I Am An Eye Cream Non-Believer

confession of a non-eye cream believer

2021 is finally here! As another new year begins, many of us adopt the attitude of New Year, New You! We are going to eat better, drink less, and level up our self-care game. I bet you have a holiday gift card or two is sitting in your wallet, screaming, “Spend Me!” While all of your devices have been flooded with pop up ads reminding you to “Treat Yo Self!” With that kind of “support” behind you, deciding to pull the trigger and order that expensive eye cream is practically a no-brainer. Excited by your new purchase, you think to yourself, “this eye cream will finally get rid of my crow’s feet.”

I hate to shatter the illusion, but I am going to anyway. Eye creams will not erase your fine lines, wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles. They are not the holy grail, life-changing products that they are marketed to be. Scientists have yet to discover a single ingredient that can reverse the aging process. If they had, it would be front-page news. Most eye creams are formulated with the same ingredients as face moisturizers. Therefore, you are paying more and receiving less product because it is marketed as an eye cream. Admit it? You had the same thoughts? I believe my face moisturizer is good enough to use on my under-eyes. I have stopped using eye cream as part of my nightly skincare routine.

wait! don’t toss your eye cream away

The main function of eye cream is to increase your skin’s water content, which temporarily improves fine lines. I believe an eye cream should be used in the morning as part of your makeup routine. Your under-eyes should be their most hydrated and brightest when heading out into the world or, at the very least, on a video call. As a professional makeup artist, I choose eye creams that plump up and smooth out fine lines and brighten up dark circles.

Depending on my client’s under-eye needs, I will use one of the following eye creams that I keep stocked in my pro-kit.

ole henriksen banana bright eye creme

According to the company’s website, the product was “inspired by the makeup artists must-have, banana powder.” I disagree with the phrase “makeup artist must-have.” Banana powder has been used in countless YouTube tutorials to set concealer or “bake” as the kids call it. If you have fine lines, then you should not be baking your concealer with powder. This eye cream contains pigments that instantly brighten up and color correct the eye area. The cream’s yellow color neutralizes the purple in dark undereye circles.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base

Currently, this is my favorite eye cream! I use this cream every morning on myself. It’s an all-in-one eye cream that hydrates, plumps, and softens the look of fine lines. It provides a smooth, creaseless base for my concealer.

dr. lancer eye contour lifting cream

A triple-action eye treatment that targets multiple eye area concerns for a brighter, more youthful appearance. This cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, providing a cushion of rich and lasting moisture. Lastly, it contains diamond powder which subtly illuminates the under-eye area. Diamond powder? Yeah, I’m worth it!

tatcha the serum stick

This serum stick is a recent discovery of mine. I am always on the hunt to find a product that I can apply on top of makeup that keeps the under-eyes moisturized without breaking down the concealer. The Tatcha Serum Stick does the trick! It’s moisturizing formula visibly smooths, softens, and improves skin texture immediately. I always keep this baby in my set bag for a quick touch up on my actors.

But there’s hope!

Hope doesn’t exist in an expensive jar of eye cream, but possibly in the hands of your dermatologist or plastic surgeon. If you want real results, then it’s time to consult your dermatologist for treatment options. Eye creams are best to be used as part of your morning makeup routine. Eye creams are effective when used to hydrate the delicate skin around the eye area. An effective eye cream is one that temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines, creates a smooth, even texture, and brightens up the under-eye area.

Are you an eye cream believer or non-believer? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on the effectiveness of eye cream. Have a holy grail eye cream? Found the elusive miracle in a bottle? Share your product on IG and tag @FacingForty, and use hashtags #eyecreambeliever and #facingforty.