Just for Redheads Ginger/Auburn Browstick and Mint Disguise Eye Cream

About the Browstick: "Suggested for medium to darker brows. Defines as never before. For the perfect brow, feather in with JFR Brush a Brow Ginger/Auburn."

Jamie’s Thoughts: They are definitely right about the color on this one – it matched my hair perfectly. And to think I was just about to seriously consider getting my eyebrows dyed! No need for that, now. The stick was just soft enough that I didn’t feel I was scraping at my face, and after a quick buff-n-comb with a eyebrow brush (not sold with stick), the color was even and lovely. This product helps me accentuate my eye area without looking obvious or garish – score!

Retail Price: $21.00, online special right now $11, or 2 for $21.50 (JustForReadheads.com)

About the Mint Disguise Eye Cream: "Eliminates circles & wrinkles around the eyes! Say good-bye to imperfections around your eye area with our specially designed Mint Eye Disguise. Circles, wrinkles, scars, and ruddiness are all neutralized.... Specially designed for the eye area only. Now new and improved with greater concentration for better coverage."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Redheads and strawberry blondes, take heed: this concealer will change your cosmetic lives. Clearly designed for the fairer population, this minty concealer is a couple shades lighter than your average green concealer stick or lotion, but still completely effective at masking red patches, irritations, really any blotchiness or acne outbreak. The consistency is creamy but substantial, so you won’t need much to get the job done. It’s easy to apply and has become a new step in my daily prep.

One small flaw in the formula: it tends to fade away a bit throughout the day. My midday mirror check revealed the occasional need for some minor re-application. That small issue is nothing compared to the peace of mind this product gives me – no more blotches to be embarrassed about. I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one at home.

Retail Price: $24.00, on sale right now $12 or 2/$23 (Justforredheads.com)

Ratings:
Browstick
Eye Cream

Review: Suki Naturals Eye Tissue Repair

What They Say: "Intensive treatment for the fine, fragile areas around your eyes and lips which do not produce their own moisture. Our rich, healing antioxidant balm creates supple, smooth skin tone by helping the skin tissues regenerate while protecting them from free radical damage."

Jen's Experience: I was so in love with all the Suki products I've tried in the past, when I found this eye balm at Whole Foods, I just had to pick it up. I was a little surprised when I opened it up a found the texture to be more like Carmex with a little more grit. A tiny amount under the eyes gives a good amount of moisture to the undereye area, and it really improves the look of fine lines and puffiness, but doesn't do as much for dark undereye circles.

I like using this balm in the evenings more than in the morning underneath my make-up. It's a little on the greasy side, which makes my concealer not stay put as well as it has with other creams I've used. Overall, I'm impressed with some of the improvements around my undereyes, but because I can't use it under make-up, this wouldn't be something I would buy again.

Retail Price: $27.00 (Whole Foods Stores or Suki Naturals.com)

Rating:

Review: Henry Beautiful Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Advanced Formula Eye Cream

What They Say:
(about the Anti-Wrinkle Cream) "This moisturizing anti-wrinkle cream has a superior anti-aging complex that combines collagen supporting peptides and potent antioxidants. It replenishes moisture and diminishes wrinkles, blemishes and fine lines.

Main Active Ingredients:

• Matrixyl 3000 – Combination of peptides that work together to prevent skin damage, improve elasticity of skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
  
• Licorice Root Extract – An antioxidant with the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A powerful skin lightener that aids in evening skin pigmentation.
  
• Dry Marine Collagen – Naturally obtained proteins that provide the skin the amino acid it needs to make its own collagen and help the skin retain moisture.
  
• Coenzyme Q10 – Antioxidant, provides energy for cell growth resulting in decreased wrinkle depths and increased oxidation levels.
  
• BioAstin – Powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has 550 times the antioxidant activity of Vitamin E.
  
• Retinol – Accelerates cellular renewal. Increases collagen and elastin and improves skin pigmentation, fine limes and wrinkles."

(about Advance Formula Eye Cream) "This nourishing cream contains firming peptides and multiple antioxidants. It’s liquid crystal formula feeds protective moisture into the delicate skin around the eyes.

Main Active Ingredients:

• Matrixyl 3000 – Combination of peptides that work together to prevent skin damage, improve elasticity of skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
  
• Liquid Crystals – A unique, lipid-based crystalline complex that penetrates deeply into the skin to moisturize, strengthen and help protect the tissues.
  
• Spin Trap – A highly specialized and powerful antioxidant that protects healthy tissues from free radical damage. Converts rogue oxygen free radicals to useful oxygen and uses it in tissue respiration.
  
• Coenzyme Q10 – Antioxidant, provides energy for cell growth resulting in decreased wrinkle depths and increased oxidation levels"

Lisa’s Experience: I was looking forward to trying this line as I not only had some hydration issues this winter that exacerbated the fine lines around my eyes, I also have some darker pigmentation areas on my cheeks and I wanted to take advantage of the licorice root extract as well as the retinol in this cream.

The directions say to use the Anti-Wrinkle product once or twice daily and I found it best used only at night as my foundation tended to “ball up” if used in the a.m. It does take a little while to penetrate so those who use this in the morning might want to wait 15-20 minutes before applying make-up. This thick pink cream did leave my skin feeling extremely soft and silky feeling. I don’t have a lot of wrinkles on my face so the anti-wrinkle properties were minimal for me. I did, however, notice a slight decrease in my pigmentation but not a total disappearance. For those looking for a quick fix, it does take more than just a couple of weeks to see any difference. Licorice root takes a while longer than hydroquinone or some of the other lighteners on the market.

It’s a nice moisturizer that does provide great antioxidant properties and some pigmentation lightening over time, but consistency is the key word here. For those who are looking for one product that performs several tasks at a reasonable price, this might be the anti-wrinkle cream for you. It has a soft, pleasing fragrance reminiscent of a light floral and doesn’t clash with other fragrances, nor does it linger more than a few minutes.

I was far more impressed by the Advanced Formula Eye Cream. This little pump bottle delivered a thicker than average white cream that penetrated the skin quickly delivering a smoother, hydrated look to the eye area. Fine lines were diminished and the delicate skin in that area felt soothed, smoothed and moisturized. It held up its moisture-retaining qualities throughout the next day. I found that the longer I used it, the longer the results seemed to last. Foundation and concealer smoothed on beautifully the next morning, and there were even days when I applied in the a.m. as well and had no problems with make-up or wear.

Retail Prices:
Anti-Wrinkle Cream $40.00 for 2 oz
Advanced Formula Eye Cream $32.00 for .5 oz
(both at henrybeautiful.com)

DeLush Ratings:
Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Advanced Formula Eye Cream

Review: Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream

What They Say: "Symptom: Deeper lines, darker circles, more puffiness in under-eye area due to stress-related oxygen and nutrient depletion.

Solution: Icelandic Relief Eye Cream delivers immediate relief to delicate under-eye skin. Puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles are minimized and skin is revived with a blend of soothing nutrients. Rice peptides help counteract the aging effects of stress and optical diffusers help to soften fine lines and brighten the eye area for a refreshed and wide-awake look."

Jen's Experience: Because I don't always get the right amount of sleep, and even when I do, have really dark circles and pretty dry skin under my eyes, I am always on the lookout for a good eye cream. This one, sadly, is not my pick. The texture is somewhat uneven, making it difficult to spread on the eye area. Worse, it doesn't do much for my dark eye circles or the dry skin situation. I have actually had people at work telling me I look tired. (And that's after concealer!) Needless to say, this is not a product I recommend.

Retail Price: $45.00 (SkynIceland.com)

Rating:

Review: Clinique All About Eyes Rich

What They Say: "Moisture-rich formula diminishes the look of undereye circles, shadows, puffs and fine lines—immediately and over time. Helps boost natural collagen production. De-puffs with calming botanicals. Even strengthens skin’s moisture barrier against common irritants."

Jen's Experience: I've used a lot of Clinique's moisturizers before with kind of mediocre results, but when I saw this new eye cream advertised in all the mags, I wanted to give this a whirl. I'm so glad I did. I was just hoping for a really nice thick moisturizer since my undereyes get the brunt of my dry facial skin. What I got was actually much more. This cream has perfectly complemented my Murad Eye Brightening Serum that I reviewed earlier this month to remove my dark circles. I have also been impressed with how much the fine lines under my eyes have improved. I barely need to use concealer anymore on most mornings, but this cream makes an excellent base to foundation and concealer. It keeps my undereyes moisturized without being greasy and making everything slip. I am truly impressed with this cream, and I recommend it to anyone with dry skin.

Retail Price: $27.50 (Clinique.com or department stores)

Rating:

Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment

What They Say: Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment for environmentally damaged skin. Dramatically reduce dark circles by an average of 59%* and under-eye bags and puffiness by up to 50%** with this scientifically proven treatment. Patented, triple-action formula targets the signs of environmental damage around the delicate eye area.

Additional features and benefits:

• Hydroquinone lightens skin and diminishes the appearance of dark circles


• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, together with other firming and conditioning ingredients, reduces the appearance of the slackening of the skin while relieving puffiness and under-eye bags


• Olive Extract and Manganese Gluconate help neutralize the effects of the most abundant pollutants, thereby enhancing firmness and reducing dryness.

*In 8-week statistically significant scientific study.
**Among 55% of participants in 8-week scientific study.

Jen's Experience: For those of you who have seen over and over in magazines that there isn't much you can do about your dark undereye circles, this product may change your view on things. I saw that this treatment won the Self awards, and was dying to try it, at least until I saw the price tag. I've had so little luck effecting any noticable difference and $75 is a big chunk of change, especially considering that this is in addition to my eye cream. Well, I've been using it for over a month now, and I think that their clinical studies are pretty much on track. My friends noticed the difference within days, and I've greatly reduced the amount of concealer that I use. My circles aren't exactly gone, but they're at least 50% lighter, if not more. And taking a night off from using this treatment doesn't immediately make the circles return, which tells me that this is different from any other products I've tried.

As far as undereye dryness goes, I definitely think that's improved as well, but I'm also using a richer eye cream now than I was previously. And I don't generally have a problem with puffiness and bags, so I can't really speak to that claim. But to me, the improvement in the dark circles alone make this product an absolute winner.

Notes: You must use an undereye cream with SPF when using this product to avoid causing additional problems with discoloration from the sun's rays. Also, hydroquinone is considered to be possibly carcinogenic (always the stuff that works, right?) and so the FDA is considering a ban of over-the-counter formulas such as this one.

Retail Price: $75.00 (Murad.com or Sephora )

Rating:

Chanel Ultra Correction Eye Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

What They Say: "Get a fresh perspective on the delicate eye area, with firmer and more radiant-looking skin.

This rich, hydrating eye cream acts on all levels to help recover a youthful look. Adhesioderm significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and increases tone. Exclusive Life Cycle Regenerator improves elasticity and helps boost production of collagen and oxygenation of cells. It's as if surface skin is 'bonded' to its support system.

Imparting a more radiance look: soft-focus pigments that also optically diminish signs of age.

Gently tap around eye area morning and night."

Jen's Experience: With a name that long it has to be good, right? I mean, with credentials like that, it should be the super-power of the eye cream world. Well, folks, I am sorry to report that after a few months of usage of this pricey cream, I have to report that there are two things it does not do: lighten dark circles and moisturize extremely dry skin.

When I went to the Chanel counter, my undereye circles were so dark they looked like bruises. I think they were experiencing withdrawal from the fabulous Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream that I used until I had completely scraped it clean of any moisture. I explained my needs, and the representative recommended this one (although I can't imagine why since they've got a lot of other products that are more geared for my specific undereye situation).

I follow the directions and I use it morning and night. But still, no relief from the circles or the dryness. I will say that it does seem to reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines, which is what it claims to do. Although those aren't my primary areas where I need improvement, I do actually see the benefits there. If those are your undereye issues, this product may be the one for you. However, if dark circles are ruining your life, you may be able to get some relief with the Olay undereye cream.

Note: Since then, I've gone back to the counter and they've given me the Chanel No 1 Eye Cream to try, and I found it to be much more effective in terms of reducing the dark circles and moisturizing the eye area. Some day when I have $110 to spare, I may have to give that a try. (I know some of you are probably wondering why I happily purchased a $75 cream but balk at the idea of $110...well, it's probably just a mental block, but I can't go to 3 digits for my eye creams. Not yet, anyway.)

Retail Price: $75.00 (Chanel, or your local department store)

Rating:

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

What They Say: "The modern, magic, make-up base that smoothes away lines, pores and imperfections instantly! Formulated with innovative line-filing technology to reveal a complexion that's practically perfect. Perfect for all skin types. Silky-smooth and oil-free, it virtually becomes one with the skin. Use alone or under foundation.

Benefits:
• Smoothes away the appearance of lines, pores and imperfections
• Helps balance skin's hydration.
• Protects against harmful free radicals"

Jen's Experience:Ever since 30 was on the horizon, I started taking notice of the tiny lines appearing around my eyes. How could this be? Did I not use enough moisturizer? Did I spend too much time in the sun? Whatever the case, it became time to find a nice product to help cover up the damage, and I thought this one might do the trick.

It's very thick, sort of like a butter. I put the rich, pink creme under by eyes like it was spackle, and at least at application time, it seemed to do some good. I put concealer or foundation over top to look work-ready. It's not terribly long lasting, though, and my dark circles show through in no time flat. I also wish it was more moisture-rich. I felt like it was making the skin under my eyes dry, and that's just not good.

Maybe if I didn't have dry skin or the dark circles, then this product would be great, but for me, I think there's better out there.

Retail Price: $26.00 (Gloss.com)

Rating:

L'Occitane en Provence Magic Eye Balm

What They Say: "A natural wonder. Reverses the dehydration that exaggerates fine lines, and diffuses the appearance of puffiness and dark circles with iridescent micro-particles for a brightening effect. With 5% Shea Butter to nourish and smooth, and a phyto-complex of calendula, ruscus and centella asiatica to help increase microcirculation. The balm is slightly tinted, to help conceal dark circles and even out skin tone."

Jen's Experience: I have tried many, many eye creams, but this one is truly different. As far as moisturizing the eye, helping with the fine lines and wrinkles, ridding me of dark circles, I do think using it has resulted in some level of improvement in the area in my under-eye area, though comparable to other creams that I've tried. But none of those products were smart enough to tint their cream so that it gives the illusion of instantaneous improvement while it's working. And that little slight of hand is magic to me.

Tips: This product works well under make-up (or alone if your dark circles are not severe). If any products such as concealer, foundation or powder are to be applied, be sure to wait until the shea butter has been absorbed into the skin. Otherwise it tends to mix with the product and create uneven coverage.

Retail Price: $20.00 (L'Occitane and Sephora)

Rating:

Kiehl's Abyssine Eye Cream

What They Say: "This advanced preparation is made with naturally-derived ingredients which diminish the effects of aging and help skin protect itself from external damage. Abyssine (Alteromonas Ferment Extract), a survival molecule which thrives under the extreme conditions in hydrothermal ocean vents, helps soothe and protect skin. This formula, prepared with Aminokine (Soy) and Phytopeptides (Wheat), helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness and elasticity. Apricot Kernel Oil helps condition and moisturize as powerful antioxidants Polytocopherols and Gingko Extract protect against free radical damage. The result: Skin reveals a radiant, youthful glow with an improvement in texture, resiliency and clarity. Dermatologist-tested for gentleness and suited for sensitive skin."

Jen's Experience: I went to the Kiehl's counter at Saks recently looking for a good eye cream to help with my ever-present dark circles and that would prevent those fine lines that seem to be multiplying on a weekly basis. I could always try one cream for night and one to go under make-up, but generally I try to find an all-in-one product, so that was part of the request. The Kiehl's rep highly recommended this cream, which is also listed on their site as a customer favorite.

After taking it home and giving it a try for the past month or so, I really have mixed feelings. My undereyes look better as soon as I put it on; this isn't a product that you have to use for a month to see results. It certainly brightens the appearance of my dark circles. A night without it leads to prolonged concealer time in the morning.

However, I don't think it works well under make-up. It's just too thick a moisturizer to allow layers of anything on top of it. It all just slides around. My undereye makeup doesn't even last all day when I am wearing this eye cream. This is certainly not what I experienced the Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Cream, which for me, still reigns supreme in the eye cream category.

This is not a bad product for a nighttime eye cream, but for a multi-purpose cream that allows for daytime wear, I'm just not impressed.

Retail Price: $38.00 (Kiehl's)

Rating:

Bibo's Got You Covered for Winter Skin Care

Amazing Grapes Moisturizer and Positive Outlook Eye Renewal Cream
"These two products are phenomenal! I am constantly using them on the set and continue to be impressed with the results," says Sharin Helgestad, who uses the combo on celebrities like Molly Sims, Vanessa Marcil, and Nikki Cox on the show "Las Vegas".
..."The great thing about both Amazing Grapes and Positive Outlook is that together they act as a preventive as well as reparative agents," says Helgestad. Amazing Grapes prevents negative sunlight exposure while repairing damaged cells and Positive Outlook reduces fine lines and repairs skin's surface.

Bibo's Amazing Grapes Green Grape Oil-Free Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin SPF 15
What They Say: "Refine and de-shine skin with this lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that performs an amazing balancing act. Green grape promotes cell health and repair, and works with SPF 15 to prevent future damage. Skin looks fresh and healthy, feels soft and smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've been using this as my morning moisturizer for a while now, and I can't say I'm anything but impressed! First of all, the fresh scent is energizing, and the light, non-greasy lotion soaks right into my skin and helps it feel soft and calmed. I feel like my face is parched without it.

Retail Price: $11.50 (go to bibocosmetics.com to find a salon or Beauty Brands location near you that sells Bibo products)

DeLush Rating:


Bibo Positive Outlook Guava Enriched eye Renewal Cream
What They Say: "Renew the delicate skin around your eyes with this gentle all-in-one eye cream. Intensely moisturizing guava helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles, soothe puffiness and promote firmer looking skin. Eyes will look bright and fresh, skin will be soft and smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This cream truly is revitalizing. With its crisp but subtle fruit scent and its ever-so-slight brightening sheen, you get an immediate eye boost. You'll also feel a subtle firming of the eye area when it is applied. I like to use this as a morning eye cream mostly, because it's not heavy at all and is great for under makeup. One tiny drawback - make sure to carefully apply evenly, or you could get a bit of excess sheen under your eye after the product has soaked into your skin.

Retail Price: $11.50 (go to bibocosmetics.com to find a salon or Beauty Brands location near you that sells Bibo products)

DeLush Rating:

Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream

What They Say: "Gives a radiant glow and fights 7 signs of aging
With VitaNiacin®

1. Improves dullness for a radiant glow
2. Evens out skin tone
3. Lessens the appearance of dark circles
4. Visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
5. Intensively hydrates dry skin
6. Noticeably softens uneven texture
7. Minimizes puffiness.

This exclusive formula is: Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist Tested"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Eye creams are abundant out there, and I'm always confused about which ones to try. Sometimes I'm wholly disappointed by the lack of noticeable effect, and other times, like now, I am thoroughly pleased. I am a fan of the Olay skin care line anyway, so I wasn't very apprehensive about trying this. The cream is very soothing, and has an instant lightening effect. I believe there's a slight tint that helps add to the brightness. My eyes feel incredibly refreshed after applying it.

User Tips: Use a light hand when applying. Dot it around your eyes with your ring or pinky finger and give it a few minutes to absorb into the skin before applying anything over it. I use this morning and night.

Retail Price: $18.99 (drugstore.com and drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating: