, $58, Sephora.com.
This editor-favourite skin-care brand has an eye gel that promises to address puffiness and tiredness. Lotus flower (a polyphenol-packed antioxidant), grapeseed and jojoba protect and treat while cucumber extract revives and moisturizes.
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