Houston, we have a problem! It’s my eyes! Well, more specifically, the skin around my eyes, which, now that I've hit 43, is looking rumpled, wrinkled and worryingly – my trusty concealer is looking cakey. I’ve got dark circles, I’ve had them forever, and they’re not disappearing, even when I get 12 hours sleep. I’ve accepted them, (they’re even a bit glamorous in a Debbie Harry, rock’n’roll kind of way). The thing is my eyelid, inner eye and under eye area are three shades darker than my skin – I need concealer and I need it smooth, but the skin under my eyes is now a hotspot for lines and not just when I smile. Yep, the smile lines I used to find charming are now deeper and visible all the time – both at the outer corner and under the eye and getting concealer over them is . . . a challenge. I’d like my eye area to remain looking 42 for just a few more years. Enter: Retinol Eye Gel.
I am wedded to retinol benefits for my complexion, its plumping and smoothing abilities are second to none and we’ve been bedfellows for years, but retinol for eyes, wouldn’t that be a bit strong? Dangerous even? Um, no, not at all. This being an AlumierMD formula – it’s so clever – featuring microencapsulated retinol that is carefully released slowly throughout the night so as not to overwhelm the skin and minimise any irritation. This sophisticated delivery system also means the retinol gets where skin needs it most. Secondly, it’s laden with soothing ingredients including powerhouse niacinamide, soothing bisabolol (from chamomile) and hydrating allantoin, necessary as retinol does challenge the skin to be more efficient. Retinol benefits for skin include working to smooth fine lines, boosting cell turnover and supporting the body’s natural collagen production. Derived from vitamin A, retinol can make skin look younger and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even target dark spots.
I started using Retinol Eye Gel in December – the month when traditionally my dry skin can be a bit irritated and sensitive. I bravely took this step because when the box arrived, I couldn’t wait another second, and started using it that very night:
From My Diary:
The tube is pleasingly smooth and squeezes out just a little amount, (good because I’m feeling cautious) and using my ring finger I pat it gently under my eyes, along the brow bone and over the lines at the outer corner. It’s a white creamy gel that feels light and it’s absorbed almost instantly. Then . . . nothing happens – I was expecting itchiness, redness, maybe a little reaction, but I get zilch, and I go to sleep. In the morning, no puffiness which is a nice surprise and no redness or anything. I hydrate with AluminEye® (which helps target my dark circles, fine lines and instantly illuminates – I love it), and I note the skin feels very smooth and soft.
A week later and I realise I’m not spending ages trying to smooth out my concealer. I look with my magnifying mirror, and I see that the skin under my eyes looks tighter and smoother, already!
A day after this my friend says my skin looks good, I’m thrilled and tell her about the Retinol Eye Gel – she books a skin pro consultation for next week. Good move I say, I can’t believe how fresh the skin around my eyes looks and feels.
One morning I get up at stupid o’clock with my over-excited children (birthday!) and low and behold when I look back at the pics of opening presents, I don’t even look tired! I’m wearing zero makeup, and my dark circles are definitely looking less obvious.
I’ve been using Retinol Eye Gel for 1 month and the results are plentiful, the skin around my eyes looks brighter, I have fewer lines underneath my eyes and the skin at the outer corner is smoother. My concealer is going on much more easily and not looking cakey, I’m obsessed and will never be without my wonder eye gel again.
Take my advice and meet a skin pro today, the skin around your eyes will thank you!