Biotrue Rewetting Drops

RRP: £9.99 for 10ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Biotrue Rewetting Drops 10ml bottle are perfect for keeping eyes that are prone to dryness moist and protected throughout the day. Brought to you by Bausch & Lomb, who also produce Biotrue OneDay and Biotrue multipurpose solution, Biotrue Rewetting solution will help maintain moisture on your eyes. Throughout the day exposure to air-conditioning, digital screens and warm environments can increase evaporation from your contact lens. This leaves the eyes uncomfortable and irritated. Biotrue wetting eye drops help re-moisturise your contact lenses and also soothe irritated eyes. Biotrue Rewetting Drops are preservative free. This makes them the ideal eye drops for sensitive eyes. Plus, you can use these drops whilst your hard or soft contact lenses are in your eyes – without risking your vision or the quality of your contact lens. This helpful 10ml bottle can be used as often as needed throughout the day. Biotrue Rewetting drops contain 0.2% hydraulic acid - a natural tear lubricant. This keeps your eye hydrated in a way similar to tears. The product feels natural and gentle – even for those with the most sensitive eyes."

--Packaging--
It takes a while to work out that the blue handle-like appendage on the side of the bottle is actually used to dispense the drops into your eyes; additionally, this tends to jam occasionally. However, the appearance, size and non-leak properties of the bottle all get the general thumbs up.

--Application--
Tilt your head back and push down the dispensing handle to release 1-2 drops per eye. Easy as.

--Appearance--
The liquid is clear and no visible residue is left around the eye area.

--Scent--
Odourless - so should bother nobody who is picky about smells of products.

--Texture and consistency--
While quite liquidy, the solution stays in the eye, unlike some drops, which can run down into your throat later.

--Effects on the eyes--
Successful hydration of the eyes is achieved, and the solution can be comfortably used during the day whenever your eyes feel dry.

--Value for money--
This seems a lot of money on the face of it, but ultimately this is a high-quality product that would last a long time and is great for travel and home use to combat dry eyes.

perfect partners
One-Day Lenses, £16.98 for a box of 30
Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution, £12.29/300ml
Flight Pack, £6.49 for 2 x 60ml bottles
Rewetting Drops, £6.50 for 30 x 0.5ml vials
Eyelid Wipes, £7.00 for 20

Time Bomb Smart Balm Eye Cream

 RRP: £29 for 15ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"Actively targets dark circles, fine lines and crepe-y texture around eyes. Moisturizes, plumps and smoothes the look of delicate eye area tissue. Has an instant, temporary tightening effect to decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles."

--Packaging--
The white slender tube is nothing special, but the pink and green lettering really pops and asserts itself as part of the brand identity (where pink and green play a big part in the colour scheme across the board).

--Application--
Use your ring finger (the weakest finger, don't you know!) to gently dab this around the eye area once you've washed your face. Pat gently into the skin around the eye until fully absorbed - don't pull or drag the skin.

--Appearance--
Bright white, but sinks in invisibly.

--Scent--
The borage and calendula in the cream come through a little, but there's nothing overbearing in this at all.

--Texture and consistency--
Not at all sticky or drying - sinks in beautifully and leaves skin feeling soft.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as moisturising effectively, it genuinely brightens the eye area and wrinkles appear reduced. Nice one.

--Value for money--
I wasn't necessarily expecting it to be as expensive as £29 a go (I was sent mine for free, for what it's worth), particularly as this puts it in the same price bracket as many major brands (such as Clinique, Benefit and Elemis) - which can be a little disconcerting when a brand is so new to the market by comparison. However, as it works and is a joy to use, I feel I'm in no position to knock it. On the whole, my experience so far as is such that Time Bomb products not only are effective and lovely to use, but as such would make lovely gifts as well (the Time Bomb website has a great selection) - particularly as they have the sparkle of the celebrity factor, too, without being cheesy. Great work, Lulu!

perfect partners
Neck, Jaw and Chest Cream, from £13.50
Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel, £65
Youth Juice Secret Oil, from £16 

TEN Revive Eye Contour Cream

RRP: £21.99 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"-TEN-™ Anti-Age Revive Eye Contour Cream with dual synergy action, reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area, using a combination of sweet almond oil, shea butter and argireline. The skin around the eye is ten times thinner than other areas and with 10,000 movements a day just from blinking, an eye cream is an important part of your skincare regime to reduce wrinkles."

--Packaging--
The bronze and white colour scheme is modest and modern, while the large pot is a generous size compared to normal eye creams. The opaque plastic jar also gives a sophisticated feel to the product, while the plastic white screw-top lid makes it easy to use. However, the pot is slightly bulky due to its size and shape, meaning it could be less productive for travel.

--Application--
Gently use your ring finger to blend a small amount of the eye cream (think the size of your smallest fingernail) into the skin around your eye. Easy.

--Appearance--
A white cream that leaves no visible traces on the skin.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible; surprising, given the presence of the shea butter and almond oil.

--Texture and consistency--
Absorbs quickly and without stickiness, caking or excess product being left on the skin once dry. Good stuff. 

--Effects on the skin--
There is definitely increased radiance, and the delicate skin around the eye seems well-protected from dryness. There also does appear to be a small reduction in wrinkles, although this could be just an illusion created by the greater radiance.

--Value for money--
It's well-known that for anti-ageing anywhere on the body, use of a good moisturiser is required (not even specifically an anti-ageing one), and since I like the radiant and softening effects that this one gives, I would definitely consider using it, particularly given that the RRP represents superior value for money given not only the quality of the product but also the amount that you get. Even though I was sent my pot by TEN's lovely PR, I would without doubt purchase my own and recommend that others do the same.

perfect partners
Luminescence Skin Exfoliation Cream, £23.99
Instant Lifting Face Cream, £23.99
Anti-age Complete Rejuvenating Care, £23.99 

Here comes the sun

The sun is finally starting to come out, and we need to protect our eyes. After all, you only get one set. So what can you do to ensure your peepers stay in perfect condition?

1. Use eye cream. Morning and night. Any one will do. The main things you should look for are moisturisation (naturally), to help bust any dry skin around the eye area, and more importantly, an SPF, to protect against ageing and sunburn. I like the eye creams by Avene and Elizabeth Grant - but any pharmacy or department store will be able to advise you.

2. Use an SPF. While many products (including eye creams) do contain SPF, it's still not quite as good as a proper sun cream. The good news is that alongside sun creams intended especially for the face, there are also sun creams intended specifically for the eye area. Try the following:

• Orlane Paris Soleil Vital 25 Sun Block Stick Lips and Eyes
• Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream
• Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Cream (white tube)
• ISIS Pharma Light Eyes High Sun Protection
• Avon Anew Solar Advance Eye and Lip Sunscreen
• Lancaster Sun Beauty Stick Eyes and Lips
• La Prairie Ultra Protection Stick Eye, Lip, Nose
• Guinot Yeux Anti-Ageing Sun Protection
• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage

3. Use an eye primer. While many women sensibly avoid makeup at the beach - it's good to give your skin a break and the heat and sea water often make makeup run anyway - I can't blame anyone for wanting to look brighter around the eyes. You may as well stay protected into the bargain, so look for an eye primer with SPF. And for those of you who do wish to wear makeup to the seaside, these should keep your eye makeup in place too.

• bareMinerals Well Rested SPF 20 Eye Brightener
• Larenim Eye Colour and Primer
• bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
• Laura Mercier Eye Basics
• Laura Mercier Eye Canvas

4. Get glasses. Sunglasses are an indispensable accessory - not just for fashion, but to protect your eyes so that you can carry on seeing beautiful sights for your entire life. Happily, most brands cover both, providing on-trend styles in conjunction with quality protection. Brand Alley's flash sale (on until Sunday 30th June 2013; Ray-Ban sale until July 2nd) currently sees many major brands on sale at up to 70% off, including Agent Provocateur, Chloe and Fendi. Currently browsing to see what I can get my mitts on :)

Have a great weekend, folks, and enjoy the sun :)

Vichy Purete Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

RRP: £10

--What does the promo say?--

"A gentle make-up remover for sensitive eyes that removes all traces of make-up and soothes the eye contour. Enriched with ultra-gentle cleansing agents and with hydrating and soothing active ingredients, this make-up remover is kind to the most sensitive eyes: allantoin soothes, cornflower extract combats irritations of the eye and eyelid, and vitamin B5 hydrates the eye contour. Your sensitive eyes are effectively and gently cleansed and the eye contour soothed. Tested on sensitive eyes under ophthalmological control. Hypoallergenic, with soothing and fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Non-comedogenic, suitable for contact lens wearers, and paraben-free."

--Packaging--

The cobalt blue plastic bottle has a white flip top and is transparent, so you can always see exactly how much liquid you have left and which also adds to the idea of 'pureness' inherent in the product line name. The blue and white colour scheme is not overly girly and information is kept minimalist but still useful. Opens and closes easily when needed without spillage during travel.

--Application--

Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and rub over eyes to remove eye makeup. There's no need to rinse after use.

--Appearance--

Even though the bottle makes the liquid appear blue, once out of the bottle it's obviously clear. No visible residue is left on the face.

--Scent--

Smells of cornflower, cotton and elderflower without being sugary or overpowering; is generally inoffensive.

--Texture and consistency--

Blissfully simple: there are no glittery or exfoliating particles, and as this is just essentially a micellar water, there's no stickiness or lotion-type qualities either, so there's no qualms about putting this near your eyes. 

--Effects on the skin--

This product removes eye makeup swiftly and effectively, with the possible exception of some exceptionally stubborn mascaras. It also really helps to calm the eye area, which is handy on waking, after sun exposure, after work, or just when feeling tired. However, it is useless at removing any other sort of makeup, although on the plus side it does double up as a handy toner. I don't wear contact lenses, so can't comment too much on this aspect of the product's promises, but as I experienced no irritation while using this product, I would verge more on the positive side.

--Value for money--

This is a high-quality product that does as it promises. However, it's not really 'for me': it's fine if you only ever wear eye makeup, but if I'm going to buy a makeup remover, I want it to remove all types of makeup, not just that used around the eyes. I also unfortunately didn't see its effects as a toner: while it's pleasant and refreshing to use, I had hoped that its non-comedogenic qualities would have improved my skin if I used it as a toner, but it didn't. In short, I wouldn't buy it again for myself, but would not hesitate to recommend it to others if I thought it was suitable for them.

perfect partners

3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution, £11

3-in-1 One-Step Cleanser, £11

Soothing Cleansing Milk, £11

Hydra Soothing Toner, £11

Hydra Perfecting Toner, £11

Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes, £10.50

Purifying Exfoliating Cream, £11

Cream Mousse, £11

Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser, £11.50

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

RRP: £9.50/10ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This Soothing Eye Contour Cream has been specially formulated to gently protect the most delicate part of the face. Rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water and soothing alpha-bisabolol, this light emulsion calms skin irritation, tightness and redness. Dextran sulfate also acts by relieving hypersensitive eyelids. Thanks to its formula enriched with moisturising and anti-free radical actives, this soothing care promotes hydration and protection of the eye contour area and eyelids. Paraben-free."

--Packaging--

Combines white with coral to create a soothing yet unusual colour scheme. The tube is tiny and the tapered screw-top lid is well designed - not too difficult to undo, but stays on securely when you need it to.

--Application--

On a cleansed, make-up free face, blend a tiny amount around the eye contour area. Nothing difficult about that.

--Appearance--

The pure white cream takes on an opaque appearance as soon as you start to rub and quickly disappears into nothing at all. No visible residue left on skin.

--Scent--

Just a very clean, mineral-water type scent. Nothing soapy or artificial-smelling here and definitely not a strong scent.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft and absorbs quickly. Not at all runny.

--Effects on the skin--

I bought this product because I'd had totally unexplained layers of dry skin over one eyelid for more than a week and none of the other eye creams I had in the house were able to shift it. We therefore took a trip to the pharmacy, where the pharmacist recommended this. She said that if the dry skin didn't clear up in a week I was to see a doctor. Sceptical due to the dry skin's apparently bullet-like resistance to every other eye cream under the sun, I used it without hope or agenda, but was amazed to find that a visible difference was apparent in just a day or two days of morning and night use, and that it had cleared up completely well short of the week's usage prescribed. Amazing!

--Value for money--

After my disappointment with Avene's almost completely ineffectual exfoliator, I cannot say I had had much hope in another Avène product. However, my faith in this brand has now been restored, and I would be much more willing now to try another of their products. Now it's much clearer to me why this affordable yet (at times) effective brand is so much beloved by the French.

perfect partners

Eau Thermale Ystheal + Eye Contour Cream, £17
Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, £9.50
Cicalfate Repair Cream, £7.50
Extremely Gentle Cleanser, £8
Soothing Hydrating Serum, £17

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

RRP: £9.70/150ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Wake up and revitalise eyes with cotton wool pads soaked in this gentle, soothing herbal lotion before using Cleanse & Polish. Non-oily, it is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Naturally active ingredients include the grassland herb eyebright, witch hazel, organic aloe vera and cornflower to help tone, cool and refresh tired, puffy or sore eyes."

 --Packaging--

The rectangular packaging is reliable and confident, especially with its twist-up lid, and the calm yellow is unusual too, while still fitting in with the rest of the company's products.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website states: "Apply Eyebright to cotton wool pad to clean and wake up your eyes first thing. For a revitalising, soothing compress, soak 2 cotton wool pads in Eyebright and place over eyes and relax for 5 – 10 minutes." No tricks to any of that. One other tip from the Liz Earle therapists is to keep this product in the fridge for extra coolness on summer mornings.

--Appearance--

A clear liquid which leaves no visible residue on the skin after use.

--Scent--

I would actually say it's fragrance free, which is perhaps a little surprising given the presence of the aloe vera and witch hazel. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing - if you are put off by strong smells in products, have no fear here.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

It's a replica of water in its texture and consistency - and, as promised by Liz Earle, is light and non-oily. It also didn't bother my contact lens-wearing husband; we both found it delivered a refreshing sensation without any irritating side effects. Although it's marketed as an eye lotion, it can also be used to refresh the entire face, which makes it a lifesaver in hot weather. Its lack of harsh chemicals also means it can be used for children.

--Other comments--

I've heard this can also be used to remove light eye makeup, and while I believe it can do this, I don't know anyone who wears *only* eye makeup, and so most people need a more heavy duty makeup remover that also removes foundation etc. Why would you use two products when one will do?

--Value for money--

It's not that I think the price is bad, especially for a product which appears to be totally unique in the market (type "eye lotion 150ml" into Google Shopping, and even without the speech marks, Liz Earle's product is the only one to come up; without the ml specification, even then most of the results are eye creams, which is not what this product is). However, even though I think it is a great addition to a facial (before, during or after a mask, for example), neither my husband nor I could see the point of it exactly in terms of fitting it into our day-to-day routine (we both already cleanse, tone and moisturise). I'm guessing that the people who would get the most out of this product are people who perhaps suffer with eczema, psoriasis or dry/irritated skin around the eye area, but apart from that, most people are not going to make regular use of this product. Liz Earle would perhaps be better off rebranding it as a toner for acneic skin (its Skin Repair Light moisturiser, which is for oily skin, already contains similar ingredients; I would be tempted to use Eyebright as a toner to see if its witch hazel sees off the blighters), a toner for sensitive skin, or a toner for people with other skin complaints (see above for examples). Maybe then it would have more takers.

perfect partners

Eye Try-Me Kit, £22.75 (for 4 travel size favourites)

Daily Eye Repair, £13.25/10ml

Smoothing Line Serum, £13.25/10ml

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £11.75/100ml

Skin Repair Light, £17.60/50ml

Elizabeth Grant The Socializer

RRP: $40
--What does the promo say?--
"Last night you owned the bar - today, own the boardroom. Two eye treatments with all the hydrating, cooling, soothing, de-puffing, dark-circle-erasing, and illuminating action we could fit in each tube. Bright Lights uses mica, a mineral light diffuser. Instantly brightening, it's the key to looking like it never happened. Late Nights blends peptides & Ulva Lactuta to repair, awaken, de-puff & rejuvenate. Exceptionally lightweight eye treatments dispensed in 2 click pens packed in a shiny, re-useable tube. Twist your troubles away with this carefree tube that’s in every true fashionista’s bag."

--Packaging--
Certainly very shiny and eye-catching, with the reusable external tube twisting around to reveal different images beneath of a girl in various outfits, reinforcing the idea that this stuff will take you from day to night with minimal effort. I'm not convinced that the click pen is the most usable option, though, although it is fashionable. I'd personally plump for a rollerball version instead.

--Application--
Select the cream that you require (day or night) and click the end of the tube until enough product appears at the pen end. Less is definitely more and you really don't need much. Smear the amount that appears underneath your eyes and onto the brow bones and then blend.

--Appearance--
A slightly translucent white cream which fades to invisibility once rubbed in.

--Scent--
Nothing detectable; clean without being clinical.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite watery, but still easy to blend in.

--Effects on the skin--
I don't normally review anti-ageing products as I'm so sceptical about their performance (or lack thereof). I was therefore amazed to find, after a week or two, that I really thought that The Socializer had made a difference. I have a few fine lines under my eyes, and I don't know if it was my imagination, but the lines seemed less deep than before after sustained and consistent use of this product. I'm not so sure about any depuffing, dark circle-busting or illuminating action, since I didn't really require this to begin with, but the feel of the creams when rubbed in certainly err on the cooling and soothing side. So even if the lotion fails to illuminate or depuff, I'm still happy if it lessens the look of lines. (However, I've also passed this to my mum for a second opinion, so watch this space.)

--Value for money--
At the moment this is tricky: the price of the product ($40, at today's exchange rate, is £27, or €32) seems reasonable in relation to its efficacy and presentation. However, while shipping is available worldwide from www.elizabethgrant.com, to Europe this comes at the extortionate rate of $33, so if you really wanted to do it this way, you've either got more money than sense or you've got lots of generous friends to buy from the website with and thus split the shipping cost with. However, don't despair too much, as my sources tell me that this product will soon be available in UK boutiques before long. I'd therefore say to UK buyers to keep your eyes open and be patient, and buy this only when it hits UK shelves.

perfect partners
Dark Circle Treatment, $30
Eye Contour Smoothing Mask, $30
Line Erase, $40
Vitamin C Eye Cream, $25
Vitamin C Illuminating Eye Pads, $28

Lloydspharmacy YOUR Organics Eye and Lip Lift

RRP: £4.99 for 15ml
Retails at: Lloydspharmacy branches across the UK, and at www.lloydspharmacy.com

--About the brand--
Lloydspharmacy is one of Britain's leading pharmacy chains, with over 1700 branches across the UK. As well as dispensing more than 145 million prescription items annually, the company sells at home treatments, makeup, face and body care.

--What does the promo say?--
"The star of the YOUR Organics line-up, the Eye & Lip Lift, contains organic camomile to give eyes and lips an instant boost. Camomile has been used for centuries for its calming effects on skin and research has identified camomile's specific anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a hero product in skincare. Use with your existing skincare regime."

--Packaging--
Given the emphasis of this line on the use of pomegranate, shea and rosewater (though not so specifically in this product), I would have expected a bigger deal to be made of this on the packaging, perhaps with a vibrant image of pomegranate seeds or with the calming pink of rosewater. Instead, what we get is a slightly insipid light blue scheme across the range. Still, never mind: the pump mechanism for this product is effective, sturdy, and easily controllable, and I'd have no qualms about taking it on my travels.

--Application--
Smooth around the eye contour area, and vertically alongside your lips (extending down from your nose, where lines first begin to appear). Rub in until fully absorbed; apply morning and night.

--Scent--
The camomile does not come across strongly, but this is no bad thing: we get a calm, neutral and fresh smell that doesn't come across as being at all chemical.

--Texture/consistency--
A stiff cream that turns slightly water-like immediately on contact with the skin. Rubs in excellently.

--Appearance--
White, but turns transparent when rubbed into the skin.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
It goes 50% of the way: as with all eye creams, I did not notice any difference whatsoever on the fine lines under my eyes. However, I was very impressed by how it targeted the fine lines that were beginning to appear around the lip area and sent them packing. I will definitely continue to use this as a lip cream as it delivers visible results in just a couple of weeks.

--Value for money--
As a lip cream, this is really excellent, delivering noticeable results quickly and cheaply. However, it doesn't really cut it as a multi-use product, with no improvement around the eye area. I'd recommend purchasing this as a lip cream alone, and continuing on your quest for the perfect eye cream elsewhere.

perfect partners
Soothing Cleansing Milk, £3.99 for 200ml
Invigorating Face Exfoliator, £3.99 for 50ml

Garnier Vital Restore Revitalising Eye Cream

RRP: £9.99 for 15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Garnier's Vital Restore range is the first to contain a unique combination of orchid extract and soy bio-proteins to address the ageing of mature skin. The eye cream helps smooth the appearance of the eye contour area, and reduce the appearance of bags and dark circles, leaving skin looking more luminous."

--Packaging--
As with the other products in the range, the packaging seems generally sturdy, albeit a little bit 'cheap-feeling' (though at this price, what did you expect?), with no leakage or wastage during use. The dark red tube also feels like a let-down after the pretty pink and white of the box.

--Application--
Smooth a little of the cream under and around eyes before applying makeup, and rub in gently, being careful not to drag the delicate skin as you go.

--Scent--
None immediately discernible, though if you give it a really good sniff the orchid scent is there, albeit not in such a high-impact way as in the serum.

--Appearance--
A stiff, white cream that is invisible when rubbed into the skin around the eyes.

--Texture/consistency--
As mentioned, quite stiff, but this doesn't prohibit the absorption of the cream, and a cream being stiff is always better than a cream being runny.

--Effects on the skin--
Strangely, after my extremely positive experience with the range's serum, I noticed absolutely no effect on the fine lines around my eyes. None whatsoever. Saying this, I'm not exactly part of the target age group, so will be sending the remainder of this to someone who is for the purpose of further testing.

--Value for money--
While this is arguably one of the cheapest anti-ageing products on the market, what good is that if it doesn't actually do anything? Still, judgement is best reserved until it's been tested by someone a bit closer to the age range Garnier is aiming at (50+), and in any case, you shouldn't be put off the range entirely: if the day and night creams are as good as the serum, I'd still rush to the shops with cash in hand.

perfect partners
Vital Restore Day Cream, £9.99
Vital Restore Night Cream, £9.99
Vital Restore Anti-Age Spots Serum, £11.99

Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream

RRP: 117,10 euros/$155/£80.00 for 0.5oz/15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The longevity of the Orchid now captured in an extraordinary Eye & Lip Cream. The protective and regenerative benefits of the extract restore firmness, suppleness, density and hydration to these particularly delicate areas:
• Targets under-eye puffiness and dark circles with autofocus reflectors that light up the eye area.
• A tightening agent creates an instant rested look around the eyes.
• Crow's-feet are immediately smoothed."

--Packaging--
Now, mine is a sample that I got free from a shop (please don't think I'm rich enough to buy this stuff, I'm a poor student after all...), so the packaging is totally different. Mine is in a small tube about the length of my thumb with a screw top lid. The entire tube and lid is gold with all of the product information in navy blue. As far as I can tell, the real thing comes in a glass pot with a gold and blue lid, the pot itself being transparent - through it you can see a smaller blue pot in which the cream is kept. All in all very opulent and expensive-looking and surprisingly not at all gaudy, though clearly aimed at older women. (Would I offend anyone if I hazarded my guess at age 45+?!)

--Application--
Easy really. Just take out a really tiny amount of the cream - think an amount roughly the same size as a pinhead - and apply to the eyelid and to the under-eye area using your fingers. You can also apply it to your lips, but personally I think there are better lip creams out there.

--Appearance--
You almost expect to glow from such an expensive cream. No glowing, but it did sink into the skin extremely well - hence it was invisible once applied to the eye area. The cream itself is almost pure white with no iridescence.

--Texture--
On the eye you can't feel it at all. On my finger it seemed slightly watery, but not much, and overall I'd say it's extremely gentle. It's a bit too watery for the lips.

--Scent--
It's utterly odourless, which is sort of disappointing given how much they seem to rely on the whole orchid thing.

--Does it do what it says it does?--
I've been using it as a sort of eye primer while I've been waiting for my Benefit Lemon Aid to arrive from ebay, and it does this very well. Their claims for what it will do seem pretty outlandish: 'instant rested look', 'immediate smoothing of crow's feet' - sorry, my fine wrinkles just under my eyes are still there, unsurprisingly. Nothing is immediate or instant. Why? Because it's an eye cream, it's not magic. Over time it *may* make a difference but I somehow doubt it. The only claim that seems plausible is the rehydration claim.

--Value for money--
Well, it seems nice enough, and you really don't need to use much at a time so I'm guessing one pot would last the distance. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that other eye creams would do the job just as well, if not better, and there's something in my blood that prevents me from thinking that spending £80 on an eye cream is sensible. But do you know what the best bit is? My little free 2ml tube helped me decide that there's no way I should ever buy this, and if 15ml costs £80, then technically I just got £10.50's worth of product for nothing. Sweet.