Eye Cream Review

source:flickr by:ejhogbin

How to Treat Under Eye Cream Reactions

It’s happened to the best of us: under eye cream irritation or reactions, also known as contact dermatitis. Sometimes when trying a new (or very old) eye cream, the delicate skin around the eye area experiences redness, peeling, inflammation or worse. This occurrence is not only uncomfortable and unattractive, it can be dangerous. Here’s a quick look at the difference between irritation and reactions, and what to do if you experience either one

Irritation Contact Dermatitis
Irritation is more common than a true allergic reaction. Skin care eye cream, or other forms of skin care for that matter, can be irritating to the skin due to ingredient concentration, application frequency or poor skin health. Dry or injured skin is less able to protect against irritation, making it more susceptible to irritation contact dermatitis. Symptoms of this type of irritation are redness, burning, stinging or itching.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A true allergic reaction occurs when the eye cream user is allergic to a specific ingredient. Symptoms of a reaction are similar to those of irritation contact dermatitis, though the symptoms will often be more severe and last longer. Symptoms include swelling, fluid-filled blisters, itching and redness. The condition of the skin does not matter when it comes to allergic contact dermatitis; the skin will react no matter what if you are allergic to an ingredient.

Treatment
Whether you are experiencing irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, the course of action is the same. First, discontinue use of the offending eye cream product and gently wash away any product residue from the eye area. To soothe discomfort and inflammation, apply a cold compress to the area. While some may suggest using a calming skin care product such as a witch hazel compress or chamomile lotion, it is best to leave the area alone until you are able to see your dermatologist. This includes makeup, which can make the redness, inflammation and discomfort even worse.

Your dermatologist or doctor may prescribe a steroid cream or oral medication if severe allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed. Alternatively, he may suggest that you use an over-the-counter antihistamine until the reaction subsides. When you go in to see your dermatologist or doctor, be sure to bring the offending under eye cream with you in case she would like to inspect the ingredient list or application directions.

source:flickr by:notsogoodphotography

Eye Cream of the Month

This month’s featured eye cream is from mineral makeup line Colorescience. Colorescience’s My Favorite Eyes Cream Wand is a moisturizing, nourishing and brightening formulation that features the added benefit of a doe foot wand applicator. This unique application tool makes My Favorite Eyes Cream Wand a great choice for on-the-go use.

Colorescience’s skin care eye cream uses beta carotene and vitamin K to reduce and prevent the appearance of dark under eye circles. It also features botanicals such as blue algae, grapefruit extract and green tea extract, and powerful peptides, to help to diminish visible signs of aging and protect against environmental or free radical damage. These actions lead to a younger- and healthier-looking eye area. Plus, the formula moisturizes, conditions and soothes the eye area for a calm and comfortable finish.

My Favorite Eyes Cream Wand features a light yellow color makes it a great eye cream for dark circles. This color may dissuade those with darker skin tones from trying the product. Keep in mind that this unique cream is meant to be used as a correcting product under your usual concealer. So, those with deeper complexions can still use (and love) My Favorite Eyes Cream Wand.

User reviews state that Colorescience’s under eye cream has a silky-smooth texture that never looks cakey or heavy. It is also mentioned that a little bit of this product goes a long way, maximizing the product’s usability life. Some customers mention using My Favorite Eyes Cream on fine lines around the lips or even on blemishes. While Colorescience does not market their eye cream for such things, the ingredient list features so many beneficial botanicals and pepetides that it seems like common sense to use the formulation wherever possible!

Overall, My Favorite Eyes Cream Wand is a clear winner for those looking for a travel-friendly, multi-tasking eye cream that targets dark circles and protects the delicate eye area from age-accelerating damage.

source: flickr by: sassyradish

How to Massage Puffy Eyes

Many people experience puffiness in the eye area, particularly in the morning. Puffiness can accentuate the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and bags, leading to a mature and fatigued-looking eye area. One of the best ways to combat eye area puffiness is to administer a gentle massage while applying your under eye cream, oil or gel.

While you may massage the eye area using any eye product, eye gels tend to help reduce puffiness more so than oils or skin care eye creams. If you are currently using a heavy anti aging eye cream and experiencing chronic puffiness in the eye area, you may want to consider switching to an eye gel.

Begin by cleansing the complexion with a gentle face wash formulated for your skin type. Be sure to cleanse the eye area as gently as possible to avoid causing premature signs of aging and irritation. After the face is cleansed, delicately apply your eye gel or eye cream using your ring fingers.

Beginning at the inside corners of the eyes, gently press down and hold for for about five seconds. Then, with your fingers still applying pressure, slowly and delicately slide the fingers under the eye toward the temples. Massage the temples in a slow circular motion two or three times, and repeat the entire process between seven and ten times depending on the severity of the puffiness. (You don’t have to re-apply your eye gel or eye cream product each time you repeat the massage steps.)

After this first step is completed, make complete circles around each eye. Be sure to continue using your ring fingers, as these fingers are the weakest and, therefore, the gentlest. Begin at the inside corners of the eyes, sweep up over the eyebrows, down under the lower lash line and back to the inner corners of the eye. Repeat this three to five times. Once you have finished, continue applying your skin care and makeup products as usual.

In addition to these simple and relaxing massage techniques, you may also reduce eye area puffiness by refrigerating your night eye cream or gel products or using a freezable eye mask before you begin your daily beauty regimen.

Bonus: What About Cucumbers?

One of the most well-known beauty spa visions is one of a woman wrapped in a robe, face mask working, while two slices of cucumber lay atop her closed eyelids. Many wonder if those cucumbers actually do anything other than force relaxation. Well, they do! Cucumbers are astringent, which means they’re able to constrict body tissues. Plus, most people store their cucumbers in the refrigerator, which creates a cold compress that will reduce inflammation, also known as puffiness. Cut two thick slices from a cold cuke and apply for 10-15 minutes for the best results.

source:flickr by: TC .

Eye Cream vs. Eye Gel

While trying to find the best eye cream, most people focus on promised benefits and active ingredients. One thing that is rarely considered is the product’s texture. Eye formulations come in both the form of an eye cream and eye gel textures. This added choice sometimes confuses people even further rather than simplifying the search. So, which is better? Read on to learn who should be using a gel, who should be using a cream, and when the choice is simply personal preference.

Creams
Under eye creams offer extra moisture, nourishment and comfort. They also generally contain more anti-aging ingredients, making them better at fighting against visible signs of aging such as fine lines and sagging skin. These attributes make anti aging eye creams a good choice for dry, mature or sensitive eye areas. However, those who may choose an eye gel for daytime use may prefer a night eye cream for aging prevention and extra rejuvenation.

Gels
Eye gels are known for their ability to cool and calm the skin while reducing puffiness. Gels are great for tired, fatigued eye areas, which makes them the perfect choice for daytime use. In addition, eye gels are great for younger eye areas as they don’t exhibit the heaviness associated with more nourishing eye lift creams. Eye gels leave less residue than eye wrinkle creams, making them perfect for use under eye makeup.

At first glance, it may seem like the choice is obvious — use an eye gel in the morning and a night eye cream while you rest. While this would make a great eye regimen for most people, it is important to remember that your comfort and desired regimen results come first. If you believe that an under eye cream will treat your eye area better than an eye gel, go for what you want, even if your eye area may fall under the eye gel category.

Application tip: if you suffer from excessively puffy eyes each morning, try refrigerating your eye gel. The extra cold texture will help reduce puffiness even faster, allowing you to get on with your day in less time and with less work!

source: flickr by:jomak14

While searching for the best eye cream, it’s easy to forget about the eyelashes. Most people don’t realize that eyelashes need to be cared for just like our bodies, faces and hair. While there aren’t too many eyelash creams or conditioners on the market, it is possible to find a suitable formulation for enhancing the health and beauty of the eyelashes.

Eyelash creams, like under eye creams, are used to restore youthful appearance and function. They use ingredients like nettle, horse chestnut, witch hazel, milk protein, sodium hyaluronate and apple extract to hydrate, soften and heal the lashes while encouraging follicle growth for naturally longer lashes. Everyone can benefit from eyelash creams and conditioners, but they are especially beneficial for those who use harsh eyelash products like mascara.

Each time one applies mascara or removes their eye makeup, the eyelashes are damaged. This damage is what leads to brittle, short and lackluster lashes, which leaves the user in the midst of a catch-22. They want to apply more mascara to create the illusion of beautiful lashes, but the application and removal of mascara is what caused the damage to begin with! Some believe that their eye cream ingredients are enough to restore their eyelashes, but this simply isn’t the case. Eyelashes need the nutrients from certain ingredients, like those listed above, to successfully replenish the lash line.

Eyelash creams are made to be gentle enough for the delicate eye area, yet powerful enough to provide thorough rejuvenation. Many eyelash formulations contain natural ingredients that work synergistically to improve the health and appearance of each lash. In addition to reviving the eyelashes, eyelash cream and conditioners may also be used on the eyebrows. They’re perfect for those who use brow gels or coloring tools, or those who have naturally short, sparse or dull-looking brows.

Next time you apply your eye wrinkle cream, think about your lashes! Eyelash conditioners generally run from $30-$160 or more, depending on its benefits and ingredients. They are available in many different application deigns, including creams, mascara-like tubes and liquid eyeliner-like tubes.