Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector — Prepare To Be Mrs Bright Eyes
Most women associate dark under-eye circles with a lack of sleep and overall fatigue but, in truth, many other culprits can lie at the root of this particular problem — among them dehydration, poor circulation, smoking, asthma, inflammation, allergies, sinus problems, and even ethnic and genetic factors (some people are simply predisposed to having ojeras). Whatever the specific causes, these dark circles are the manifestation of a disproportionate amount of melanin accumulating around the thin skin below the eyes. Tackling this problem, then, requires more than de-puffing cucumber slices, cooling gel eye masks, or a prolonged beauty snooze. And, while the right concealer can work wonders to camouflage under-eye circles, most women would love to awake with a truly even and radiant complexion — without having to rely on cosmetics to attain the desired effect. To this end, then, Clinique developed the latest product in its Even Better range, aimed at treating uneven skin tone: the Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector ($39.50 at Clinique.com).
Fifteen years in the making, the Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector implements a two-pronged approach to the insidious under-eye darkness problem: offering long-term results while also providing an instant brightness boost. The latter goal is attained thanks to Clinique’s ground-breaking, patent-pending Translucent Optics Technology, a blend of pearl particles that absorb light and create the illusion of a brighter, more even skin tone. Though the cream will appear slightly tinted when first squeezed out of its tube, the pigments and optical particles manage to adapt to any user’s skin tone — no matter how fair or deep.
In terms of long-term benefits, the lightly tinted eye cream — which has a thin consistency reminiscent of a gel-serum hybrid — relies on the cumulative effects of natural ingredients like vitamin C, known to brighten the skin, and mulberry root, which inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production.To minimize inflammation, meanwhile, the formula incorporates caffeine, which also tightens the skin and reduces puffiness; green tea extract, which both soothes the skin an protects it from free radical damage; and phytosphingosine, an anti-bacterial lipid that minimizes potential irritation.
Since the skin around the eyes is so thin and delicate, the Clinique Even Better Eyes formula also incorporates ingredients to minimize wrinkles (which, of course, augment the appearance of any under-eye darkness) and fortify the skin’s immune system. These ingredients include linoleic acid and cholesterol, which strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and help it retain moisture; whey protein, which boosts collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and siegesbeckia orientalis, a plant hailing from Southeast Asia which can prevent collagen breakdown, therefore boasting anti-aging benefits.
Taking a cue from the popular Clinique All About Eyes Serum, the Even Better Eyes’ triangular-shaped tube features a twist-off metal cap that reveals a meal-tipped applicator designed to cool and soothe the eye area. Rather than a rollerball tip as with the All About Eyes Serum, the Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector features a slanted, teardrop-shaped applicator that gently massages the eye area, boosting micro-circulation. The eye cream itself is dispensed via a tiny perforation at the center of this metal tip so that you can squeeze the tube lightly and then glide the applicator across the under-eye area.
I’ve been using this product for about 5 weeks and I’ve already noticed a difference though it’s my understanding that the effect will be even more pronounced when I hit the 12-week mark. I’m also incredibly impressed by the short-term illuminating properties since the effect is so dramatic that it more than whets the appetites of us impatient sorts who need some form of instant gratification while we wait for that eventual pay-off. The applicator, meanwhile, feels so gentle and calming on the skin, you’ll have a hard time ending your twice-daily massage!
