Tried and Tested: Eye Cream Reviews

Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are common ageing signs that can be delayed with the consistent use of a good eye product. We review eye products including eye creams, gels and serums that can help to rehydrate, smoothen and brighten this delicate area.

IYAC Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, $135

iyacmedspa.com

This is probably one of the best overnight masks I’ve tried! I have sensitive, acne-prone skin with dark circles, especially when I don’t sleep well or drink enough water. Formulated with key ingredients like apple stem cell extracts, vitamin C and peptides, this gentle yet powerful multi-tasker promises to soothe, hydrate and rejuvenate dull skin.

After leaving it on overnight, I wake up to a clearer and brighter complexion each morning. As it can also be used around the delicate eye areas, my night-time skincare routine has become easier and more convenient. Thankfully, there’s no stinging sensation either. The product gets absorbed into the skin around my eyes almost immediately, leaving zero residue behind. The only downside is the price tag, but if you have the budget, I think it really works!

– Anthia Chng

Lierac Supra Radiance Eye Radiance Serum 15ml, $68

I like the fact that this is a natural formula, the texture is good and there’s no fragrance. Based on nutritional and environmental medicine, this cream-serum combines white horehound extract and Hyalu-3 concentrate. It’s also enriched with pagoda tree and butcher’s broom extract.

Although I didn’t find Lierac’s face moisturisers hydrating enough for my skin, I really like the eye serum and do think it has made a difference. The powders and pearlescent particles also help reduce the look of fatigue and brighten any dark circles and puffiness. I have dry skin with wrinkles and I would recommend it for that.

– Rebecca Bisset

MTM Labo Customblended Eye Mask, $348

The MTM store in Wheelock Place is minimalist and stylish. After a skin analysis, it’s decided that my eyes need moisture (to help with black circles) and some wrinkle repair. I’m given a blend that is fermiskin (from shitake mushrooms) and cucumber extracts mixed with the regular base product; it’s presented in gorgeous minimalist deep green bottles, with my own name on the label.

Inside, there are 12 sets of collagen pads (they feel like lightweight foam paper), which are to be applied after spreading two to three shots of the gel product under the eyes. After ensuring the pads are really wet and stick onto the skin, you have to wait for around 20 to 30 minutes for the goodness to soak in and the collagen pads to dry out.

Upon peeling the pads off, I’ve noticed a significant difference in the dark circles in the inside corners of my eyes, and the fine wrinkles towards the outside. This can be done morning and night – but beware, I fell asleep with them one night and the next day I awoke with puffy lumps under my eyes that I had to gently massage to reduce.

So follow the instructions and this beautifully presented, personalised product can actually show results!

– Danielle Rossetti

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler (HA) Eye Cream For Face, $58.90

First things first: this eye cream is supposed to work like a dermal filler, minus the need for injections. Enriched with higher concentrations of hyaluronic acid or HA, it promises to fill those lines for smoother, plumper skin in four weeks. It can be used anywhere on the face – there is a generous amount in the tube so you won’t run out too quickly.

I like how light the formula is and how it absorbs almost instantaneously. Apparently, there are two different variations of HA in the eye cream: there’s the Macro HA which helps to form a moisturising layer on the outer skin, and the Micro HA, which – at 1/20 of the size of a regular molecule – is able to penetrate deep into the skin.

While I prefer to use something richer on my eyes at night, I think this cream is decent enough for day use, as a quick perk-me-up on days in between visits to an aesthetic doctor. It could also double as an eyeshadow primer, not just for longer-lasting makeup, but also a slightly smoother canvas.

– Louisa Lim

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, $600

I’m a huge fan of La Prairie; the creams are rich and luxurious and work like a dream. The Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream is definitely one of my favourites. It’s used morning and night after cleansing and toning, and just a tiny amount with the spatula is required to cover the whole eye area, which is then applied with a sweeping motion from the inside to the outer eye area. The Caviar’s magical ingredients lift, firm and tighten the skin and help with puffiness. It’s an expensive purchase but a little goes a long way.

– Jacqui Young

Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask, $64

Lovely as a night cream, the retinol eye sleeping mask glides on smoothly and is not as sticky as I first expected. Used as the final step of cleaning and just before bedtime, the retinol works its magic while you sleep, absorbing into the skin quickly. You can also use this as a wash-off mask by applying it as a thicker layer and washing off after 10 minutes for a quick perk-up. It smells nice and is free of lots of nasties found in other similar products. The packaging is cute too – the range looks amazing on your bathroom shelf.

– Jacqui Young

Porcelain RevitalEyes Concentrate, $275

I’ve been spending a lot of time diligently treating my skin as carefully as I can and I’ve seen great improvements doing so. However, when it comes to my under-eye area, any product that I have tried to diminish my dark circles and baggy eyes produced only subtle results at best.

The Porcelain RevitalEyes Concentrate is a gamechanger as it’s not only a potent serum containing skincare ingredients such as niacinamide and caffeine, but also comes with a unique built-in eye massager. High-frequency microvibrations are activated the moment the metal applicator gets in contact with your skin. All you have to do is glide the tip of the applicator around the eye contour for a minute or two. I found that, as a result of the microvibrations, the product gets absorbed so much better compared to other eye serums I’ve tried.

After using this product for more than a month, I’ve come to look forward to my eye treatment each morning and night. While I haven’t noticed much of an effect on my dark circles (maybe all I need is more sleep), I can definitely say that it has helped to revitalise and tighten my under-eye area, visibly reducing morning puffiness.

– Karin Galley

This article first appeared in the October 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

Read this if you need a good facial in Singapore!

Louisa Lim

Former journalist Louisa has been living in Singapore with her husband and two boys for the past five years. She loves adventure travel (Trans-Siberian Express, anyone?), bath bombs and game nights. She hopes to work with minority communities in remote locations one day but is currently writing about fashion and beauty to fund her online shopping addiction.