Eyes are a defining feature of the face, but taking care of delicate skin around them can become an almost impossible task as we age. Dark circles, bags, sagging and wrinkles all play a part in making us look old. Many people, disheartened by their appearance, turn to targeted skincare treatments to try and rewind the clock. I am no exception, and recently invested in The Ordinary Caffeine Eye Serum.
Before I delve into whether or not this treatment has worked for me, I think it is important to discuss factors that contribute towards problem areas around the eyes.
Of course, ageing is bound to have an adverse effect on the skin. But the extent is often determined by things like:
How well you protect your face from sun damage. UV rays are detrimental to the skin even in the depths of winter, so you need to be wearing SPF every day of the year. In the summer, you can further slow down sun damage by wearing good quality sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
Your skincare routine. Avoid using abrasive products around the eye area and ensure skin under the eyes is always kept moisturised. Double cleanse with gentle products morning and night, and tone before using a serum followed by a night cream.
Dehydration. Believe it or not, many people with puffy, tired-looking eyes are dehydrated. Keep your skin clear and hydrated by drinking two litres of water (or weak squash) every day. It can make a big difference.
Caffeine eye serum
Caffeine is a hot topic in the skincare world right now. Known for its brightening and tightening properties, this is an ingredient being used by many cosmetic brands - including Jeffree Star and The Ordinary.
Who would have thought that something we most associate with coffee, a drink renowned for kickstarting the day, has the potential to literally ‘wake up’ how we look? When applied directly to the face, a serum containing caffeine can almost instantly improve the elasticity in the skin. The speed at which it works in the contour area is another reason why brands are revisiting it as a potent skincare property.
Many users report a visible improvement within minutes. Yes, that’s what got my attention too!
Not all brands use caffeine in serums; some use it in creams or solutions.
Caffeine eye serum by The Ordinary
This product is sold in two sizes - 15ml (usually part of a set) and 30ml. It is inexpensive, currently retailing for £7.90 direct from The Ordinary or £7.75 from Beauty Bay - both for the 30ml bottle. The last time I checked, the serum was out of stock on Amazon.
While The Ordinary does not call this product a serum, that is exactly what it feels like on the skin.
The brand prefers to call it a ‘solution’, presumably because it is very lightweight. It contains a high concentration of caffeine, five per cent, and purified EGCG (epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside). The ingredients work together to remedy puffiness and target hyperpigmentation. Hence, the eye serum targets dark circles at the same time as tackling unsightly bags.
If you are wondering what EGCG is… It’s a natural compound made from plants. It is widely recognised as an anti-inflammatory and is found in the likes of green tea.
I purchased this product as part of a three-bottle set, which also included hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The eye serum is in a dark glass bottle with a dropper.
Using a caffeine eye treatment
Always apply an eye serum to clean skin. If you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin, carry out a patch test before applying this product to your face.
While many people prefer to use a caffeine eye serum in the morning, before applying makeup, I decided to use it morning and evening. Just to see if I could get a longer-lasting result. And, in fact, this product is designed for twice-daily use.
I wanted to try this treatment because I have puffiness which is more pronounced under one eye. It makes achieving flawless makeup difficult and, in all honesty, is guaranteed to give me a sinking feeling every time I catch my reflection in a mirror.
The left side of my face definitely lets the other side down. I know why. When I was a teenager, I developed a sebaceous cyst (huge spot) just below the eye. It caused massive swelling that extended above my eyebrow and required antibiotics. Following the inevitable ‘explosion’, my face was left with a scar.
Anyhow, damage done more than 40 years ago is still causing me problems today.
I first used the eye serum on a morning, after cleansing and toning but before applying makeup primer.
The solution is very light and I only required two or three drops. I gently pressed and massaged the product into the skin, taking care to ensure I included the area where crow’s feet form. I then left the serum to fully dry before continuing with my daily beauty routine.
I noticed the difference when I looked in a mirror to apply eye makeup. The puffiness was virtually gone. Just like that!
For a water-based skincare product, this stuff works like magic.
I have continued to use it and am happy with the results. Certainly, the first day, the results were temporary. By bedtime, I could see the puffiness starting to reappear. Now, it seems to be staying away for longer.
Do I recommend The Ordinary Caffeine Eye Solution?
Hell, yes! I am one of those people who has spent mega bucks on instant eye lift products that sometimes work but always leave behind an unsightly crusty, white residue. It was fantastic to find a silky-smooth, inexpensive product that firms the under eye area quickly and delivers a long-lasting effect.
While not 100 per cent gone, I would say the puffiness has been reduced by more than two-thirds.
Currently, I use the solution twice a day. For the results and the price, I consider it one of my new essentials. It is cheap but very effective.
This caffeine eye serum is easy to incorporate into an existing routine, is uncomplicated to apply and, best of all, it works.
Interested in skincare? Check out more products and routines here.