Eye of the Tigress — Going Wild Over IT Cosmetics’ Confidence In An Eye Cream
Picture it: Sicily, 1912… Okay, more like Austin, Texas, 2017.
A 30-something gal finishes applying her liquid foundation and begins to work on her eyeshadow when, leaning over the bathroom counter and positioning her face closer into the bathroom mirror, she detects a cluster of lines spreading out like tree roots at the corners of her eyes. She stares on in horror, then convinces herself the lighting is playing evil tricks on her, so she walks to her vanity table mirror and inspects her face once again — only to discover that, even in natural light, those pesky lines were plainly visible. Time is merciless, she thinks, before resolving to be more consistent with her eye cream regimen.
Clearly, the gal in question is yours truly, coming to terms with the fact that I won’t look baby-faced for ever (dang it!). But that doesn’t mean I won’t try to look my best at every age — whether it’s 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70. I mean, have y’all seen Jane Fonda in Frankie & Grace? The woman is stunning at 79! Using a powerhouse eye cream is, of course, of the essence when trying to make eyes look youthful. The new IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream ($38 at ITcosmetics.com) has not only exceeded my expectations in regards to its performance, but it’s given me renewed faith that I will, in fact, age gracefully.
This wrinkle-fighting, smoothing, radiance-boosting wonder is formulated with IT Cosmetics’ proprietary Anti-Aging Armour Rejuvenating Concentrate, and it also features a bevy of rejuvenating ingredients such as: ceramides, which are lipid molecules that hold skin cells together, creating a protective barrier that locks moisture in and keeps environmental aggressors out, all while giving the skin a smooth texture; hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture from the air and binds it to the skin for long-lasting hydration; avocado oil, which contains essential fatty acids and which is capable of penetrating skin cells and cause accelerated respiration within the mitochondria, thereby more effectively using the nutrients needed to produce the energy to conduct necessary cell functions (in other words, avocado oil keeps those skin cells working against free radical damage); collagen and peptides that help to give the skin a lifted and plumper appearance; caffeine, which boosts circulation and which helps to reduce puffiness, diminishing the appearance of bags under the eyes; licorice, which helps to brighten the skin and even skin tone; ginseng extract, which contains phytonutrients and helps to brighten the skin; sunflower seed oil, which is rife with vitamin E and helps to protect the skin against UV damage and other free radicals; cucumber extract, which cools and calms the skin; colloidal oatmeal, which soothes any irritation and calms redness; turmeric extract, which contains antioxidants that protect the skin against the effects of UV rays; shea butter, which nourishes and conditions the skin; chrysin, a bioflavonoid naturally derived from passionflower that reduces the appearance of inflammation; and macadamia oil, which contains linoleic acid (which protects against trans-epidermal moisture loss), palmitoletic acid (which keeps skin taut), phytosterols that reinforce the skin’s barrier function.
As if the wrinkle-minimizing, puffiness-reducing, skin-firming powers of this eye cream weren’t enough of a compelling factor, the product also manages to brighten the under-eye area instantly thanks to a color-correcting apricot tint that counteracts any dull and shadowy-looking skin. The licorice and ginseng extracts in the formula, meanwhile, work to brighten the under-eye area long-term.
Texturally, the eye cream is perfection — thick enough to feel indulgent and yet readily absorbed by skin, melting almost upon contact. Moreover, you can apply it all over the eye area (as opposed to some eye creams, which are only designed for use below the lower lash line and at the outer corners of eyes), and it won’t seep into your eyes and leave them burning, blurring your vision and making eyes water like faucets (another side effect of some lesser eye creams). Not only have I noticed results after several weeks of continued use, but I can see a visible difference immediately after application — especially on mornings when I wake up and my eyes are a bit puffy due to lack of sleep (or too much wine-sipping the previous night). Puffiness, in particular, is reduced rather rapidly, and the color-correcting pigments do make eyes appear brighter and more awake (though, yes, I still need concealer).
Overall, this eye cream has me feeling optimistic that I will, in fact, age gracefully. Maybe I won’t look as amazing as Jane Fonda when I’m pushing 80, but I can look like my most amazing me!
