Eye Mask Review - SK-II Signs Eye Mask

Dark Circles Treatment

SK-II Signs Eye Mask

Description

SK-II Signs Eye Mask is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. A soft 100% cotton mask drenched with moisturisers enhanced with Pitera and ProteoActive complex hydrates deeply, smoothes fine lines and revives the eye area.

Direction

Place eye mask with the film-cover side up, the broader end meeting the outer corner of the eye. Remove film. Leave eye mask on for approximately 10 minutes.

Review

Some of the magazines highly recommended that results can be seen within a single day. After using one pack of thsi product, my serious dark circles under eyes are still quite visible but I can feel that my fine lines were softened and slightly plumped up. The skin under my eyes area is also hydrated.

Eye Mask Review - ZA Dark Circles Gone Eye Mask

Dark Circles Treatment

ZA Dark Circles Gone Eye Mask

Description

ZA Dark Circles Gone Eye Mask diminishes dark circles, giving eye areas a fresh feel and radiant look.

Direction

Use ZA Dark Circles Gone Eye Mask after softening and moisturising the skin. Remove eye masks from packet and separate them. Place the masks under eyes. The wide end of the mask should fit well onto outer corners of the eye. Relax for 5-10 minutes. Remove eye masks and massage remaining essence into skin. Complete by gently pressing temples. Concentrated ingredients immediately penetrate teh skin, then massage around the eye area promotes effective facial skin circulation, for a synergistic effect. Apply whenever dark circles and dryness occurs. For better results, use twice weekly. Discard each mask after use.

Review

I was recommended by a popular Taiwan chinese magazine, namely 女人我最大 to use ZA Dark Circles Gone Eye Mask (ZA is a beauty brand under Shiseido, Japan). It helps lighten the appearance of my dark circles and dullness and also moisturises the skin under my eyes area. A warm reminder to massage remaining essence into the skin as this eye mask is filled with rich essence. It is worth a try as it is not very expensive.

Eye Mask Review - Elianto Brightening Eye Zone Treatment Patch

Dark Circles Treatment

Elianto Brightening Eye Zone Treatment Patch

Description

Spot treatment for eyes zone, brighten, hydrate, improve elasticity. Formulated with pearl extract that helps to lighten dark circle appearance, blotches and uneven skin tone. Witch Hazel extract to reduce dark circle and such improve eye puffiness problem.

Direction

Thoroughly cleanse and dry face. Take out and unfold the eye patch and gently pad on eye zone area. Put on for 10-15 minutes and gently peel off slowly from the edges.

Review

This is the cheapest eye patch that I have ever used. It comes in 12 pairs in a packet. To be honest, I do not see any specific or immediate effect of using this eye patch except for moisturising the skin under my eyes area. However, I think that it is worth to use this eye patch for couple of times per week since it is relatively cheap (at least it is much better than not using any product).

 

Eye Mask Review - Etude House Good-Bye Dark Circle Eye Patch

Dark Circles Treatment

Etude House Good-Bye Dark Circle Eye Patch

Description

Formulated with slim tea complex and broccoli, hydro-gel eye patch supplies care to worrisome dark circles and bags for youthful looking eyes.

Direction

Remove clear film from patches and fasten adhesive sides to areas beneath the eyes. Remove patches after 10-15 minutes.

Review

There is no sticky-feel after using the Etude House Good-Bye Dark Circles Eye Patch. I do not have to massage any excess essence as all essences have been fully absorbed by the skin. However, I feel slight irritation after applying it for couple of minutes. I am not too sure whether it is my skin's problem or the ingredients of this product are too sensitive to my skin. Besides, I think this product does not really work on my dark circles under eyes. It did moisturise and slightly firm up my skin under eye area. I doubt I will buy this product again due to the irritation.

Eye Mask Review - Skin Food Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet

Dark Circles Treatment

Skin Food Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet

Description

Eye sheet with carrot extracts rich in Vitamin A, marine collagen and royal jelly contained in hydro gel. Contents are gradually absorbed into eye rim upon attachment to skin. It provides moisture and elasticity to dry eye rim.

Direction

Remove patches from foil sachet and then remove clear plastic backing from each patch. Apply each patch to the under-eye area, and leave on for 30-45 minutes. Apply 2 or 3 times per week.

Review

I like the fact that there is no sticky after-feel and I do not have to massage any excess essence (like other eye mask/patch) as all essences have been fully absorbed. It does not effectively reduce the appearance of my dark circles under eyes. However, it minimizes the wrinkles and fine lines under my eye area. I would say that this is a good eye sheet.

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Essence of Elemente

Dark Circles Treatment

Essence of Elemente

Description

Essence of Elemente is a concentrated serum of nature's finest ingredients including grape seed extract, ginseng berry and cactus fruit.

Direction

Gently pat underneath eye area until it is fully absorbed.

Review

I have been using this product for more than 2 years and I am still using it. I am not sure whether it reduces my dark circles (as I am using other products at the same time) but I am sure it reduces my wrinkles underneath my eye area. Same comment given by my mother for the wrinkle reduction. Besides, I feel that the serum absorbs quickly into the skin under my eyes.

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

Dark Circles Treatment

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

Description

An ultra-gentle moisturiser for the delicate skin around the eye. Pure Avocado Oil provides intensive hydration to help minimize the look of fine, dry lines; Aloe Vera calms and soothes. Formulated to absorb quickly, and prepare skin for smooth and easy concealer application.

Direction

For daytime, apply only to undereye area. At night, pat gently over the entire eye area.

Review

I like to apply Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream prior to the application of corrector and concealer to my dark circles under eyes as my eyes get dry and dehydrated easily after make-up. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin under the eyes feeling smooth. I am still using it now as it does keep my corrector and concealer in place for long hours. I highly recommend you to apply this product as a base for your corrector/concealer. It really makes a difference, trust me!

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Anti-Sport Anti-Dark Circles Eye Serum

Dark Circles Treatment

Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Anti-Spot Anti-Dark Circles Eye Serum

Description

Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Anti-Spot Anti-Dark Circles Eye Serum helps reduce brown spots on the eye contour area and keep it clear, translucent even-toned. Unique scientific innovation the production of melanin. Active whitening ingredients control the formation of melanocytes. Light diffusing agents helps make dark circles less obvious.

Direction

Massage a fine layer gently around eye contour area day and night.

Review

A close friend of mine recommended me to use this product as it is specially designed for dark circles treatment. Surprisingly my dark circles under eyes are slightly reduced and my eye contour is more translucent and even-toned.

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex

Dark Circles Treatment

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex

Description

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex is a silky serum-gel, which helps to repair the appearance of past damage and protect the future of the skin around the eyes.

Direction

Apply every AM and PM. Dip the applicator into the jar and apply 3 tiny dots around each eye. Gently pat into skin and never rub using ring finger. Rinse and dry applicator after each use.

Review

I have tried this dark circles treatment product and I found out that my skin under the eyes looked and felt more moisturise and less puffy than before. However, it does not reduce my dark circles under eyes.

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Extra Brightening Eye Creme

Dark Circles Treatment
Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Extra Brightening Eye Creme SPF 15/PA+

Description

Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Extra Brightening Eye Creme SPF 15/PA+ is an extra gentle moisture cream that helps to shield the eye ares from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB exposure and pollution. Illuminating optics instantly brighten the look of dark circles and discolorations.

Review

Recently I got a free sample of Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Extra Brightening Eye Creme SPF 15/PA+. I like the fact that it has not only SPF (Sun Protection Factor) but also PA, which provides protection against UVA. Besides, I like its packaging very much and it smells good to me. It is very moisturising and non sticky. I would say that it is a very good product to be used in daytime.

Eye Cream/ Serum Review - Dermalogica Total Eye Care

Dark Circles Treatment
Dermalogica Total Eye Care with SPF 15

Description

Dermalogica Total Eye Care with SPF 15 is a technological-advanced eye treatment cream. Gentle alpha hydroxy acids smooth while firming plant extracts retexturise the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. Optical light diffusers help diminish dark circles. Achemical-free sunscreen helps to shield against further damage. Contains no artificial fragrance of colour.

Direction

Gently pat underneath eye area, blending inward from outer corner. Use daily under makeup or alone.

Review

For daytime dark circles treatment, I have been using Dermalogica Total Eye Care with SPF 15 for more than 2 years. This product is good for people with dry skin whereby it provides sun protection, retexturises, firms and moisturises the eyes area. The texture of this product is good and it is tinted, which creates a reflection against my dark circles. Anyhow, you cannot expect an immediate effect to cure/reduce your dark circles under eyes.

Make-up Tips for Concealing Dark Circles Part II - How to Apply Concealer

How to Apply Concealer

1. Apply foundation to your face without paying particular attention to the skin under the eyes. It is easier for you to see the dark circles under eyes that you need to conceal after application of your foundation.
2. 
   
   Apply the concealer from the inner corner of eyes to outer side in a thin and even coat till the concealer blends completely with your skin. This can be accomplished either by using a make-up brush (some brands have their own brushes specifically designed for the purpose of their own concealers) or by patting it on with your finger.
3. 
   
   Spread the concealer evenly along the entire area around dark circles under eyes to achieve effective blending with the normal skin in order to prevent uneven skin tone and shading.
4. 
   
   Pay attention to your skin underneath the eyes, especially the place where your eyes meet the bridge of your nose as this area tends to have the darkest circles.
5. 
   
   Avoid applying mascara on lower lashes as flakes of mascara frequently fall from the lower lashes worsens the appearance of dark circles.
6. 
   
   Apply powder to the concealed areas with a translucent powder. This gives a smooth well polished appearance as a final step.

Personally, I am using Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (Anti-Cernes Creme) as my eye concealer. You may visit my post at http://darkcirclestreatment.blogspot.com/2010/05/dark-circles-treatment-dark-circles.html for more details on this product.

Make-up Tips for Concealing Dark Circles Part I - How to Choose a Concealer

Good cosmetics together with proper tools make hiding dark circles under eyes fairly effectively. However, it is only a temporary fix but not a permanent solution. You may check out my previous posts for more details on dark circles treatments/ solutions.

How to Choose a Concealer

1. 
   
   Visit a beauty make-up counter in order for you to try out different types of concealers.
2. 
   
   Different types of concealers have different effects towards your dark circles under eyes. A yellow tinted concealer conceals the appearance of purplish circles, an orange concealer for blueish circles whereby blue, mauve or tan concealers for brownish circles. There are even green and light blue concealers for red circels under eyes.
3. 
   
   The colour of a concealer should be one shade lighter than your normal skin if the dark circles are blue or black. Conversely, you should select the concealer colour that is one shade darker than normal skin if puffiness is associated with your dark circles.
4. 
   
   Choose a creamy-typed concealer product, which allows it to glide onto the skin under the eyes smoothly.
5. Check the effect of the chosen concealer under natural lights just to make sure that your dark circles are not noticeable in normally lit circumstances.

Personally, I am using Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (Anti-Cernes Creme). You may visit my post at http://darkcirclestreatment.blogspot.com/2010/05/dark-circles-treatment-dark-circles.html for more details on this product.

Dark Circles Treatments/ Solutions

Cucumber

• 
  
  Lie down on your back (which makes it easier to balance the slices of cucumbers on your face) in a cool place with as little direct lightning as possible, close your eyes and apply thin slices of cucumber on the eyes for about 5-10 minutes. Make sure that the cucumber slices have contact with the skin under the eyes. This will not only help to reduce the appearance of dark circles under eye, but also sooth and cool the eyes. Avoi sunlight or harsh bright lights as they will drain the moisture out of the cucumbers and may worse the appearance of dark circles under eyes.
• 
  
  Alternatively, cut a couple of fine cucumber slices with the skin on it, mash or squeeze them and apply the fresh cucumber juice to the dark circles under eyes daily. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off. Cucumber juice has cooling and soothing effects. It also has mild bleaching properties. Be careful not to get cucumber juice in your eyes.
• Follow the abovementioned dark circles treatments regularly on set days of teh week and at a set time each day, which will hydrate your skin under eyes, reduce puffiness and help eliminate the dark circles under eyes.

Potato

• 
  
  If you do not have a cucumber in the house, try using slices of potato. It works almost as well.

Tea Bag

• 
  
  Lie down, preferably in the morning, close your eyes and apply used cool tea bags (you may refrigerate them overnight) on the eyes for about 10-15 minutes and you will see a noticeable improvement in puffiness and dark circles under eyes. The caffeine in tea bags acts as a remedy for dark circles by diminishing puffiness. Caffeine in tea helps to diminish water in the tissues around the eyes and tea contains antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin. Make sure the tea bag is somewhat dry because irritating tea can get into your eyes if it is too moist.
• 
  
  Herbal tea bags are not recommended, except for chamomile. Chamomile tea bags can help in reducing dark circles and puffiness around the eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Almond Oil

• 
  
  Massage under and around the eyes with almond oil daily for 2 weeks. Almond oil is the excellent skin food which helps in lightening the dark circles under eyes.

Towel

• 
  
  Apply hot and cold towel alternatively under eyes for 5-10 minutes for the first thing in the morning. This will help to increase circulation and reduce constricted blood vessels under the eyes, at the same time alleviating swelling and dark circles.

Cotton Ball

• 
  
  Dip cotton balls in rose water or chilled water and keep it over the dark circles under eyes for 5-10 minutes to reduce the appearance of dark circles. A chilled spoon under the dark circles can also do the magic.

Eye Cream/ Serum

• 
  
  Use dark circles eye cream/ serum with Vitamin E and C and gently pat on dark circles under eyes, blending inward from outer corner. Use it daily, which help to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Use eye cream/ serum with at least SPF 20 and PA ++ for morning session.
• 
  
  Massage dark circles under eyes with eye cream/ serum at day and night time for better blood circulation.

Yoga

• 
  
  Do Sarvangasana [as shown in the picture below] daily. This inverted yoga pose helps to strengthen the abdominal area, stimulates the thyroid gland and improves the blood circulation. It works on dark circles by increasing blood circulation to the upper body (as this is an inverted pose) and this helps the clean blood and oxygen to reach the face quickly and thus reduces dark circles effectively.

• 
  
  Do 'Kapalabhati' Pranayam for at least 5 minutes daily. 'Kapalabhati' Pranayam - Take 2 normal breaths. Inhale. Now exhale, pulling in your abdomen, repeat 20 times, keeping a steady rhythm and emphasizing the exhalation each time. Then inhale, exhale completely, inhale fully and hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can. Slowly exhale. In Sanskrit, 'Kapala' means skull or forehead and 'bhati' means shining. Regular practice of this cleansing breathing exercise not only helps to reduce dark circles under eyes, but also keep your skin glowing.

Dos and Don'ts for Dark Circles under Eyes

Take Rest and Get Plenty of Sleep Nightly

• 
  
  A recommended amount of sleep is 7-9 hours per night, but the hours of sleep may be varied throughout different people. Try to get that same hours of sleep regularly for a couple of weeks to see if that helps. Lack of sleep tends to cause the skin to become paler thus increasing the appearance of dark circles under eyes.

Drink Plenty of Water

• 
  
  8 glasses of water is recommended for daily consumption, which will help in reducing dark circles.

Take Cod Liver Oil

• 
  
  Swallow a capsule of cod liver oil daily, which will strengthen eyes and help in reducing dark circles.

Drink Fruit Juice

• 
  
  Drinking fresh fruit juice helps in detoxify body. Try drinking cranberry juice.

Eat Healthy and Balanced Diet

• 
  
  Eating healthy and balanced diet, particularly vegetables which are higher in calcium and magnesium than dairy products (especially cabbage, spinach and other leafy green vegetables), fruits and proper vitamins. Poor vitamin absorption may tend to reduce adrenal function. The less adrenal function you have the less vitamin B6 you tend to absorb, the less vitamin B6 you absorb, the less well your adrenal glands work and alas you end up in a vicious dark circle.

Avoid Junk Food

• 
  
  Keep away from junk food (including other processed food) as they contain artificial colours which contribute to the formation of dark circles under eyes as well as other diseases.

Avoid Excess Salt Intake

• 
  
  Avoid excess intake of salt in diet. Excess salt intake causes the body to retain water in unusual place, which will form puffiness under the eyes. Excess intake of salt in diet can also cause various body problems, for instance impairing circulation and causing blood vessels under the skin to appear bluer.

Use Sunglass under Sun

• 
  
  Use sunscreen or sunglass under the exposure of sunlight. This is to keep the eyes from harmful rays. In such way the skin under your eyes does not darken as quickly as the rest of your face and thus your dark circles seem lighter.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

• 
  
  Smoking and drinking alcohol can adversely affect the quality of sleep resulting in appearance of dark circles under eyes as mentioned above. Moreover, smoking causes vascular, i.e. blood vessel problems that will threaten your life as well as make your blood vessels appear more prominent and bluer beneath the skin.

No Rubbing Skin

• Do not rub the skin under eyes area. The rubbing irritates the skin and can break tiny capillaries beneath the skin, causing both puffiness and discoloration.