La Prairie

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream

2/24/14

I would be remiss not to post about this coveted, luxury eye cream after my review of La Mer's 'The Eye Balm Intense'. Since I've found myself ensconced in La Prairie over the past year, I purchased their Skin Caviar Lifting Luxuries Set, which included a full size jar of this eye cream. The packaging is gorgeous and in keeping with the Skin Caviar line with its blue glass jar, metallic cap and trim with spoon holder for the signature La Prairie embossed spoon. Lovely on any vanity tray. But what does it do?

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream promises to solve all of our eye area woes. True to its name, it promises to help restore firmness and elasticity, deeply moisturize the eye area and reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. That's a tall order! I find the cream to be quite rich, and have been using it solely at night. It's too rich for eye makeup, and could easily turn mascara into a hot mess. I prefer the benefits and texture of La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' for day use, as it's both cooling and lighter in texture. 

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After cleansing and toning, I start with La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex, which is a fancy name for a highly-effective eye serum. Since most eye creams shouldn't be applied to eyelids, the serum is a necessity for me. A little bit goes a long way with this rich cream, which helps ease the sticker shock. Just less than 1/4 of a spoon is enough for the entire eye area, including between and above the brows and from the sides to the hairline, as well as below the eyes. I always apply eye area treatments before facial serums and creams, or they tend to pill or flake. 

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference until about three weeks after beginning the treatment, and I'm still somewhat on the fence. It's certainly hydrating, and my eye area is still dewy in the morning. Bonus points there, since moisture prevents wrinkles. I don't have puffiness (knock on wood), so I can't comment on that. As far as lifting and firming benefits, I think I'm too young to truly reap the benefits this luxury cream offers. Sure, it's delightfully hydrating and I have seen fine lines vanish. But is it worth it?

My verdict? Although it looks lovely on my vanity and hydrates my eye area through the night, I think those with deeper wrinkles and puffiness would benefit more from this cream. I imagine I'll revisit this cream in about a decade - and I'll be happily using it up - but I'm going to start using my beloved La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' both day and night. It's about $125 cheaper and addresses my needs at present. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream is $310 for a .68 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

La Mer
The Eye Balm Intense
1/19/14

Every winter I change certain skincare products to combat dry skin. I generally reintroduce Crème de la Mer during the day, as well as The Eye Balm Intense. Although I no longer live in a cold climate, my combination skin is both sensitive and reactive, and my allergies can affect my eye area. I've been using La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream at night, but I find it too heavy for day use. Enter The Eye Balm Intense. 

La Mer offers two eye creams, both containing the famed Miracle Broth that made Crème de la Mer famous. I've used both, and this product is by far my favorite. The Eye Balm Intense contains three versions of the Miracle Broth, and promises to reduce puffiness and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while The Eye Concentrate is billed as targeting dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds easy enough to choose, right? Not so much. I don't have any puffiness (knock on wood) and I can get small dark circles with poor sleep and allergies, but I prefer The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is thinner, and my eye area doesn't feel as hydrated as it does when I use The Eye Balm Intense. "Balm" is somewhat of a misnomer, as it's technically a soft cream, and isn't so heavy that you can't wear makeup over it. It's thicker than The Eye Concentrate, but melts into skin. No problems using under-eye concealer with this product, and you'll use far less of it. 

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Both eye creams are applied with the silver-tipped applicator, which cools the skin and improves micro-circulation. I can't say enough good things about the cooling, metal applicator which is even more gentle than applying cream with your ring finger. While I don't have puffiness, I love the improved circulation in the eye area, which also aids in keeping dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Those who do have puffiness will appreciate the cool metal in aiding circulation. This cream also provides a lifting effect, making skin more taut and youthful. 

The light cucumber scent is pleasant and soothing. The Eye Balm Intense maintains hydration all day long, without the need for reapplication. That said, it's also not overkill or greasy. I have used this eye cream for years, and apply Crème de la Mer over it to boost effectiveness. Crème de la Mer is one of very few moisturizers you can apply to your entire eye area, gently locking in moisture. 

My verdict? This eye cream has maintained cult status for good reason. Not only is it incredibly effective at hydrating the eye area and preventing puffiness and wrinkles, but you can also apply your concealer without concern. It's just that good. Comparable eye treatments can cost you nearly $300 or more, yet don't come close to this cult favorite.

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $185 for a .5 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus & Barneys. 

La Prairie
Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex
9/30/13

Few skincare products actually provide immediate, jaw-dropping results. I did expect results over time, since the La Prairie Skin Caviar line has yet to disappoint. I'd read and heard that this product was a must-have, and of course I was happy to give it a whirl. I'm intrigued by eye serums, and noticed there are very few products you can apply to the delicate eyelid area. Until I started using this serum, I used various eye creams on my eye area but only Clarins  Eye Contour Gel on my eyelids since it was a listed usage. So sure, I had that eye gel and the Chantecaille Vital Essence Serum, but was unsure what to expect from an actual eye serum. Oh. My. Goodness. 

The tiny bottle is in keeping with the rest of the Skin Caviar line, with blue glass and a silver top. The bottle is small, at 0.5 oz. I immediately noticed the slight transparency which I love, since I can tell when I'm running low. I tried it for the first time at night, applying tiny dots under the eye, between the exterior corner of the eye and the hairline, on the eyelid, and a long drop/line between the brows. I repeated this process on the other eye, and gently began to pat the serum into my skin. It absorbs rather quickly, but I loved the amount of control I had over the amount the dropper dispensed. The consistency is light but thick enough to stay put until I'm ready to smooth over each area. 

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I quite literally couldn't believe my eyes. My eye area was immediately toned and taut, firmed and smoothed. Fortunately I don't suffer from under-eye puffiness, but I can only imagine the miracles this product would work for that. My eyelids were smooth yet firmed, and the tiny fine lines in the outer corners and underneath my eye area were gone. They vanished before my eyes, no pun intended. I finished with the Cellular Eye Contour Cream, and hit the sack. 

Come morning, my eye area still looked like I'd had an eye lift- in a good way. I reapplied the serum after my shower and morning skincare regimen, and experienced the same mind-blowing results. I use a lighter eye cream during the day, and the results lasted well into the night. You can really use any high-quality eye cream you like over this serum. It made my eye makeup application much easier, almost acting like a primer. My eyes reflect the light, but more importantly the serum WORKS. It's not just smoke and mirrors. 

My verdict? I can't believe I didn't know about this miracle serum sooner. Skincare is my thing, and anything that helps keep my skin in tiptop shape without needing to mask it with foundation or powder makes me happy. Botox in a bottle? Well, I certainly won't need that help with fine lines or wrinkles anytime soon. Anything that can make me look younger, more refreshed and alert without medical intervention is a gift. I won't be going without this serum! Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream (recommended accompanying eye cream) is next. Results to follow soon!

La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex is $135 for a 0.5 oz. bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

La Prairie
Cellular Radiance Eye Cream
8/9/13

I'm really angry with myself. I'm mad at myself, Nordstrom, my beauty bestie, and my Chase United MasterCard, who's always getting me into trouble. "Just think how many miles that will be!" My beauty bestie has serious La Prairie lust and constantly raves about certain products, but I hadn't touched the brand in ages until this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. La Prairie had an excellent set this year, and both the Cellular Radiance Cream and Cellular Radiance Eye Cream deluxe samples were included in price-qualifying GWP. 

I'm somewhat obsessed with eye creams, and am always in search of the next best thing. That miracle cream capable of erasing under-eye circles while keeping wrinkles at bay and my eye area well hydrated. After my nightly skincare regimen, I couldn't help but reach for this eye cream, which I kept at the ready. I gently dabbed the cream around my orbital bone and all around my eye area from corner to corner, between my brows, and lightly on my eyelids. I then proceeded to watch a Housewives show or Top Gear (odd combination, I know) and headed to sleep. Now, I've suffered from poor sleep for years and am lucky to get more than 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep at a time. 

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I awoke the following morning having forgotten all about which eye cream I'd used, as I'm essentially comatose prior to coffee. On my way to the kitchen, I caught a passing glimpse of myself in the hall mirror. I stopped dead in my tracks, and ran back to have a closer look. Was this possible? I couldn't believe my eyes, no pun intended. My face looked fresh and well-rested, and my eye area was simply luminous, without a hint of an under eye circle or fatigue. "La Prairie!" I rejoiced, as I continued to admire at myself shamelessly. Once I'd gotten my caffeine fix, I hopped online to get more details about this magical cream. I couldn't help but chuckle after reading the description. Generally, luxury creams have lengthy descriptions justifying the expense by detailing unique anti-aging properties and other fancy tidbits. Here's the description for La Prairie Cellular Radiance Eye Cream on Nordstrom's site:

 "A multi-complex formula of time-correcting and restorative therapy. In an instant the eye zone area is immediately redefined, appearing luminous, lifted and hydrated, as wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles appear diminished."

This is brilliant. You'll notice that they make absolutely no claims about your eye area actually being physically improved. The honest description tells how the cream makes the eye zone appear luminous, and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles appear diminished. Genius. You can't fault them for truth in advertising, and any flaw absolutely appeared not only diminished, but nonexistent. I had to have it. Sure, it was essentially a cosmetic skincare trick by using a cream with light reflecting particles. The best I've ever seen, at that. I immediately ordered myself an overpriced, full-size jar and eagerly awaited its arrival. Since I can't count on actual skincare benefits from the cream, I layer it on top of La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex (an eye area serum) and the Cellular Eye Contour Cream, or whatever else I'm using which has been Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate as of late. 

My verdict? Sure it's pricey and essentially a luminous aesthetic layer over other, skin-repairing and preventative eye creams. But looking that good rolling out of bed is priceless. Pick up a sample at your nearest La Prairie Counter and see for yourself!

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Eye Cream is $320 for a 0.5 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, & Bloomingdales. 

Night Eye Treatments:
philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream
& Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye

Sleep. It does wonders for the mind, body, and soul. It's also the most important time to care for your skin. I spend more time researching and trying out eye creams and treatments than any other skincare product, particularly night treatments. Because the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on our bodies, it shows signs of aging and is the most wrinkle-prone area we have. That said, a combination of those hard facts and some women I've seen who look far older than their age have solidified my commitment not only to overall skincare, but to keeping my eye area as nurtured and nourished as possible. What better time to layer up and generously apply products than before sleep?

I never thought I'd use or give kudos to philosophy products, as they generally haven't wowed me. I'd been interested in eye treatments with Retinol, and had been disappointed with other brands I've recently tried. This particular product contains "a proprietary Retinol blend, peptides, antioxidants and moisture." The reviews I'd read were overwhelmingly positive, so I decided to try it for myself. Along with the claim that "the signs of aging are visibly reduced, giving the eye a firmer, smoother appearance," I intended to use it as my first line of defense- under my go-to night treatment. I should note that this product can be used both morning and night, but I reserve it for nighttime application. I love the pump container, which keeps germs at bay. I use about two pumps and smooth over my entire eye area, including both the interior and exterior corners, the full under-eye area, and between and immediately above my brows. It has a gel-like texture that feels soft and gentle during application. I haven't experienced any negative reactions, and have noticed drastic improvements to fine lines, the dreaded line between the brows, and improved overall hydration. Kudos, philosophy!

Nighttime eye creams don't easily wow me. My expectations are generally rather elevated, and admittedly often unrealistic. Estée Lauder is another brand I used to snub in favor of either newer or luxury brands. I'd tried Advanced Night Repair Eye and quite liked it. But I felt there must be something better out there, for what I now realize are unfounded reasons. I used everything from La Mer to La Prairie, and pretty much everything in-between. Yet I found myself consistently returning to Advanced Night Repair Eye. The accolades from high-end fashion magazines to skincare gurus are impressive, and I allowed myself to experience and revel in the product's well documented benefits. The jar comes with a flat spoon applicator, keeping the product germ-free. I like to layer this gel-like treatment over philosophy miracle worker eye, but I also use this product on its own every other night. It manages to feel rich and refreshing at once, and smooths onto my delicate eye skin like a dream. I'm currently testing another brand of skincare, and this is the product I miss the most. Three more weeks! This miracle product has rid my eye area of small, set-in wrinkles I thought were here to stay. Well, I no longer have those wrinkles. I won't go without it again. This relationship is going the distance, and I foresee a bright, youthful future together. What can I say? It's true love. 

My verdict? Both products are purposeful, effective, and reasonably priced. If I had to pick only one, it would be Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye. But both together are an unbeatable match, and defy aging. Sold. 

- philosophy 'miracle worker' miraculous anti-aging eye cream is $65 for 0.5 oz. 

- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye is $52 for 0.5 oz. 

Both are available at Nordstrom.

Day Eye Treatments:
Shiseido Benefiance Intensive Eye Contour Cream
& Clarins Eye Contour Gel

Ah, eye creams. My first official non-drugstore skincare product was Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream that I purchased in high school and applied day and night. Sure, it seemed a little odd for a teenager to be dabbing eye cream on in the rear-view mirror or restroom at school. But my mother taught me well, and am I ever glad she did! At 37 years old, I'm happy to report that my skin is nearly wrinkle-free. Clearly this isn't without effort! Over the past 20 years I've tried all kinds of eye creams, gels, and serums. As my skin changes, my products evolve. 

For those laid back days when I'm just hanging out at home, or running errands whilst hiding under massive sunglasses, I love Shiseido. If I'm not wearing eye makeup, I prefer something richer and more hydrating than a gel- unless it's humid. I've been through about ten or so day eye creams over the past year or so, and was blown away by Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream ($55). It's incredibly rich and reduces existing wrinkles while preventing future ones. The jar comes with an applicator spoon, keeping the cream germ-free (just wash the spoon in hot, soapy water). I remember thinking that the spoon was rather small when I first saw it, but realized why after my first application. A little bit of this ultra rich cream goes a long way, saving product and making it truly cost effective. I've been using this cream for over a month, and foresee it lasting 4-6 months easily. Additionally, you could absolutely wear this eye cream at night, given its rich texture and healing and preventative properties. I use a combination of two products at bedtime that I'm hooked on that are night-specific. Again, I wouldn't hesitate recommending this product for nightly use. The cream is also great between the exterior corners of the eyes and hairline, and above and between the brows. It has a very light, barely noticeable scent. For the price, it beats eye creams I've tried at 2-3 times as much.

Choosing an eye treatment for daytime use can be tricky, particularly if you wear eye makeup during the summer and in humid environments. I'm talking to you, NYC. I wear deep black volumizing mascaras and often use eyeliner, so I need something light but effective. Going without any anti-aging eye product? Perish the thought. Fortunately, I found Clarins Eye Contour Gel ($35). It promises to reduce puffiness, diminish dark circles, soften and hydrate. I'm happy to report that it delivers most of its promises and is perfect under makeup, including under-eye concealer and eye shadow. I love that I can use this product all over the eye area, including the eyelids. I keep mine in the fridge which is ultra refreshing during application, particularly on hot and muggy days. It comes in a small tube with a thin tip, so no germ worries. It rids the eyes of any puffiness and feels ultra soothing straight out of the fridge, and dries rather quickly, helping expedite my makeup application. I'm also thrilled that the gel formula doesn't leave me with mascara under my eyes or on my eyelids by day's end, which many cream formulas do. It's unscented, gentle, and effective. Raccoon eyes be gone! 

My verdict? Use the Shiseido cream on days without makeup and at night (if you choose) to avoid the expense of purchasing a separate night eye cream. Use the Clarins gel under makeup to avoid eye makeup smudging, and in warmer, humid weather. Both products are incredibly effective and very reasonably priced for the quality. 

- Clarins Eye Contour Gel is $35 for 0.7 oz.
- Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream is $55 for 0.5 oz.

Both available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Bloomingdales.