Earlier this year Olay released a collection of three targeted treatments for the eyes. The range was created to treat everyday eye concerns a lot of us tend to have. Pictured below are the Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment for deep wrinkles and the Illuminating Eye Cream. I bought two of the three, I didn’t bother with the one that comes in a jar. Today we’re taking an in depth look at the Illuminating Eye Cream for dark circles.
Price
rrp $48.99 AUD / $26.99 USD
Packaging
15ml / 0.5 fl oz. Clear plastic outer, silver cardboard insert holds the plastic bottle in place. The bottle features a pump dispenser. Have you ever noticed how Olay products always look amazing in the box and promos but when you open them they look really cheap ?
Source Olay.Com
Appearance and Texture
Lightweight gel/cream, dual swirl formula, it looks a bit like to a DNA helix with gold coloured light-reflecting pigments.
Directions
For AM and PM use. Apply to clean skin. Dispense approximately 1/2 a pump per eye. I pump 2 drops onto the back of my hand and then gently pat and smooth it around the entire eye including the eyelids, up to the brow bone and outer corners until completely absorbed. Follow with an SPF.
Less is more
Promises and Claims
Reduces the look of dark circles within 2 weeks. Instantly helps to de-circle tired looking eyes. The light-reflecting pigments deflect light from the eyes for a smoother more radiant skin tone. Hydrates and nourishes with a luminous glow.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide : Vitamin B3. Antioxidant, cell-communicating ingredient. Research indicates it Niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles, improve elasticity, tone and texture. Olay love vitamin B3 so much they include it in most of their products.
Acetyl Glucosamine : Skin identical and skin repairing. The majority of research into this ingredient was conducted by the manufacturer of Olay, Procter & Gamble and Estée Lauder which coincidentally also use this in their products. Research by P & G some of which was in vitro has demonstrated the importance of acetyl glucosamine and its ability to help lighten skin when combined with niacinamide.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 : Anti-aging ingredient best known by its trade name Matrixyl. Benefits include improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles. There is, however no research to indicate that it will diminish dark circles.
Vitamins E and Vitamin B5 : Tocopherol Acetate acts as an antioxidant and Panthenol (B5) as a humectant, it attracts and holds on to moisture improving barrier function.
Titanium Dioxide and Mica : light-reflecting mineral pigments that give this eye cream its shimmery appearance or ‘luminous glow’. You’ll find both these ingredients in lots of other cosmetics and skincare that promise a radiant glowing complexion; eyeshadows, highlighters, blush, foundation.
What I liked
• I found it effective at helping to soften and smooth the look of fine lines. Although you’d absolutely achieve the same results with most well formulated moisturisers on the market.
• I loved the lightweight serum texture. It’s my preferred texture when it comes to eye cream. It’s oil-free so if you’re very dry/flakey around the eyes you won’t find this cream hydrating enough.
• Fast Absorbing, it works great under concealer.
• Fragrance-Free suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers should have no issues.
What I didn’t like
• There was no visible reduction of dark circles as claimed on the packaging just a temporary brightening effect from the mica and titanium dioxide.
• The price is rather expensive for what essentially is a minuscule 15ml of moisturiser. I wasn’t prepared to pay full price. I waited for this to go on sale. I paid $24.50 at Coles which is half off and a few $$ less than the rrp in the US. Interestingly, I see Olay Eyes on sale frequently, almost every few weeks. I’m guessing most people aren’t buying this at full price and I don’t blame them.
In Conclusion
Best keep your expectations realistic and low with Olay Eyes. Dark circles happen for many reasons and unfortunately no eye cream regardless of marketing claims will erase the problem. Sun damage can be a major cause, along with genes which are sadly out of your control. Research into the topical application of Niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine on hyperpigmentation may be very promising but of little help if the damage is already present on the skin. Short of praying to the genetic gods to be kind, what you can do is be diligent with applying broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily, wear sunglasses and wait patiently until they invent something that actually works.
Have you tried Olay Eyes ? Share your thoughts with me or find me on Instagram
rokitshopit 
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