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This Caviar-Infused Eye Serum Got Rid of My Under-Eye Bags
“Even my derm has remarked on the difference.”
By Joane Amay
Want to know if a product really works? Welcome to Slow Beauty. Since it can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, we have testers try the best and buzziest in hair and skin care for double that amount of time to determine what actually makes a difference.
Confession: Even as a seasoned beauty editor, I have never used an eye cream in my life. So, when ELLE asked me if I wanted to test La Prairie’s new Skin Caviar Eye Lift Serum for three months, I was on board right away—no convincing necessary. (What can I say? It’s about damn time.) If I’m being honest, my eye area is currently one of my biggest concerns; I’m quite self-conscious about it. As I’ve gotten older, my dark circles have gotten darker, often making me look tired even when I’m not. And lately, I’ve noticed that tiny crinkles have started to appear in the corners of my eyes and my heavy lids have gotten droopier. The horror! Needless to say, I am the perfect candidate to test out this eye treatment, and was excited to get started.
Courtesy of la prairie
The product is super silky and glides on easily. It’s separated into two chambers: tiny yellow caviar beads (yes, it’s that luxe) and a beige-ish complex that mixes together as you pump. A little goes a long way—you only need one pump for both eyes. The first time I used it, I was overly enthusiastic. I did two pumps and had too much left over on my finger. (I ended up using the rest around my lip area, because lip wrinkles aren’t cute either). Fast-forward a few days, and I noticed an immediate radiance to my eye area. The skin didn’t look so crepey underneath. Also, there was definitely an instant tightening sensation that gave my eyes a light lift and perk. I also noticed that the serum made me look more awake, even after I had pulled an all-nighter. Maybe I won’t need blepharoplasty after all!
So far, during week one, everything has been good. I have had no adverse reactions—like milia (those unsightly tiny bumps that you can get under your eyes), which I’ve experienced with other eye creams. And although I haven’t noticed any dramatic changes so far, it’s only been one week, so that’s to be expected.
I noticed that my eye area started to tingle lightly after I smoothed the eye serum on. This happened during my first week of using the product as well. The tingly sensation lasted only 30 seconds and didn’t happen every time. It doesn’t bother me too much, especially since I assume it most likely involves the complex’s tightening and firming mojo magic. My dark under-eye circles look about the same, but the area overall looks more radiant. As far as the fine lines? I think they look a teeny bit smoother.
On Wednesday of this week, I fell asleep without putting on La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Eye Lift, but I don’t think it affected my results. The outer edges underneath my eyes appear smoother and more radiant. The inner area is still crepey-looking; hopefully, it will look less so as the weeks go on.
It’s been a month of using the eye cream, and I’ve noticed a difference in the appearance of my under-eye area. I don’t know if others have noticed the difference, but I certainly do. My eyes look more alert, and the skin under them smoother. There is also a lot of product left. I think I’ve only used a tenth of it—a little really does go a long way. It seems like this container will last me several months.
Courtesy of la prairie
My under eyes look smoother, and there’s definitely a luminosity. I’ve also been smoothing the serum on the top of my lids. I don’t really notice any changes apart from the fact that they seem a bit more glowy.
Lately, I’ve noticed that after I wash my face, my under-eye area has been looking drier and more crepey. When I smooth the eye serum around my orbitals, it appears more hydrated, but without it, not so much. I haven’t changed my cleanser, so I’m not sure why this is happening. Could it be the eye serum drying it out? Maybe. Or perhaps my eyes have always been that way, and I just haven’t noticed before. I will have to keep a close watch, stay tuned.
This week, my eyelids look a little lighter and a little more radiant. The outer corners also are a little brighter, but the inner corners remain dark. As for this delicate area looking dry after I wash my face? I am happy to report that it is no longer the case!
I’ve been using the La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift for about two months now, and dare I say—I think my eyes look more youthful. Definitely more buoyant and alert. My under eyes and top lids are brighter and not as dark as when I first started. Plus, both areas look smoother and less crinkled.
Courtesy of la prairie
I’m happy to report that my under eyes look smoother and hydrated. I don’t look so haggard. My eyelids are a little bit less dark, too. As for my under eyes, the outer corners are significantly less dark than the inner corners. I’m not sure what to do about this, as I think the inner corners were always darker. From now on, I’m going to tap the serum into the inner area of the under eyes morning and night while only smoothing it on the outer corners in the evenings to see if that will help even out the reduction rate of my orbital shadows.
Even though I fell asleep last night without doing my nighttime skincare regimen (again!), my eye area looks bright and alert this morning. It doesn’t look puffy or droopy. (Yay!) The under-eye region continues to appear smoother and less wrinkly.
I am generally pleased with the results that I have been getting, and this week is no difference. My eyes continue to look bright and alert. The texture of my skin around them is more supple and smooth. And though I did not get much sleep Sunday evening, I still somehow look well-rested. No puffy eyes here.
I am in the final week of testing the eye serum. Sadly, I got sick on Friday and spent the weekend in bed, and admittedly looked ragged and dehydrated for most of that time. But this afternoon, I finally felt well enough to do my skin care routine. And while I still feel under the weather, I don’t think I fully look it. The serum gives my eyes a brilliant effervescence that disguises my current state and plumps up the skin so it doesn’t look or feel desiccated. From the outside, I give the impression of being refreshed, even though I don’t necessarily feel that way.
Courtesy of Joane Amay
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed using La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Eye Lift Serum. Not only was the experience luxe (who wouldn’t feel extra fancy and relish incorporating a sensual silky serum made from caviar extracts into their skin care routine, morning and night?)—the decadent eye serum actually works. It’s often said that your eyes are the first thing people notice. After three months of use, I can attest that my orbital area looks noticeably brighter, less wrinkled, and all around more joyful. Even my derm has remarked on the difference.
And while $570 is admittedly a lot to spend on an eye cream, after 12 weeks of use, I still hadn’t finished the bottle; in fact, I still had about a third of it left, which should last me another five weeks. That said, the cost per use isn’t really that bad when you break it down. Plus, isn’t it worth it if it does what it’s meant to do? Your eyes—and you—deserve the best, after all.
