Clarins: Extra Firming Collection

Whenever I see the word under eye "dark circles" I feel an instant bond to nearly every reader at B.I.O.A. as that area seems to be one that is most problematic. If there were a magic pill to take to make mine disappear forever, I would most certainly take it. The truth is genetics, dehydration, aging, sleep and many other factors play into the role of your skin's overall look and feel.

Clarins has a new collection and their statistics do show that the focus group noticed quite enormous changes within only a few weeks in regards to their under eye dark circles, small wrinkles around the eyes and the overall look and feel of their skin. I, of course, had to try these products as I am turning 50 next month and have certainly witnessed major changes to my skin's appearance. My under eye dark circles upset me every day that I look into the mirror. I also notice my sagging jowls and am becoming quite addicted to the notion of having more firm skin.

The Extra Firming Collection uses CIarins’ advanced wrinkle-fighting formulas to promote skin suppleness at its source for visibly firmer, smoother, more renewed skin day after day. Extra-Firming formulas are packed with powerful plant extracts that visibly tighten and lift skin to smooth the look of wrinkles.

Both products in the collection are now available on Clarins.com:

1. Extra-Firming Phyto-Serum ($102)

· A groundbreaking, 2-in-1 anti-aging eye balm that minimizes wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness

2. Extra-Firming Eye ($64)

· A groundbreaking, power lift serum visibly firms, lifts and tightens slackened skin to redefine facial contours

In the past two weeks of using the products, I have noticed a softening appearance of my skin and it does not look as dull as it before. The dark circles are absolutely still there yet the orbital area does appear to look more hydrated. 

Results are happening so what more could I ask for? Maybe a more plump pout? Well, that's in a future article for sure.

Malin + Goetz: Revitalizing Eye Gel

I must admit that I do have favorite eye creams that are very effective in keeping my dark circles at bay, and with that being said, I am adding this new eye gel to my roster!

Malin+Goetz just introduced their most important targeted treatment for the eye, revitalizing eye gel.

It is their most lightweight preventive eye treatment to date. Fast-absorbing and an every day essential, this eye gel revitalizes tired-looking eyes. This invisible layer gel instantly brightens with rice and soy peptides while cooling cucumber soothes and helps alleviates puffiness. Hydrating marine extracts bind and hold moisture for instant results.

Key ingredients:

Rice and soy peptides brightens, protects and strengthens the delicate under eye area marine extracts a blend of antioxidant rich algae softens skin and binds moisture cucumber extract cools and soothes tired eyes while alleviating puffiness.

Diamond powder light reflectors work to improve the look of dark circles.

Sodium hyaluronate provides lasting hydration.

Solutions for:

• dryness

• puffiness

• tired-looking eyes

$42 and worth every penny to me. My eyes responded beautifully to the gel and the cooling effect felt ever so soothing to the touch. I love the way it works. I saw immediate results on my skin. It's a keeper for me and I believe you will love it, too.

(MALIN+GOETZ) has distribution in nearly 600 locations worldwide. This includes our flagship apothecaries in New York, Los Angeles and London, and malinandgoetz.com. Luxury boutiques range from women’s and men’s specialty stores to Barneys New York, Liberty of London, Bloomingdales, SpaceNK, as well as premier salons, gyms, spas and hotel and Airline amenities for Morgan’s Hotel Group, Le Meridien and Delta Airlines.

New from Elemis: Pro- Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm

Yes, I had to have this! Bringing light and radiance to my dark circles was much needed. Nothing can replace sleep, yet with this product, I can now fake it! 

It not only moisturizers the under eye area, it also leaves the area looking brighter and more luminous.

Key Ingredients are Bird of Paradise Flower, Apricot Kernel Oil, Penstia Powder, Chamomile Extract and Arnica Extract. Amazing! 

" Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Blam is great because it brightens, nourishes and leaves eyes feeling cool and refreshed. It looks fantastic on it's own too, but if you apply under make-up use a small amount and tap with your finger around the eye. Wait for a few minutes before gently putting on concealer. Never run or drag the delicate eye area and powder if needed." Kelly Cornwall, ELEMIS Make- Up Expert. 

Available for $57 at timetospa.com and Elemis.com.

Put Lipstick Under Your Eyes, You Say?!

Now this I have got to try! I can honestly say I had never even thought about this trick until I watched Deepica's video...

Deepica, Birchbox's genius beauty guru known for her “concealer” trick admittedly has struggled with dark under-eye circles that she remedies with LIPSTICK! Yes, you heard right, lipstick! In her amazing YouTube video that has gotten over 2.3 million views, she shows us how the bright orange/red pigment in lipstick neutralizes the blue-ish color that no one wants under their eyes. 

Have you ever tried this? Has it worked for you? Do tell! Amazing results, indeed! 

Kate Somerville: IllumiKate Concealing Eye Cream

Readers are always asking about products to conceal the dark circles underneath their eyes. I believe a lot has to do with genetics, proper hydration, diet, etc. yet when it comes to a beauty product to actually make them appear lighter- I look to products that not only conceal yet provide beneficial ingredients to the orbital area. 

With that being said, IllumiKate ($ 42) from Kate Somerville seems like the right product for that targeted area. Conceal your dark circles and defy wrinkles with Kate Somerville’s latest innovation, the IllumiKate Concealing Eye Cream. It is being touted as the solution to all of your under eye problems as it's a double-duty formula that is both an under eye cream and concealer.

This new product contains an Anti-Aging Peptide Complex that helps support collagen production to restore a more youthful look while the Hyaluronic Microsponge Technology provides a boost of moisture to plump skin and smooth away wrinkles. Plus, the Diamond Complex was created to cover dark circles and minimizes imperfections for flawless coverage.

Available in three easy-match shades (Light, Medium and Dark), this multitasking formula is said to deliver immediate brightening and wrinkle improvement that you’ll see with your very own eyes.

• An encapsulated ANTI-AGING PEPTIDE COMPLEX is released on application to help support collagen production and restore a youthful look and feel to the under eye area.

• HYALURONIC MICROSPONGE TECHNOLOGY delivers a surge of moisture on contact to visibly plump up the appearance of wrinkles and smooth the skin’s surface.

• A precious DIAMOND COMPLEX of mineral pigments and light-diffusing optics offer flawless coverage and a soft-focus effect that minimizes imperfections.

• A skin-strengthening CERAMIDE COMPLEX replenishes essential skin lipids to reinforce the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss.

IllumiKate Concealing Eye Cream is perfect for anyone who wants to minimize the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. It can be used by anyone and on any type of skin.

More pictures including my very own Before and Afters to come shortly! In the meantime, you can read more about IllumiKate Concealing Eye Cream here.