BEAUTY: TRIED & TESTED
You can’t fake a good night’s sleep… or can you? Our team got a bit of help in that department – here’s what they had to say.
The team puts eye creams to the test
FILORGA NCEFREVERSE EYES, R1 115
This is silky, easy to apply and absorbs very well. It doesn’t make my eyes water (as other creams have done) and seems to have a genuinely smoothing effect. I’ve used the product only during the day and it works well under makeup. I applied my usual SPF on top of it with no problem. I’ve been using it only for a few weeks but I’m impressed: the dark rings and puffiness under my eyes seem lighter. A very good product! – Suzy
NUXE CRÈME PRODIGIEUSE BOOST MULTICORRECTION EYE BALM GEL, R425
I’ve noticed lines developing under my eyes, and this was my first time using an eye cream – thankfully, I’m off to a good start! This thick, creamy product is lovely to apply. It plumps, softens and thoroughly moisturises the eye area. I use it both morning and evening (the botanical caffeine is great for puffiness) before any other creams. I wouldn’t recommend using it under makeup though, as it can cause some streaking. – Ashleigh
KALAHARI ANTI-PUFFINESS EYE SERUM, R250
On first application, I could feel a sight tingle and a firming sensation right away. This cream is perfect for everyday use, and I love that I can use it under my moisturiser and makeup. It’s become my new secret weapon, especially after a late night! – Liezel
EUCERIN HYALURONFILLER EYE CREAM, R319,99
This cream attacks wrinkles on three levels: it contains high molecular hyaluronic acid, low molecular hyaluronic acid and bioactive glycine saponin. It has an SPF of 15 so it works well durin g the day (although I wear sunscreen regardless). I apply it in the morning, and put my makeup right over it. It’s a ric h cream that makes my skin feel hydrated. Plus it’s fragrance-free, so I don’t have to worry about my eyes watering. I’ve noticed a slight difference in the fine wrinkles at the corners of my eyes. – Charis
OLAY ULTIMATE EYE CREAM, R299
I was sceptical about the cream having a tint, but the results were a pleasant surprise. The slightly pinkish nude shade blended nicely with my skin tone; it almost works as a concealer to hide the appearance of fine lines and dark circles – a plus, as I don’t wear makeup regularly. I love the cream’s light texture as it absorbs easily. Within a week, the puffiness under my eyes was considerably reduced and the skin felt soft and moisturised. – Sima
LANCÔME ABSOLUE REVITALISING EYE CREAM, R1 540
I had sinus problems and asthma as a child
– still do, occasionally, so I’ve learnt to live with puffy eyes and dark undereye shadows. But allergies also meant that I rubbed my eyes constantly – cue wrinkles! I’ve used eye creams in the past, but I’m a bit of a dabbler when it comes to skincare and it was an on-off affair (more off than on, at that). Christina gave me a handy tip: to store my eye cream in the fridge, which amplified the anti-puffiness effect and made me feel all bright-eyed. The formula contains Lancôme’s exclusive blend of Grand Rose Extracts, and glides on easily. It also has a lovely fresh, subtle fragrance. Ilo ve that you can see visible results that improve over time. – Sameena
SOTHYS SECRETS EYE & LIP YOUTH CREAM, R1 385
I’ve tried many an eye cream over the years; generally I abandon ship after a few weeks, as it doesn’t seem to do much. What I’m mainly looking for is hydration – my skin is very dry, but I am also prone to getting milia around my eyes, so the cream I use can’t be too heavy. This one was great: it has a lovely, light texture that melts into the skin and contains peptides to boost collagen synthesis. I also love that it doubles up as a lip balm; I apply a layer before bed and wake up with nourished undereyes and lips. – Liesl
DIEGO DALLA PALMA 51+3 HYALU COMPLEX ICON TIME, R775
I have very dark rings under my eyes so I was interested to see how an eye cream would work for me. I’ve never used one before; I avoid creams around the eye area as my eyes are sensitive and tend to water profusely. After two weeks of use, I did notice an improvement in the dark circles, which seemed to fade slightly – so I’m hoping with regular use over a longer period they will fade altogether. Also, there were no allergic reactions or watery eyes! – Caryn
NIKELHIDRIS EYE CREAM, R869
I love this eye cream, more than I thought I would. I was expecting to be greased up to the eyeballs, but instead it was extremely hydrating and absorbent, and reduced the dark circles that I’m so conscious of. I use very little of the product, yet it makes such a difference. The best part is that my foundation applies smoothly over it. The cream contains retinol, which helps to stimulate the production of new skin cells, and hyaluronic acid, which is excellent for dry skin and fine lines. I am really impressed; I love the smell and the fresh feeling it leaves when you apply it. –Janine
CLARINS EXTRA-FIRMING YEUX, R745
I’ve been using this eye cream for quite some time to keep those fine lines at bay – prevention is better than cure! My mom (who has amazing skin, by the way) has always cautioned me about how sensitive the under-eye area is, so I took care to pick a product that wouldn’t be too harsh on my skin. The Clarins ExtraFirming Yeux is made with albizia extract – which boosts collagen and elastin production – as well as caffeine and horse chestnut extract. I apply it every night before I go to bed and wake up with zero puffiness. – Christina
GATINEAU MELATOGENINE PLUS AOX PROBIOTICS ADVANCED REJUVENATING EYE CONCENTRATE, R1245
This eye cream contains Melatogenine, Gatineau’s patented ‘youth activating molecule’, and probiotics to boost radiance. It absorbed easily, and I didn’t feel any irritation – which is always a plus, as I have very sensitive skin. In just two weeks, I started to notice a difference in the fine lines around my eyes. I really liked the product and will keep using it to see if it can help with my dark circles as well. –Crystal✤