Hello ageless skincare, goodbye puffy eyes

For six decades, I’ve held a strong belief in self-empowerment. But, in a one-off, mind-bending plot twist, I’m now entrenched in deep, melancholy regret. It’s not that I’ve spent at least half my life dehydrated and deprived of slow-wave sleep. It’s the pesky little things; those niggling annoyances - the kind that most sensible people shrug off with little more than a light sigh - that I let myself blow out of all proportion to cause deep and destructive stress. And the result? Ghastly puffy eyes!

New from Bloom & Brave's 'Ageless' skincare range.

They ‘age’ me, and I don’t like it. I’m one of those women who uses cosmetics to bolster fragile mental health. Mostly because ageing has a nasty habit of creeping up on us and slapping us around the face right when we’re looking for a boost, not a mirror-induced horror story. It’s led me down an expensive and frustrating path. For the past 10 years, I’ve been ‘experimenting’ with topical treatments that have promised to rewrite history and give my face a proverbial lift. I’m still writing about the abysmal effects of time on skin, so you may think my quest isn’t over. However…

I was intrigued to recently discover that an emerging UK brand has launched a new range of anti-ageing products, including not one, not two but THREE eye treatments. I’d previously tried Essex-based Bloom & Brave’s multi-peptide and Japanese-inspired rice skincare - and liked it. With very attractive prices and a growing cult following, this is a brand I’m willing to take a punt on (if you’re obsessive about non-invasive remedies for the ravages of life, you’ll know what I mean). So, I spent the festive season acquainting myself with the following Bloom & Brave products:

• Ageless Eyes Elixir

• Ageless Peptide Eye Refiner

• Defy Gravity Elixir

None of these organic products are expensive for the results they deliver (more about those in a minute). At just £24.99 each, they sit comfortably in the budget bracket while offering benefits you are unlikely to find in products below at least quadruple that price. Better still, you don’t have to purchase all three to see visible gains. You can use them individually or mix and match. I’ve got my own favourite combination.

Skincare formulated to target puffy eyes and dark circles

Bloom & Brave’s Ageless Eyes Elixir is a lightweight, milky serum formulated to target multiple signs of ageing. That includes wrinkles, by the way. Using scientifically proven ingredients, it delivers tri-action results to refine, smooth and deeply hydrate. It doesn’t just sink into the skin; the skin literally drinks it. It’s my new go-to before applying makeup and, during my evening routine, before going to bed.

I’ve been using this serum after cleansing and before applying moisturiser. Used morning and night, it has transformed the left side of my face which has been blighted by an unsightly eye bag for years. After all those caffeine serums that only ever delivered limited results, I never thought I’d find something this good at such a low price. And from a small, independent brand!

Serum: it has a light, milky texture that delicate skin under the eyes love.

Bloom & Brave describes its Ageless Peptide Eye Refiner as a product that will ‘engineer youth back into your eyes’. It uses clinical grade peptides to de-puff skin, diminish dark circles, significantly boost hydration, and strengthen fragile skin around the eyes. Boasting a light-weight, satin-smooth texture, it’s designed to be quickly absorbed so it can get to work straightaway. 

I’ve been using the eye refiner as part of my evening routine. I apply it over the eye serum. I’ve noticed that it locks in moisture all night, ensuring I wake up with brighter, plumper skin. As a combo, these two products work well together - and, yes, they have tackled my puffy eyes.

However, if I was on a budget, I would pair the serum with Bloom & Brave’s standout Defy Gravity Elixir. Not only does it target the entire eye area, it actually ‘lifts’. It’s a noticeable lift as well - and instant. I’ve been using this product in the mornings, after applying the serum and before slapping on my makeup. To say ‘I like it’ would be an understatement. No more white residue from a lifting product!

Boom & Brave says the secret of its ‘lift’ is a formula that actually builds a cushion into the skin. Wow! As well as plumping out the skin to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, the elixir nourishes and brightens the skin. Very few skincare products deliver on all of those points while lifting - not for £24.99. I guess that’s why the brand describes these skincare saviours as ‘affordable luxuries’. They’re not kidding.

The results-driven anti-ageing skincare range from Bloom & Brave is hinged on a maximalist approach to active ingredients. As well as using potent multi-peptides and skin-strengthening ceramides, it utilises organic superstars like turmeric and gold-infused complexes, not to mention time-honoured hyaluronic acid.

All the Bloom & Brave products I’ve mentioned are dermatologist approved and cruelty free.

Why pay more for premium, results-driven skincare when you can get it at an affordable price?

Younger looking skin for £24.99

I know some people don’t believe you can achieve younger looking skin from a simple jar of cream. They’d rather subject themselves to painful, extortionately priced invasive procedures that don’t come without risks. But if, like me, you’d rather take a more cautious approach to turning back the clock, I can honestly say I’ve achieved younger looking skin - and erased puffy eyes - from a product that costs just £24.99.

I’m thoroughly impressed with the results I’ve achieved from Bloom & Brave’s new Ageless eye range. If I was really, really strapped for cash and unable to use all three or pair just two, my go-to would be the Defy Gravity Elixir. If you haven’t heard of it until now, trust me, you will hear about it again. It’s going to be the product that puts this small but ambitious, and increasingly popular, indie on the map.

Oh, and before I sign off to admire my new, lifted look, I must tell you… The packaging is sublime.

For more information about Bloom & Brave, click here.