Murad Targeted Correctors

When it comes to Murad skincare products, there is something quite special about them, ticking the boxes they promise and one of my all time favourite products is the Murad Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial.  New to my stash is the Murad Targeted Correctors, all three of them described as being instant fixes for those troublesome skin concerns.

Following the successful launch of the Murad Targeted Wrinkle Corrector, which I've shared below, it has now been partnered with two further correctors to complete the trio - the Targeted Eye Depuffer and the Targeted Pore Corrected.

Starting with the Targeted Eye Depuffer (£64/15ml) it is described as being an eye-awakening, microcurrent-inspired treatment visibly depuffs and firms with every use—and tightens over time for lasting results.

This multi-action eye treatment works to both instantly brighten and cool and when used over time, it also visibly tightens, tones and depuffs for lasting results.  As it is a treatment for the eyes, it comes packaged in an elongated tube with a metal applicator and that alone is soothing without the inclusion of the amazing list of ingredients:

• Microcurrent-inspired Amino Acid Peptide - visibly tones, lifts and brightens under-eyes and lids
• Ginseng, Lily and Caffeine - come together to visibly reduce the intensity of under-eye bags
• Light-Reflecting Complex - Instantly brightens and illuminates under-eyes and lids

To use, you simply squeeze out a really small bit of the cream and then using the metal applicator, gently massage it into the skin around the eyes, it takes no longer than 5-10 seconds to complete and as someone who seems to have these dark circles, this is quite the miracle worker, it instantly brightens and those small shimmery particles which are part of the Light-Reflecting Complex work their magic but the clue is in what Murad says - you need to use it over time for long-lasting results, it isn't an instant fix, but I already love it.

The second product is the Targeted Pore Corrector (£49/15ml) and this is described as being a bio-tech treatment that virtually erases the look of pores with every use—and decreases pore count over time.

We all know that you cannot shrink the size of your pores, despite claims from numerous brands that you can, they're genetic, it is part of who you are... however, what you can do is target the causes and issues that make them appear bigger and this is where this Targeted Pore Corrector comes in.

With its specially designed applicator, the use of a potent bio-tech copper amino acid blend targets the loss of pore elasticity, something Murad state is a root cause of oversized pores, so pores look smoother and smaller the more you use it.  Again, this isn't a magic fix, it is a product you need to use consistantly to get the results promised and as with the Targeted Eye-Depuffer, it comes with a host of magical ingredients:

• Copper amino acid biotechnology -  delivers a multi-targeted approach to reduce the appearance of pores . This blend has a Patent-pending!​
• Soybean extract - Smooths skin and reduces the appearance of dilated pores, ​
• Ginger extract - Potent antioxidant helps balance skin to reduce shine over time,
• Soft Focus Complex - Delivers unbeatable blurring benefits to make large, dilated pores practically undetectable.

As well as helping to decongest the skin, this corrector also mattifies, so for someone like me who has combination-oily skin, it is really worth its use for that alone. Again the advice when using this is to very gently squeeze out the tiniest amount of Targeted Pore Corrector and then tap directly onto enlarged pores gently with applicator tip, the important part being to gently tap and then once you are finished dab excess cream into skin using your fingertips and leave it to dry completely to see results.  I am quite intrigued to see how this one works, I don't have overly large pores, but I do notice a few of the ones I do have and that is where my concentration with this is.

Then finally where it all began with the Targeted Wrinkle Corrector (£76/15ml) and it is described as being a powerful peptide-meets-hyaluronic treatment virtually erases the look of wrinkles by visibly smoothing and reducing wrinkle intensity instantly, just the tonic for those times when you can’t make it to the derm for a filler.

This corrector can be used for a whole host of lines and wrinkles that bother you which includes:

• Elevens/between the brows (glabella lines)
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet/orbital bone
• Sides of mouth
• Top of mouth

Again, it comes packaged in a squeezy tube and features a metal applicator, which when it comes into contact with the skin is instantly soothing and is packed full of amazing ingredients which includes:

• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 - helps to boost elasticity and to prevent the formation of future wrinkles which are typical with repeated facial expressions
• Bioavailable Hyaluronic Acid - Intensely hydrates to plump and smooth the skin as well as to reduce wrinkle intensity
• Plant-Derived Squalene - Prevents moisture loss to help the skin resist future wrinkles

Again the advice when using this is to very gently squeeze out the tiniest amount of Targeted Wrinkle and then tap directly onto the areas you want to target, but gently with applicator tip, the important part being to gently tap and then once you are finished dab excess cream into skin using your fingertips and leave it to dry.

All of these Targeted Correctors from Murad are not designed to give you an instant fix, they are very clear on this, you need to use them consistently to get the results you need and want to see.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Stay Beautiful: Everything You Need To Know About FRP Contact Lenses

While Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have introduced the idea of contact lenses, the first contact lenses similar to modern ones were introduced in 1948. These were created by Californian optician Kevin Tuohy. Over the next few years, the lenses were refined and started to become popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

It’s not surprising that they have remained popular. Many people feel more attractive without glasses and they are certainly more convenient if you lead an active lifestyle.

What Are FRP Lenses

FRP stands for Frequent Replacement lenses. This refers to lenses which are worn for a specific amount of time, and then discarded. Most lenses can be classed as disposable.

However, gas-permeable lenses, often referred to as hard lenses, can be used for months or even years without issue. That’s provided the hygiene schedule is maintained.

In contrast, soft lenses are made of soft flexible plastic and are better at allowing oxygen through to the cornea. They are generally more comfortable than hard lenses. However, they are generally intended to be worn daily. Some need to be replaced monthly, others fortnightly, and some daily.

Current studies suggest soft lenses are more popular and there is a move by many wearers to go from monthly or fortnightly disposable lenses to daily. It’s not entirely clear what is driving this transition.

Where To Purchase FRP Lenses

Whether you’re looking for FRP contact lenses or hard lenses, you’ll first need a prescription. That means having an eye test to confirm what strength the lenses need to be. It’s normal to have different strengths for each eye.

You can then purchase contact lenses from your optician. However, you’ll generally find that you can get them online cheaper, and you’ll have a bigger range of options. Delivery is fast and the level of support you get is comparable, if not better than at your local opticians.

However, whether ordering online or in a store, it’s generally best to go with the brand your optician recommends. This makes the ordering process simple.

Advantages Of FRP Lenses

FRP lenses are convenient. This is especially true if you use daily disposables. All you have to do is put the lenses in your eye with clean hands in the morning. At the end of the day, remove it and throw it away.

This approach dramatically reduces the likelihood of an eye infection.

The weekly, fortnightly, or monthly options need to be removed and placed in a cleaning solution every night. Provided the cleaning schedule is adhered to you are unlikely to have any issues.

Alongside being convenient, many people feel less self-conscious when wearing lenses compared to glasses. This means using FRP lenses can boost self-confidence and allow you to achieve your goals.

Summing Up

FRP contact lenses are a great option for many people. They can be worn for the entire day and discarded or stored, depending on the type you have.

While you should always have a pair of glasses in reserve, choosing to wear contact lenses is likely to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Pixi Beauty NutrifEYE Nourishing Eye Patches

I am already a huge fan of Pixi Beauty skincare and I adore the DetoxifEye Depuffing Hydrogel Under Eye Patches and the latest launch, the NutrifEYE are much welcomed into my routine right now.

Part of the Rose skincare family, these NutrifEYE patches are designed to restore and soothe that delicate eye area as well as to nourish.

Delight your under-eyes to the nourishing effects of these rose-infused hydrogel patches. Designed to soothe, soften and replenish the delicate under-eye area while minimising the appearance of redness.

Made from hydrogel, these masks are so incredibly soothing when applied to my undereye and even more so if they have been left to chill in the fridge, a tip from Petra, the brains behind the brand with the addition of storing them upside down to ensure the patches are moist.

These NutrifEYE under-eye patches are formulated with Rose Flower Extract which nourishes, Aloe Vera which softens and hydrates plus Chamomile to soothe. 

Packaged inside a tub, inside there is an accompanying spatula which is perfect for helping to remove them from the tub, as they are made from hydrogel, they are incredibly delicate and easy to tear if not handled correctly.  For me, because they are a hydrogel formula, they stick much better to the skin than other branded eye patches I have used, they don't fall off easily which means you can still do the hoovering up whilst waiting to look fabulous.  

All you need to do is leave them on for 10 minutes to work their magic and then if there is any serum left on the skin after use, pat it into the skin.  What I love about them is just how soothing and refreshing these patches are.

An absolute bargain at £22 for 30 pairs!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

4 key ways to maintain your eye health

Eye health is a big issue in the UK – in 2022, a report from Specsavers stated that sight loss and blindness were responsible for an economic cost of £36 billion in 2019 alone; a sum expected to rise by £2.5 billion by 2024.

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50% of sight loss is avoidable, that's why it is crucial we all do what we can do to maintain healthy eyes, including doing regular eye checks. If you are in London, for example, you could look for an eye clinic in London with specialist consultants to assist you

Take care with glare

While winter is indeed darker, the sun can cause eye problems in the chilly months just as much as in the hot. In the winter, the sun hangs lower in the sky, which can create glare on paths, roads, and cars. And when it’s snowy, UV rays are reflected up from the snow to your eyes.

As such, make sure to bring a pair of sunglasses out with you when you go on walks on sunny winter days, and keep a pair in your glovebox in case your drive is hit by sudden glare.

Consider room temperature

In winter, the use of dehumidifiers and central heating can reduce the amount of humidity in our homes. Our eyes need moisture though, so to stop itchiness and dryness, moisturise your eyes regularly if you wear a pair of contact lenses – especially monthly lenses – and have a moisturising spray on hand for when your eyes feel tired and red.

Mind your devices

Our devices are a key driver of poor or positive eye health – all that bright, blue screen light can cause our eyes to strain, as well as cause headaches and poor sleep. As such, reduce the brightness of your smartphone, laptop, monitor, and TV where possible.

Unless you work on colour-sensitive tasks like graphic design or photo editing, the reduced brightness won’t have any effect on the experience, and in the case of portable devices, you’ll increase the battery life of your devices too.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

Believe it or not, diet can affect your eye health too. Antioxidants found within food (such as zeaxanthin and lutein) are important for purging your eyes of free radicals – molecules that form naturally in your body but can damage cells within the eye and rest of body.

Certain foods contain higher levels of these eye-friendly antioxidants, so be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, and whole grains – washed down with plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to stop smoking, since smoke getting in your eyes won’t do them any good.

What do you do to keep your eyes in good condition during the winter months? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

REN Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

When it comes to using an eye cream, I like to use something that isn't thick, overly fragranced or irritates my eyes - call me picky but over the years, I have used a lot of eye creams and there has been very few I have re-purchased or have wanted to finish.  Ren, a brand I am incredibly fond of and one which gets a lot of praise on this blog. They have rather excitingly released their Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream*, which I was kindly sent a few months ago and I have been using it ever since - it is divine!

The REN Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream has an irritation-free formula which is suitable for all eyes, an absolute must for any eye-cream. Designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles after just 7 days of use, it uses what are referred to as bioactives that work to brighten, hydrate and plump the look of the entire eye area, which in turn leaves you looking wide awake and pretty much human in my opinion.  As someone who has an disrupted sleep pattern, dark circles, puffiness and looking half dead have been part of my look for as long as I can remember and concealer has very much been my best friend, but now I havis eye cream.

As with all Ren products, this one also contains some amazing sounding ingredients. The first one is Elderberry Flower Extract, which is packed with antioxidants that help to protect your skin against environmental aggressors., then in turn it works to reduce those dark circles by minimising puffiness. The second ingredient is Glycogen and its job is to lock in essential moisture which results in boosted hydration for smoother, firmer, plumper-looking skin.

If you want an eye cream that is easy to use, isn't too thick or too runny, brightens, de-puffs and hydrates, then this one ticks every single box, described as being a luxuriously smooth water-in-oil cream that can be used on the entire eye area, to brighten the under eye, eyelid and brow bone.   Whenever I have had my skin scanned by fancy machines to look for issues, the feedback is usually that my undereye is dehydrated, even though I apply an eye cream every single day and drink my 2 litres of water. So, when we are able to do things like that again, I will be intrigued to see what result I get having used this Eye cream.

Once on the skin, this cream doesn't react or interact with other products you might choose to apply - I am thinking of concealer, something I naturally apply to disguise my dark circles. With one other brand, I find the eye cream reacts slightly with my chosen concealer and it is never a good look.

In keeping with REN's commitments, this Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream is:

• Suitable for all skin types.
• Made with 95% natural-origin ingredients.
• Suitable for vegans. 
• Cruelty-free
• Made from recycled plastic
• Infinity recycling

This is one of those products I have nothing to complain about or have a reason to stop using, if anything I need a vat of it to sit in and brighten, de-puff and soothe other body parts!  It is priced at £42 here* and it is very much worth every penny!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Temple Spa Eye Care Review

Temple Spa is a brand I look at when it comes to relaxation, winding down and one of my favourite discoveries has been the Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream which is really soothing and calming in times of need. Then when it comes to skincare, a product I have featured across my social media and on this blog, Temple Spas, In The Beginning, Deep Cleansing Melt is one I have repurchased a few times, it is simply divine.  Today I am sharing two products from the Eye Care section, both of which are award winners.

The first product I have been using is the Easy On The Eye Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover & Soothing Eye Solution. A product that is described as being gentle yet effective eye make-up remover that also refreshes tired, gritty eyes. I am really picky when it comes to eye make-up removers, I have found many simply irritate my eyes.  

Easy on the Eye is a fragrance-free formula and it is one which is dual purpose, so for me, it is unlike anything I have used before. It can be used as a make-up remover or as a soothing lotion.  To remove eye make-up you only need to apply a small amount to a cotton pad and then lightly press onto the eyes for just a few seconds before gently sweeping in a downwards motion first and then again from the outer eye in. Amazingly, it removes everything - brow make-up, eye make-up and even that stubborn to remove mascara (we all know the one) that can be a nightmare to remove.  However, my favourite way to use it of late is on tired eyes.  Again, apply just a few drops to cotton wool pads and then lay over each eye for around 10 seconds for an instant refresh or up to 5 minutes for a really nice treat.

Easy on The Eye (£16) has been designed for all skin types and you can even use it is as a contact lens wearer too.  It has three key ingredients such as Eyebright which is ideal for use on the thin, fragile skin around the eyes as it helps to soothe, smooth, firm and treat under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Cornflower which smoothes, moisturises and softens the skin but also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that can treat tired, puffy or irritated eyes. Aloe Vera is also used and it helps to immediately cool, soothe and moisturise the skin.

The second product I have been using the Temple Spa Windows of the Soul (£30) which is described as being their best eye cream for dark circles and one which is suitable for all skin types.

Described as having a revolutionary formula which gives the benefit of both a cream and a gel, it is lightweight on the skin and uses three key ingredients which are - Vitamin E which helps to soften skin and replenish dehydrated skin and maintain its oil balance whilst ensuring collagen is boosted. Eyebright which is ideal for use on the thin, fragile skin around the eyes as it helps to soothe, smooth, firm and treat under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Then finally we haveEdelweiss which possesses anti-inflammatory capabilities helping to calm and soothe skin.

To use, you need a just one pump of the cream onto a clean ring finger, pat gently around the eye area, being careful not to drag the skin.  What I love about this cream is that it isn't thick, it doesn't feel greasy or tacky on the skin.  I am an insomnia sufferer, so anything that I can use to ward off those dark circles and this cream more than definitely lives up its claims for me.

Temple Spa has the mantra "Your Body Is A Living Temple. Honour It. Enjoy Your Life and Live It To The Full".  They are a brand who started over two decades ago right here in the UK and there is quite a collection of products within the range.  Whether you want something for stress problems, sleep-enhancing, detoxing or hydrating there is something for you, as well as looking for products per issue and concern such as redness and sensitivity, oiliness, combination or sensitive to name to just a few.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

W7 Star Gazing Soothing Eye Mask - Gold

Every Sunday, without fail, I make sure I have one whole hour of time to myself.  That means no Husband asking for a brew, no cats constantly wanting to be let in or out of the house and no phone pinging every few seconds with a message, update or email.  Instead, I zone out, switch off, head to the bathroom, fill it with as much hot water as I can, chuck in something soothing and read my book (Kindle). But it doesn't end there, once I am out of the bath, on goes the face mask and eye mask and I lay down on the bed and enjoy those few extra minutes.

I really like masks that have a multipurpose, are a little bit different and are not always designed to do something for my skin.  By that, I mean masks like this Gold W7 Star Gazing Soothing Eye Mask (£9.95 but on offer with Amazon here). I am not new to products like these, I have quite a few for the eyes and one for my entire face and actually find them really soothing.

These masks can be used hot or cold which makes them really interesting and really the preference of heat is down to your own personal preference.  For me, if I have a stress or a tension headache then I like to use something that is cool to help with the aching, but if I am wanting to relax and chill then I prefer to use the mask warm. You can also use the mask at a cool temperature if you want to reduce eye puffiness too.  I have also used the full face mask (linked below) which is really good for use before applying a skincare face mask.

The W7 Star Gazing eye mask contains a gel filling that can be heated or cooled to your preference for relief around the eye area. So to use cold, you need to place the mask into the fridge for an hour or two before using. Before applying to anywhere near your skin, you will need to check the mask is at a temperature you are comfortable with.  Likewise, to use hot, you place the mask in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and again check that you are comfortable with the temperature.  If you find the mask too cool, then place it back into the microwave and reheat at 5-second intervals until you reach a temperature that you are happy with.  Everyone has different levels of heat or coolness at which they are happy with, but just remember it is not a hot water bottle, it is designed to soothe.

The mask uses an adjustable strap so they are a perfect fit for everyone and are neither too tight or too loose.  I like how snugly the mask fits against my eyes and I do like how soothing and comforting it is and I love that I can use it hot or cold depending on my preference. 

Have you ever tried anything like this before?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Tropic Skincare Eye Refresh cooling gel roll-on

An eye cream is an absolute must for me, it is something I keep on my bedside table and one product I am not likely to ever be without. One part of my face that is always dehydrated is my undereye area, so I do all I can to ensure I hydrate, moisturise and nourish as much as I can whether it is a cream, undereye masks or something as cooling and soothing as Tropic Skincare Eye Refresh.

There have been times when I have laid back on the sofa, in bed or even in the math with Cucumber slices over my eyes to relax, wind down and chill out and whilst I still do that as the occasional treat whilst using a facemask, I tend to instead make a grab for something like Eye Refresh from Tropic. Featuring a stainless steel rollerball applicator that gently massages your eye area, it not only helps to improve circulation but it is instantly cooling and soothing not to mention relaxing.  As I spend most of my working day in front of a computer and then often if I have a blog post to write, I am in front of my laptop, my eyes do get tired quite quickly, so I often use this as a refresh mid-afternoon.

This Eye Roll On uses a blend of ingredients that have specific tasks and properties when it comes to looking after your eyes and they include:

• Cucumber Juice which is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help soothe and calm the delicate eye area.
• Arnica Extract which as antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and it is also said to work wonders on dark circles under the eyes.
• Ginseng Extract which is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and in this product it helps with minimising dark circles under the eyes and reducing puffiness.

Easy to use, soothing and refreshing, this is a product that is always in my bag or on my bedside table. It does what I need it to do such as ensure my eyes are free of dark circles and are not in anyway puffy, an absolute must when the insomnia kicks in.

You can find Tropic Skincare Eye Refresh cooling gel roll-on for £15 here.  I would love to know which eye care products you recommend.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Bedside Table Beauty

I am one of those nosy bloggers who likes to know what beauty products people keep in their handbags, take on holiday, pack for a long weekend, have in their makeup bag and what they have on their bedside tables. To that end, it isn't a post I have ever written and right now there is a whole host of exciting products I am using, so I thought it would make a good post!

I am lucky that I am sent some amazing products to try out and review and I like to really use something before it appears on my blog and right now, here is a little snippet of what you are likely to see appearing over the coming weeks and months.

Julep - Anyone who knows me, will know I adore Korean skincare and Julep is a new brand that I have been introduced too. Launching in the UK in January to QVC. At the minute I am pretty obsessed with the Love Your Bare Face Detoxifying Cleansing Stick which uses a blend of natural oils and fruit enzymes that removes dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating for a deep-down clean.

Night Shift Deep Sleep Facial Mask which is a reparative moisture mask that does the heavy lifting while you’re fast asleep so you wake up to a brighter, smoother, and firmer complexion. Look out for the full reviews coming soon.

Moschino Fresh Pink Couture EDT - Moschino pink fresh couture is described as being the new, fresh floral fragrance for her and it is one I have really enjoyed wearing. 

Moschino Pink is edgy, definitely pink, slightly sassy and totally not what I was expecting from this fragrance.
Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara - After the excitement of Naked Heat we have Troublemaker, the brand new Urban Decay Mascara which arrived last week. 

Said to have a formula volumizes and lengthens as it separates, while the custom brush grabs onto lashes, curling as it coat

Jurlique Radiance 28 Day Renewal Programme - This is a two-step treatment from Jurlique which I am trailing over the course of the next 28 days. 

It has been specially formulated with botanical concentrates and is designed to help revitalise the skin.  Look out for the full review soon.

Jurlique Rose Love Balm - If you like a multi-functional balm which can be used pretty much everywhere, then Rose Love Balm is one to try.

It can be used on lips, cuticles, elbows or dry areas on the body. The balm is non-greasy and it delivers antioxidant protection and hydration, whilst infusing skin with a luxurious fragrance of natural Rose.

Tropic Skincare Eye Roll-On - I do love a good eye cream and if comes with a stainless steel roller-ball applicator then I am guaranteed to already love it. Tropic has been a brand I have really been enjoying getting to know and they are such a great brand too. 

This Eye Roll-on, which uses a super-cooling blend of cucumber, arnica and ginseng extracts instantly hydrates and helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.

La Cleansing Mer Micellar Water - This is my second sample bottle of this Cleansing Water and I just love it, the best one I have ever tried. 

Described as being a cooling cleanser, it uses positively charged water molecules to micro-emulsifies makeup (even waterproof) and sweeps away impurities and pollutants while delivering the hydration and soothing synonymous with La Mer.

As you can see, my bedside table actually does have a purpose. There might not be room for a lamp and it definitely is not the tidiest of the bedside tables, but it does allow me to keep track of products I am using, store my makeup and of course have the odd candle burning too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Nyasa Super Star Restorative Eye Serum

I love getting to know new brands and one of the things I love most about blogging. In a saturated market, there are so many brands I might not ordinarily have come across if it wasn't for this hobby of mine. Nyasa is one of those brands. In short, NYASA is a hand-curated collection of six natural skincare essentials which is built on a passion to connect the skin with one’s senses to provide a truly unique and experiential experience. Combining nature, science and age-old traditions, this innovative range is a beautifully put together capsule of products which are not tested on animals and nor does the product range contain parabens, sulphates or synthetic fragrances.

The product I have been using is the Nyasa Superstar Restorative Eye Serum and I have really liked using it.  Right now I am crazily busy with work and spend a lot of my time chained to my desk and the late nights and early mornings are beginning to take their toll as I resemble something from the living dead.  

This targeted serum assists both the elastin and collagen production which in turn helps to firm, lift and protect your delicate eye area. Working to reduce the appearance of fatigue, expression lines, dark circles, puffiness and pigmentation there are some key ingredients which work their magic and they include: 

• Resurrection Plant – A natural wonder, it helps rehydrate, strengthen, tone and regenerate the skin whilst enabling it to withstand everyday stresses and strains.
• Pure Swertiamarin – A powerful Ayurvedic plant extract that promotes cellular rejuvenation whilst helping to plump and diminish fine lines and vertical wrinkles.
• Betaine – Helps to reduce puffiness by controlling fluid build up.
• Rhodiola Root Extract – Helps to reduce puffiness and sagging, stimulate cell metabolism and increase skin firming.
• Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract – Promotes cellular oxygen consumption and re-energises the skin.
• Vitamin C Activator – Promotes healthier, younger looking skin through the activation properties of natural enzymes. As the conversion is gradual, it has a more sustained effect than conventional vitamin C.

On the skin, this serum is so lightweight, so silky soft it feels incredible on the undereye. I gently dab the serum under my eye using my ring finger and then using a technique I picked up from a blogger event make use of the two pressure points around the eyes which help to encourage circulation. The first pressure point is by the inner side of your eye sockets (where they meet your nose) and the second one is on the outer rim of your eye sockets, where you will feel a slight dip as you press down. Gently massaging those pressure points is not only really relaxing (especially if you can encourage your other half to do it for you) and it also helps with stress and tension.

At this stage in my life, I am lucky that those pesky wrinkles and lines have not yet appeared but puffy eyes and bags are a thing right now for me and if it was a fashion, I would be owning it.  So anything that can and help I need and this really does exactly what it promises and I've only been using it for 6 weeks, so longer term I am quite interested to see what effect it does have.

Priced at £65 you can find this Super Star Restorative Eye Serum from Nyasa right here. I would love to know if you have tried any products from the brand and your thoughts.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Eye creams for Winter!

Tired eyes are not the best look when you have that presentation of your career to give, that appraisal at work where you are hoping for a pay rise or promotion or even for date night with the hubby/boyfriend and so on.  There are times when no matte how much concealer you slap on, those suitcases under your eyes just will not go into hiding. It might not even be a lack of sleep that could be the issue, indeed for me, it is often dry eyes or even dehydrated skin under my eyes that is an issue.  In the winter, I always ensure I up my skincare regime and that includes more moisture, more protection, I continue to use an SPF, I exfoliate more and I also power through facial mists in an bid to ensure my skin remains moisturised as I go from a heated home or office out into the cold.

Eye-creams are for me, a big part of my skincare routine and whilst I am currently obsessed with eye masks (that is another post) I do use an eye cream and the two that I am currently using are:

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado £20.  Now I love Avocados and I love Kiehls, so a combination of the two is quite possibly dreamy. The texture of the cream is really lovely. It is rich, thick, luxurious and incredibly hydrating and soothing. You only need a really small amount for the under eye area. 

I use my index finger to gently apply and pat the cream in. Having said it is rich and thick textured, if you find it is quite solidified, then run your finger across the top of the pot, it melts with the heat from your fingers to allow you to apply it.  Once applied to the skin, it feels incredibly smooth and it is hydrating and I have really enjoyed trying it and wouldn't rule out a repurchase.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Sync Complex II £40 (I have the mini version) - I absolutely love that this sample is an exact replica of the full sized version making it uber cute. The gel creme has a formula which is rich, luxurious and just disappears into the skin. Said to maximize the power of night to re-ignite the vital, youthful-looking light that can fade due to fatigue, pollution and age. Using the advanced formula with the exclusive ChronoluxCB technology, it helps significantly inhibit the appearance of visible damage: fine lines, crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness, dryness and uneven texture. 

What I love about this eye cream is how luxurious it feels on the skin and it is one of those products that just absorbs on contact so there is no need to really pat the under eye area too much.

Alongside Kiehls and Estee Lauder, I have my eye (no pun intended) on other creams that have had really good reviews.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue £40 - I have read so many reviews and comments on Charlotte Tilbury skincare that I am itching to give it a try.  One item that has caught my attention is the Magic Eye rescue. Said to be a new formula which will help to reduce the appearance of eye bags and dark circles, smooth crow`s feet, minimise fine lines and re-energise the delicate under eye area where the first signs of ageing often occur. This miracle Magic Eye Rescue is described as being 'a revitalising and reinvigorating, anti-ageing rescue remedy that gets to work to slow down the ticking time bomb of ageing'. Which sounds too good to be true but one I feel I have to try.

La Prairie Essence Of Skin Caviar Eye Complex 15ml (£107) - I have always been intrigued by La Prairie because firstly the price is usually a wow factor and secondly do you really get value for money?  The La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar eye complex caviar extract is described as being the perfect pick-me-up for the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes, this lightweight, rapidly penetrating gel acts like a mini eyelift. Add to that it is said to be instantly firming, nourishing and re-energizing the eye zone, it also improves its tone and texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles while brightening and hydrating the delicate tissue and soothing away signs of stress and fatigue. One thing that did grab my attention is that is also claims to help increase the staying power of eye makeup.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Eye Serum Light-Pearl 20ml (£46) - Lancome is a brand that is everywhere right now, whether it is with its skincare products or cushion makeup products and as a brand, it is one which has caught my attention.  This Eye serum is said to be a new and improved formula for our best-selling eye serum. Reduces the appearance of eye bags, whilst targeting the look of wrinkles and lines around the skin of your eye contour to look fresher and younger. This cooling serum massages the eye area to revive your eyes` youthful and radiant appearance.

Benefit Firm It Up Eye Serum (£28.50). Firm it up! eye serum helps to visibly tighten & brighten the delicate skin around your eyes. The lightweight texture absorbs in seconds, leaving skin feeling refreshed, smooth and silky-soft. Feel the firmness, see the brightness. Having seen a preview of this at a Benefit Press Day I cannot wait to give it a try. One thing people tend not to think about when it comes to Benefit is their skincare which happens to be pretty darn good!

Do you find that you up your skincare routine in the winter?

*this post contains PR samples/affiliate links unless indicated otherwise