Eye creams are an essential part of the skincare routine. Being the most delicate area on the face, the eye area needs extra care to keep it moisturized as well as the treatment for the kind of concern on the eye area. I started using eye cream when I was in my late 20s and I still feel I should have started earlier. Now, almost in my mid-thirties, I do not see any big concerns but there is always that tiredness, and sometimes puffiness due to the daily stress factors, sitting in front of the screen all day, full-time job, less sleep, two little kids, it is bound to affect my skin and health unless I take care of it. I was never even noticing much tired or puffy eyes, maybe life is too fast and I just do not get enough time to see myself or compare myself with how my eye area looked a few years back. But since I changed and started with new eye creams for brightening, puffiness, and lines, I have become such an advocate for them.
My eye area looks bright, fresh and is all plump with no fine lines. At one time, I am rotating few products based on what my skin needs, the same way I have these three eye cream which I am loving these days and rotate them based on what I need. For the days, I feel dryness, I go for more hydrating eye cream. For the days, I did not sleep well or did not get enough sleep, I got for the brightening one. I am glad all the eye creams I am talking about in this post are keeping my eye area without wrinkles or lines.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream (CAD $160) for youthful, firm, and bright eyes is described as a total anti-aging transformation for eyes. It contains Youth Activating Crystal Resin, Luminizing Jade Powder and Potent Sea Emerald that combine for collagen-boosting rejuvenation and radiance.
The powerful botanical ingredients for smoothing lines, lifting and volumizing are below:
Crystal Resin – Extracted from Pistacia Lentiscus tree, it reactivates a protein found in fibroblasts that degrades over time but is
key for optimal cellular activity. Increases natural collagen production and promotes the dermal re-densifying process.
Sea Emerald – Helps to improve skin cohesion and restore natural bounce, and helps reinforce the natural production of collagen. It is a botanical jewel which is extremely rare and as expensive as caviar, to help lift, firm and re-volumize skin.
Siegesbeckia Orientalis – This botanical extract supports natural collagen, thus helping to maintain skin’s structural integrity for a smoother appearance. The look of lines and wrinkles is reduced.
Commiphora Mukul – Helps visibly restore volume from within, so skin resists the loss of its youthful, natural cushion and maintains firmness and elasticity.
The brightening and depuffing ingredients include:
Jade Powder – Micro-fine powder from this powerful stone creates an immediate brightening effect.
Sea Bouquet – Algae extracts help to reduce dark circles and puffiness over time thanks to the natural polysaccharides they contain.
There are two multi-corrective massage tools included with Stimulskin Plus Eye Cream, not shown in the pictures, which help massage the eye area from inside to out and also for lifting the area upwards.
The eye cream comes in a sturdy heavy jar and I take my spatula to take out the pea sized amount. I have used this eye cream for more than a month regularly and now using this in rotation with the other eye creams. My eye area looks firmer, smoother, and appears more lifted. The eye area is well moisturized and I do not notice the few fine lines I started noticing a few months back. It does help with the puffiness and the dark circles, which are so un-invited guests these days as I do tend to get less than 6 hours of sleep on most days. I do notice there is the luminizing or illuminating effect on the eye area, it appears so healthy and youthful when I am using this eye cream regularly. I am very impressed by the results from this eye cream and do not want to be without it ever. The moisturizer I am loving from Darphin from the Ideal Resource line I reviewed here which is almost empty.
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening And Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening And Depuffing Eye Contour Cream (CAD $85) is described as an eye cream that delivers a lifted and depuffed look to the eye area while rapidly reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream gives a brighter, lifted look while reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract rapidly reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, energizing tired-looking eyes. Concentrated horse chestnut and acamella oleracea extract smooth the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines while giving a lifted look. Antioxidant-rich lutein provides a radiant glow to the fragile skin around the eye. Cocoa and shea butter plump the skin with moisture, as watermelon rind extract and sodium PCA infuse hydration into the skin. Eyes look fresher, younger, depuffed, and more rested for immediate and noticeable results.
The product comes in pump dispenser and half pump is all I need for one time use for both eyes. I have used it regularly for more than three weeks and then continue to use this in rotation with my other eye creams and have noticed my eyes feel well rested, fresh, with no puffiness on the days I have lack of sleep. Along with that, I notice few fine lines which are not much noticeable and no wrinkles in the area, it does keep the area very moisturized. My eyes and eye area is sensitive and I did not notice any irritation or eye-watering when I use this eye cream. After cleansing in the morning and evening, I pump a pea-sized amount of Auto Correct onto my ring fingers and lightly pat onto my eye area, taking care not to apply the product too close to the lashline. I follow up with my face oil and moisturizer. There is no impact on the application and staying power of the makeup over it during the day. Another thing I do with this eye cream is to keep it in the fridge, it gives such cooling effect once applied. Another favorite from Sunday Riley is the Good Genes I reviewed here.
Resultime by Collin Paris – 5 Expertise Eye Cream
Resultime by Collin Paris – 5 Expertise Eye Cream (£40.70) is described as an eye cream that uses a unique formula to fight the five signs of aging in the eye contour area: dark circles, puffiness, fat pockets, wrinkles and sagging. It provides a rejuvenating boost for your eyes. This is the eye cream I have used for a few years already (on and off as not available in Canada) now, I think I am on my fourth or fifth jar. I purchased this for the first time when I was in London and then repurchased from CultBeauty website. I do not find it on their website anymore and as you see in the pictures, I am almost done with this jar too.
But I am glad I am using some amazing eye creams mentioned above but I will surely repurchase on my next trip to the UK or Europe. I apply in the morning and evening, starting from the corner of the eye, massage using small circles and smoothing movements. I smooth over the eye contour area using your fingertips, then gently tap the remaining product into the skin to penetrate.
These eye creams are surely worth checking out and I have used these for some good amount of time before compiling my thoughts here in this post. Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream is available at beautyboutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, HoltRenfrew, Sephora, Sephora Canada. Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening And Depuffing Eye Contour Cream is available at Sephora Canada, Nordstrom. Resultime by Collin Paris – 5 Expertise Eye Cream is available at resultime.co.uk
*Press samples – Darphin & Sunday Riley
Okay, I am all big yes for Turmeric if you are not aware yet. I was born and brought up in India, and in India, it is all about the natural herbs and turmeric is one of that magic herb that heals you inside and outside. Whether there is some injury or outside of the body, it was/is always turmeric mixed with hot milk that saved the life and helped heal the wound. Aside from the healing powers of it, it is used in the mixture of homemade face and body masks in India on regular basis and also on the special occasions like before marriage. It is known to give that healthy glow, help with the blemishes, dull skin, anti-aging purposes. After moving to Canada, I have not stopped using Turmeric (Haldi in Punjabi and Hindi). For the gym injuries, turmeric mixed with hot milk is all I or my husband need along with regular balm. For the curries, I always put Turmeric in them, it is good for kids too and I never miss to put it in my kids Omelette, they love it. Apart from what I mentioned, there are numerous benefits of Turmeric including Fighting inflammation, as an antioxidant, protects the heart in various ways, helpful for arthritis, Brain boosting, may be helpful for fighting diabetes and cancer. The main thing with any herb or natural product in moderation, so it works wonders when used in moderation. So after all the love for Turmeric I have, It was natural for me to be excited to try this Clarins Double Serum which I am going to write about in this editorial.
Clarins Double Serum (CAD $120-50ml, $89-30ml) is described as the only dual-phase hydric and lipidic anti-aging treatment* rich in [20+1] plant extracts. It stimulates the five vital functions of the skin, and, for the first time, has decoded the language of youthfulness. Its unique universal and bio-inspired dual formula combines 20 of the most powerful anti-ageing plant extracts with turmeric extract, which is concentrated in turmerone to effectively and visibly treat the signs of ageing. It is the 8th generation double serum and 2 serums in 1 have been the unrivaled force behind Double Serum since 1985. Its unique double formula combines the water-soluble and oil-soluble active ingredients to stimulate the skin’s 5 vital functions, brings radiance to the skin, reduces wrinkles, restores skin elasticity, tightens pores, hydrates the skin throughout the day.
Coming to the product which I have used as a single serum on days after cleansing, toning and before moisturizing. I have used it as the second serum when I am using it with other serum on some days. The texture is light fluid, a little oil and gel-like, it sinks in nicely into the skin. Turmeric being an ingredient, it does not gives any yellow hints after application. The packaging looks clean with new dial pump bottle means it can be adjusted to limit the amount of product dispensed. The limit or amount can be adjusted depending on the skin type and concerns. The small drop is suitable for oily and combination skin, warm and humid climates and also for summers. The large drop is suitable for normal, dry, or sensitive skin, cold and dry weather, and also for winters. I have combination skin which does get congested easily, so I go for the small drop. Moderation is the key in most of the serums and face oils, and it is same here. I take the small drop and apply it to my face, and neck. For my decollete, I usually take another small drop. I follow with my moisturizer, I do not go for face oil when I am using this serum.
There is no greasy or oily feeling on my combination skin, and the moisturizer and makeup stay on well over it, no rolling off. I did not notice any irritation while using this, nor any breakouts. My skin does look brighter with this serum, and there is a radiant glow.The skin looks smooth, firm and well hydrated. And with small drop day and night, this is surely going to last me for a while.
Clarins Double Serum is available at Clarins.ca, Sephora Canada, BeautyBoutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue.
*Press sample
Spring vibes are almost here with some nice weather since last week and with the makeup this bright and beautiful. I have been testing this beautiful collector palette from Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2018 Collection called the Pop Illusion Lip Palette. Yves Saint Laurent Pop Illusion Lip Palette (CAD $78) is described as a limited edition lip palette with 5 emblematic YSL shade. Super creamy, intense colors. Chose to stand out with the ultimate Pop Illusion lip palette. For Spring 2018, the psychedelic atmosphere will let your creativity blow up thanks to this limited edition case of lip colors. Open up the palette to find an extra large mirror and five emblematic shades for lips. Super creamy texture. Intense color pay-off. Plus a brush for perfect application every time. Five shades with different finishes from glossy to sheer; in rich and vivid colors that stand out.
Starting with the packaging of this palette, it is heavy and sturdy, makes it look and feel so luxe. The palette is limited edition and features five different shades, three of which are exclusive to this palette. The palette includes new and bestselling shades of the brand’s iconic Rouge Volupté Shine and Rouge Pur Couture. The mirror in the palette is a really good size, not just while using the lip colors from this lip set but also to have it in your bag for touchups, it looks so perfect with all the work of art, with those fresh and bright spring vibes.
The formula is very creamy as well as moisturizing to the lips. I love the regular Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick and Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupte formulas which I reviewed a few months back and still in love and rotation. Like them, this formula is very comfortable on the lips and looks so amazing.
The shades are so beautiful, with a mix of red, pink and beige. The brush included with this palette does the work really well, it is dense and a little sturdy but soft which is the need for applying the creamy lipstick from the palette. The staying power of the formula is nice, the lips are soft, shiny and comfortable even after the lip color has worn off. You can even mix and match the shades to have that pop illusion fun look.
This palette would be perfect for travel, on your vanity, and for the makeup collectors like me. Yves Saint Laurent Pop Illusion Lip Palette is available at Sephora Canada, Hudson’s Bay, Neiman Marcus, YSLbeauty website.
*Press samples
You might have guessed it already, I am going to talk about my favorite foundation of all time in this post. I have not tried anything like this. If you ask me of the definition of the perfect glow-from-within, radiant, youthful skin, I will say Clé de Peau Beauté Le Fond De Teint The Foundation, this is how much I love this foundation. As other products from Clé de Peau Beauté, this foundation does the work it is created for PLUS it provides all the skincare benefits which you need now and in future. I am talking about Clé de Peau Beauté Le Fond De Teint The Foundation and Clé de Peau Beauté Correcteur Visage Concealer SPF 25 in this editorial.
Clé de Peau Beauté Le Fond De Teint The Foundation (CAD $335) is described as an ultra-luxurious, buildable sheer-to-medium coverage foundation that blurs imperfections leaving skin perfectly even-toned, luminous and cashmere to the touch. Developed from unprecedented skincare science, this lightweight foundation contains radiance-boosting exclusive Illuminating Complex EX which moisturizes, rejuvenates, retexturizes and visibly repairs environmental skin damage for smoothing radiant coverage.
The foundation has a number of key benefits as per their official website. It contains the signature skincare ingredient Illuminating Complex EX to diminish the appearance of damage caused by dryness and to bring visible improvement to the skin by providing hydration and a smooth refined texture. The foundation has a unique gel-oil base brings out the natural beauty of skin and blurs imperfections rather than covering them with powders leaving you with a soft focus finish. It also reduces visible signs of dryness and the appearance of fine lines while promoting an appearance of firmness and resilience. It features a smooth texture and inspires an indulgent feeling that parallels the application of a luxurious skincare cream. It maintains beautiful coverage and keeps skin looking smooth and refined all day long. It replenishes moisture all day long and minimizes imperfections attributed to visible signs of aging for more beautiful, youthful-looking skin. It delivers noticeable retexturizing effects with continued use. It is formulated with ingredients that protect the natural beauty of skin and help defend against the visible signs of aging that are caused by UV rays, dryness, and oxidation. It is formulated with a fragrance of natural rose essence that inspires feelings of elegance and luxury. It also contains Broad Spectrum SPF 21.
The key ingredients include Illuminating Complex EX which delivers unparalleled radiance. It also includes Golden Silk Essence which helps combat loss of clarity, translucence, and suppleness, Japanese Pearl leaves skin satin smooth, Theanine evens skin tone, and Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract is a traditional herb is known to support skin’s beauty.
I use this foundation after my skincare routine and applying the primer. As you see in the picture, the product is in the heavy glass jar and there is a spatula and stand for it. The jar itself looks like a piece of jewel. With the spatula, I take the foundation and tap five dots of it on my forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose. Then I start blending it with my foundation brush. It can be blended with fingers also as suggested by the brand but I do prefer using my brush. Being thick creamy texture, it is very easily blendable and coverage is medium but buildable. It gives a beautiful finish, my pores are smoothened, imperfections are blurred and my skin looks supple, radiant, like really lit-from-within. With passing time, I see it looks more and more luminous, you seem to think like it is your skin and there is nothing on it. It blends in very beautifully that it does not look like there is any foundation on the skin, just beautiful healthy glowing skin. I am so impressed with this foundation that I never want it to finish like I never want to be without it. After blending this in, I use my concealer on top, on the spots from my breakouts, my imperfections, and under the eyes to give them a little boost. Then I follow with my loose powder on the center of my face where I get a little extra glowy on my combination oily skin and I am all set for the day. The formula is moisturizing and does not accentuate or stick to my dry patches on the combination skin.
The staying power of the foundation is great, it was perfect till the end of the day, a little more glowy I would say, but no other change and I loved it that I didn’t want to take it off in the night sometimes. As there are some amazing ingredients and formula with skincare benefits, this is going to be a staple. The quantity you need is very little, even less than pea-size for the whole face, so it would last a long time. Another good thing about it is the sun protection. There is a hint of rose scent to it which is very subtle and just adds on to the feeling of applying something so deliciously luxurious on the skin. For my medium tan skin tone with yellow undertones, 040 or 050 is suggested for me but I went for 040 as I am on the lighter side of medium tan.
Clé de Peau Beauté Correcteur Visage Concealer SPF 25 (CAD $95) is described to deliver long-lasting, full coverage while correcting the appearance of dark circles, spots, imperfections and uneven tone without a heavy finish. It leaves skin looking smooth and refined with a seamless finish while protecting against UV rays. The key benefits of the concealer include following. IT contains the signature skincare ingredient Illuminating Complex EX to diminish the appearance of damage caused by dryness and to bring visible improvement to the skin by providing hydration and a smooth refined texture. It offers an advanced-performance formulation, Thin Fit Layer Formula, that applies smoothly, adheres superbly, and becomes one with skin to cover uneven tone, spots, and dark circles without a heavy finish. It is formulated with a rich, creamy texture that blends smoothly and enables exceptional coverage. It reduces the visibility of wrinkles around eyes. Being developed as a convenient glide-on stick concealer that allows easy application to all facial surfaces including the contoured eye area. It contains Chestnut Rosa Fruit Extract and Green Tea Extract to defend against oxidation.
For my skin prone to congestion and pigmentation, I love a good concealer. And with my daily routine, two kids, full-time job, I am always deprived of sleep, so to have that fresh look in the morning, concealer is my friend. I love this concealer for my problem areas, it blends in very beautifully with the skin, without any dryness or cakiness. I usually apply the concealer before the foundation and after my skincare routine. I tap the bullet of this concealer on my problem areas and then blend with my finger or with the concealer brush. It blends seamlessly into the skin and then I follow with either a loose powder if I am not using any foundation, otherwise I follow with the foundation. If using this on the top of my foundation, I prefer it on the days when I have very visible dark spots from the breakouts and then I follow with the loose powder. Another great thing about this is that it can be used as a primer for eye and lips. After priming eyes and lips with this concealer, it increases the lasting power of the lip and eye products, making them look fresh all day. As in the pictures, you see the concealer with SPF25 and the other is the regular concealer without SPF. The one with SPF is the version of cult-favorite regular concealer formulated with SPF. Depending on my need, I use the almond under my eyes to give them a boost and also on the highpoints of the face to give them a boost. Mixing both almond and ocher shades gives me the perfect concealer for my problem areas.
I am totally in love with this foundation and concealer, they are one of the best I have tried. They are going to be a staple and I will repurchase them, actually never want to be without them. I highly highly recommend this brand and this foundation concealer duo. I have been looking my skin in the mirror few times every hour just to see how beautiful it looks and it does not even a little look like I have something on my skin, so luxuriously lightweight yet so good. And depending on how little is required to cover the face and imperfections, this jar will last you a very long time. I am still thinking what I have written about these two products so far is less than how good they make you feel about yourself. I have also been loving the brand the lipsticks called Clé de Peau Beauté Rouge À Lèvres Lipsticks which I reviewed here.
Clé de Peau Beauté Le Fond De Teint The Foundation and Clé de Peau Beauté Correcteur Visage Concealer sSPF25 is available at Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and also from the official website of Clé de Peau Beauté if you are in the US.
*Press samples
Its almost been two months into the new year and I am still in love with the season, one reason being the beautiful fall and winter makeup along with some amazing skincare products that I can use during the colder months. I have been a fan of the skincare products I used from Clé de Peau Beauté till now which I wrote about in here. Clé de Peau Beauté is a luxury brand under the Shiseido group and these are some of the lipsticks from their A/W 2017 collection which I am so excited to share with you all today, they are called the Rouge À Lèvres Lipstick.
Clé de Peau Beauté Rouge À Lèvres Lipstick (CAD $74) is described as a luxurious lipstick with a petal-shaped tip that envelops lips in ultra-vibrant, luminous HD color and rich lasting moisture. Leaves a silky, semi-matte finish lasting for 8 hours for youthfully smooth, full-looking lips. Packaged in a perfectly weighted lacquer case for a smooth and easy application.
From left to right – 1 Bamboo, 2 Silk Scroll, 5 Camillia, 6 Passion flower, 8 Red Lantern,12 Pillow Book
The Key Benefits of this lipstick as per the official website include: It delivers ultra vibrant HD color with Light Reflection Technology to reflect colors instead of absorbing them, corrects the look of unevenness and wrinkles while adding shine and a smooth look, adds a look of dimension and translucence to lips, helps deliver moisturizing benefits to lips, helps create a smooth, creamy texture that feels divine on lips, provides a long-lasting finish for up to 8 hours, delivers lasting moisture for up to 4 hours, scented with an exquisite rose fragrance.
It has some amazing ingredients in the formula, the key ingredients include: Light Reflection Technology uses unique Translucent Pigments to reflect colors instead of absorbing them like typical color agents do, Light Focusing Oil, Lip Forming Powder, and RS Pigment correct the look of unevenness and wrinkles while adding shine and a smooth look, Contouring Powder and Inner Lighting Powder add a look of dimension and translucence to lips, Premium Argan Tree Oil and Illuminating Hydro-Wrap Complex help deliver moisturizing benefits to lips, Water Holding Oil with a moisture retaining effect helps create a smooth, creamy texture that feels divine on lips.
From left to right – 1 Bamboo, 2 Silk Scroll, 5 Camillia, 6 Passion flower, 8 Red Lantern,12 Pillow Book
Now coming to my thoughts about this lipstick and formula. The packaging is heavyweight and feels very luxurious, the sparkly blue surface with the hint of gold on the top and the brand logo on the side makes it classic. The petal-shaped bullet looks very delicate as well as unique, the touches the lips while applying in the most beautiful way. The formula is hydrating and plush, leaves moisture and soft shine on the lips. It has a semi-opaque pigmentation and flattering cream finish which looks timeless as well as modern.
The lasting power of the lipstick is good too, I get 3-4 hours of comfortable hydrating wear without any dryness on my lips. As the formula is creamy and soft, it does last lesser time if you are eating or drinking with this lipstick on but I do not mind touch-ups when the formula and the shade are so good.
From bottom to top – 1 Bamboo, 2 Silk Scroll, 5 Camillia, 6 Passion flower, 8 Red Lantern,12 Pillow Book
I have six shades which I have used for the last few days and swatched here for your reference:
1 Bamboo is a nude beige which could be nude for some skin tones and may wash out darker skin tones
2 Silk Scroll is a pale nude beige
5 Camillia is a deep neutral rose
6 Passion flower is a vibrant pink
8 Red Lantern is a wine-tinged red
12 Pillow Book is an Oxblood red
I hope you enjoyed this editorial review on the splurge-worthy Rouge À Lèvres Lipstick. I would recommend you to check these lipsticks for their formula and the range of shades. My personal favorite shades from these are Red Lantern and Pillow Book. There are 15 available shades and you can purchase them at Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and also from the official website of Clé de Peau Beauté if you are in the US.
*Press samples