My Eye Care Routine: Pampering Tired and Puffy Eyes!
Growing up, I always used to complain about my skin. I always struggled with breakouts and oily skin. As I have gotten older, that has improved, but thanks to my diligent skin care routine, I have it under control. My skin is probably at the best it has ever been! Despite my complaints, I think my oily skin has left my skin less dry, wrinkly, or showing age as I get older (I’m 35). I’m also about a lot of prevention (another blog post on that coming soon!) which I think has helped. Despite my best efforts, I do struggle with some puffiness and wrinkles UNDER my eyes (not too much on the sides yet). They are definitely better when I am able to get up naturally and get enough sleep (typically only on the weekends), so this is a struggle for me most weekday mornings. To address this, I have done so much searching on products I like and that work (and I’m always looking for better and willing to try new things), but these are what I find to be my absolute favorites!
MOISTURIZING EYE CREAM
One of the first eye care products I ever tried was eye cream. When I was in college working at the men’s fragrance counter when I was home during the holidays and summer, I was introduced to eye cream after receiving so much free gratis as an employee. My mom said that I should start using eye cream as a preventative measure, and I started using it every night just because I had the product. As a result, it has become part of my daily routine, and as I got older, I even incorporated it into my morning routine. There was a small period of time when I wasn’t using this, and let me tell you, I was so dry around my eyes and my eyes looked tired and older (even though I was only like 27). I went back and started using eye cream and what a difference. Nothing is a miracle worker, but this definitely makes a difference, especially the longer you use it and the more consistent you are. I use this every night and every morning. In the morning, it is generally the first eye product (except when I use eye masks—more on that below) I put on in the morning (contacts always go in first too). Read for more info and click on the images above to shop!
I used the Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel more frequently a few years back but found as I got older it was not doing the job for me. I think this is a great product if you don’t have as many of the dry or puffy challenges as I do or if you are a little younger in your twenties, as I don’t think it is as heavy but still gets the job done. I always keep in my refrigerator for a cooling effect when I put it around my eyes. I still have in my refrigerator and use it every now and again. It feels awesome!
The Clinique All About Eyes Rich is what I have been using now more frequently, especially as I reach my mid-thirties. This is super moisturizing and think it is awesome for addressing dark circles and keeping puffiness at bay. Ever since I started using this, I rarely have dry skin around my eyes. I have used the Clinique All About Eyes (not the Rich one) prior and think it works just as well; however, it is more of a gel. I just prefer the Rich now due to my age.
DE-PUFFING PRODUCTS
As I mentioned, I often deal with puffy and tired eyes, especially in the morning or if I didn’t sleep well. Although I found my eye creams I discussed above help with that, I was still having issues with this. Especially since I take so many Instagram and blog photos, I never want to look tired! These typically go on after my moisturizing eye cream and are only used in the AM. I invested in the following products. Click on the photos above to check them out.
Dr. Brandt Needles No More No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel was almost made for me! I only discovered this after seeing it in the Ulta check-out line. I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I’m so glad I did—it has been a must in my morning routine. Again, no product is a miracle worker, but I have found it made a difference for me (everyone is different too!). I only use it in the morning and dab a small amount on areas I feel are puffy (which typically tends to the be outer undereye corner for me).
I also received a free sample of the Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Eye Cream and am really loving this too! I have not used it long enough or consistently enough to give a great review, but if you are a Philosophy line lover, you may want to check this out. :)
eye masks
I just discovered eye masks within the last year and really started to use them. I was lucky to have received free samples of these to try, and I am hooked. Now, these are not part of my daily routine and are used more of as an emergency intervention or if I’m really getting ready for a big event and want to look my absolute best. I have found that these work wonders when I use these first (before any of the above products) before I put on my make-up. I use these as part of my routine when getting ready. I supposed you could use them as part of a pampering session, but I need the actual benefits STAT when I’m breaking these out. I have used these when I have cried the night before (and my eyes are still puffy), when I have had no sleep, was out late and needed to get up early, or drank too much! Like I said, I have stock in these when necessary. Read on for more info and shop the photos above!
I am absolutely LOVING the Pathology Eye Masks, especially the Chill Mood, as it is great to de-stress and get those eyes under control—especially if you’re exhausted from a bad day or the effects (puffy eyes from crying) are showing.
I received the Wander Beauty Eye Masks in an Ipsy bag, and they are still by far some of my favorites! They are so fun looking with the gold foil and DO THE TRICK. After having puffy eyes from crying one night, I was amazed what these did. I especially liked that they stayed on better than some other brands I have used.
I received the Blaq Charcoal Eye Masks in one of my FabFitFun boxes this past year, and they are my second runner up. They definitely work, but I prefer the Wander Beauty ones. I think Wander works slightly better, are prettier, and stay on easier. But these are great if they are in my drawer, and I would encourage you to give them a try, especially since everyone has different preferences!
ORBITS EYE STONES
One thing that my mom actually picked up for me one Christmas was these awesome Hukka Orbits Eye Stones. They are made from Finnish BedRock. I have these in my refrigerator and break them out whenever I need them. I often use them when I need to depuff my eyes (when I’m getting ready for a big event or just doing a pampering spa day at home), my eyes are tired (especially after staring at a computer screen all day at work), or when I’m dealing with a migraine, headache, and achy eyes. I may even go get these out after doing blog stuff all day! These are great for anyone, even if you aren’t experiencing the same puffy eyes like I do but need relief for tired eyes or a headache. I think these are a great gift for anyone!
So there you have it! What do you think of all my products? Have you tried any of them? What are your favorite products to use?
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