Filed In: Eye Creams

Guerlain · Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Eye Serum

 

Inspired by the best-selling Abeille Royale Double R Serum (reviewed here), Guerlain recently launched a serum for eyes that will be replacing the former version in the range. The dual chambers are not only visually pretty cool-looking, but this formulation now packs a bigger punch than before … and that’s always a good thing, in my books.

 

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Neutrogena · Rapid Wrinkle Repair

neutrogena-rapid-wrinkle-repair-opener

 

As much as I love makeup, I have to confess that skincare really gets my motor running and let’s face it; the better your skin looks and feels, the better your makeup will apply too. Win-win. Of course, with zillions of options available today, it can be hard to narrow things down — let along find a regimen that not only works but is affordable, which is why I was pretty excited to test out Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair range because, well …. RAPID.

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The packaging is clean, minimal, and opaque (the better to preserve the integrity of the ingredients), and with the exception of the eye cream that’s in a squeeze-tube format, comes with a pump dispenser system that also locks closed for extra security; this is actually quite convenient as it makes for an easy & effortless application, not to mention a lot less messy than using fingers to scoop product out. All have a very light fresh/citrusy scent which is quite pleasing, but which appears to dissipate fairly quickly after initial application.

All four products shown retail for CAN $29.99 each, but as they are sold via mass-market they can usually be scored on sale. Pretty sweet, right?

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It’s a documented fact that Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients in promoting cellular turnover which thereby results in smoother and more even-looking skin, and the Accelerated Retinol SA in this range is comprised of three key ingredients that work synergistically together to not only help correct & improve your skin’s appearance, but manages to do the job relatively quickly and without irritation. Of course, if your skin leans on the super-sensitive side, you’ll definitely want to do a patch test first.

  • Hyaluronic Acid – adds line plumping moisture to help hydrate, replenish and rejuvenate the look of skin
  • Retinol SA – exclusive technology works to continuously renew the look of skin throughout the day. Retinol SA is scientifically proven to be highly effective in its ability to penetrate the skin’s surface
  • Glucose Complex – accelerates skin’s surface activity for rapid results on the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Scroll through (below) to view the products in closer detail

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As someone who tries more than her share of skincare, I like to be very thorough in my testing before I pronounce myself — but after just one week of testing out Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair, I was not only surprised by the visible results I achieved but felt confident in sharing that with you all. It goes without saying that these are not miracle products (I mean, it’s not surgery for God’s sake) but the improvement in the appearance of my skin is undeniable; everything looks a little brighter and more even-toned, my pores appear significantly diminished, and even those pesky fine lines around my lips and eyes seem somewhat … blurred. I couldn’t think of a better way to usher in the new year than with a new skincare regimen and if you want something that shows proven results + which won’t break the bank, I urge you to take a look at Rapid Wrinkle Repair since the science behind it all is undeniable and oh-so definitely worth a shot.

Available at mass-market retailers nationwide and online

Many thanks to Neutrogena for partnering to sponsor this post/As always, all opinions are my own

MAC x Ellie Goulding Collection

 

MAC Ellie Goulding Collection opener new

MAC may be known for their high impact and [frequently] eclectic colour collections, but every once in a while they throw out a curveball just to keep us beauty lovers on our toes. The brand’s recent collaborations with British songstress Ellie Goulding is a collection that might initially appear rather unexpectedly subdued (for a brand like MAC, that is) but in my opinion it packs a major punch by virtue of all the totally wearable shades. And I mean ALL.

 

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Ellie Goulding for MAC

MAC Ellie Goulding packaging

MAC x Ellie Goulding Collection

MAC Ellie Goulding Collection swatches

MAC x Ellie Goulding Collection swatches

MAC Ellie Goulding Collection swatches 2

MAC x Ellie Goulding Collection swatches (alternate light)

MAC Ellie Goulding Halcyon Days

Halcyon Days Full Face Kit (CAN $51.50) | A two-tiered compact with the top level holding four cream eye shades, sliding out to reveal a face powder on the bottom.

4 Cream Colour Base – Four cream shades can be easily applied with a finger and then blended out for sheer washes of colour, or applied with brushes (I start with a synthetic haired brush to pack on the colour, then go in with a natural bristle brush to blur out any edges or to blend colours together). When used as a base, they serve to amplify any powder shade worn on top – as well as improve wear time. If your eyelids tend to run a little on the oily side (like mine), then I highly recommend applying a primer first. Colour breakdown:

  • Root – oyster/champagne hue with reflective shimmer, can be worn all over and/or for highlighting
  • Tint – pale copper shimmer hue with a slight pink duo chrome flash
  • Every Time You Go – soft rose hue, soft sheen finish
  • Wish I Stayed – mink brown hue with complex shimmer

MAC Ellie Goulding Halcyon Days macro

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Halcyon Days 4 Cream Colour Base (detail)

MAC Ellie Goulding Halcyon Days swatches

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Halcyon Days 4 Cream Colour Base swatches

MAC Ellie Goulding Halcyon Days swatches 2

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Halcyon Days 4 Cream Colour Base swatches (alternate light)

Halcyon Days Medium Dark Blot Powder/Pressed – A neutral shade that leans more warm than cool due to its slight yellow tint. Used to set makeup, this powder also contains oil-blotting agents to effectively keep skin from looking shiny. The texture is very finely milled; so much so that I couldn’t even show a swatch, as it literally disappeared into my skin.

MAC Ellie Goulding Halcyon Days Medium Dark powder

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Halcyon Days Medium Dark Blot Powder/Pressed (detail)

 

MAC Ellie Goulding Only You lipstick 2

Only You Cremesheen Lipstick (CAN $25.50) | A mid-tone coral hue in a buttery-soft & creamy finish that glides effortlessly along the lips. A flattering shade for practically all skin tones across the spectrum (may appear more like a balm against darkest complexions). A new shade in the brand’s Cremesheen finish, it’s made unique with the singer’s logo stamped in a rose-gold hue on the exterior as well as embossed onto the bullet.

MAC Ellie Goulding Only You lipstick

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Only You Cremesheen Lipstick (detail)

MAC Ellie Goulding Only lipstick swatch

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Only You Cremesheen Lipstick swatch

 

Innocent Patentpolish Lip Pencil (CAN $25.50) | A sheer nude shade with slight rose tints in the base for a little extra warmth. The Patentpolish format combines the ease of a retractible pencil, the soft texture of a balm, and the shine of a gloss. The rounded top helps the colour glide smoothly along the lips, while the pale hue provides an almost mirror-free and un-fussy application. Even though my swatch photo (below) makes it appear to settle rather noticeably in my lip lines, the reality is a much more level-looking consistency. Staying power is not strong, which is to be expected with a shade this light, although lips feel moisturized throughout the wearing and long after. Bonus: can be applied over other shades to lighten things up and create a unique – albeit subtle – new colour (as seen in the last swatch photo).

MAC Ellie Goulding Innocent

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Innocent Patentpolish Lip Pencil

MAC Ellie Goulding Innocent swatch

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Innocent Patentpolish Lip Pencil swatch

MAC Ellie goulding Only You & Innocent swatches

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Innocent Patentpolish & Only You Cremesheen swatches

MAC Ellie Goulding Only You & Innocent lip swatch

MAC x Ellie Goulding | Innocent Patentpolish over Only You Cremesheen swatch

 

MAC Ellie Goulding I'll Hold My Breath

I’ll Hold My Breath Powder Blush (CAN $33.50) | What appears to be more of a bronzer/blush twosome (as opposed to a blush duo, which is how it’s described on the MAC website) is in fact the star piece of this collection. The larger tan portion has finely milled gold shimmer to add a sunny warmth and brightness, while the coral/pink bottom shade is surprisingly pigmented (a little really does go a long way) and also bears a shimmery pink sheen. Both shades are large enough that you can reach for either one without fear of cross-contaminating the colours, but I find that the real magic happens when you combine them together to create the most stunning golden coral blush shade. There’s enough of both cool and warm tones to make this suitable for a broad range of skin tones, but those with warmer undertones will find it the most flattering. I love the detail of the embossed logo on the powder’s surface which echoes that found on the exterior lid.

Wear time: amazing, without any fading at all – until removed.

 

MAC Ellie Goulding I'll Hold My Breath macro

MAC x Ellie Goulding | I’ll Hold My Breath Powder Blush (detail)

MAC Ellie Goulding I'll Hold My Breath macro 2

MAC x Ellie Goulding | I’ll Hold My Breath Powder Blush (logo detail)

MAC Ellie Goulding I'll Hold My Breath swatches

MAC x Ellie Goulding | I’ll Hold My Breath Powder Blush swatches

 

MAC Ellie Goulding 20 lash

20 Lash (CAN $21.50) | These demi lashes are meant to be applied to the outer part of the eye, helping to provide fullness and a sultry feline flick. Their smaller size (when compared to full strip lashes) makes them super easy to both apply and wear. Also part of the permanent range (without the logo detailing seen here).

 

MAC Ellie Goulding 30 Lash

30 Lash (CAN $21.50) | This collection of individual lashes includes three sizes to choose from, offering more versatility than strip lashes by virtue of the fact that you can apply as few or as many as desired, customizing the placement of each little bundle to fit your individual eye shape. Also part of the permanent range (without the logo detailing seen here).

 

For a neutral lover such as myself, every single one of these products falls is so completely within my comfort zone; add to that the excellent formulation of each item, and I don’t hesitate to call the pieces of the entire collection shown here a 100% win. What’s not to love about wearable, flattering shades, I ask you?

Most MAC stores may have already removed the display from their counters (a testament to how fast this industry moves), but feel free to ask sales people about the products just the same in case items are stored in drawers. If not, everything is still showing as available on their website – even the blush duo that not surprisingly, sold out within minutes as soon as it launched.

MAC Ellie Goulding opener

 

 

Product samples kindly provide by the MAC team for my unbiased consideration

Laboratoires Filorga Paris

 

Filorga opener 2

 

 

Recently I was invited to preview the upcoming North American launch of a skincare brand that while unfamiliar to me, has a strong European following; introducing Laboratories Filorga Paris, founded in 1978 by Dr. Michel Tordjman – the man who ‘developed hyaluronic acid-based injectible products for the medical profession before Botox took off‘, as well as the creator of NCTC, an anti-aging mesotherapy product that subsequently went on to become the brand’s best-selling NCTF® product.

For over 40 years now, Filorga has been a leading provider of skincare products, both for the medical profession and consumer markets, creating cutting-edge non-surgical anti-ageing solutions that include line fillers, polyrevitalizing injections (NCTF®), peeling and photo-stimulation (LED). As skincare has become something of an obsession with me, I was excited to put this brand through its paces; after a brief consultation, PR sent me a curated selection of products to try based on my skin type and needs.

Testing period: 4 complete weeks (both day & night)

 

 

Filorga Skincare 2

Laboratoires Filorga Paris

 

Filorga Foam Cleanser 1

Foam Cleanser (CAN $35.00) | A clear liquid facial cleanser that transforms into a foam as it emerges from the pump nozzle dispenser. Made with no artifical scents, there is a still a distinct fragrance from the white lily in the formula, a clean fresh floral that while initially obvious, seems to dissipate rather quickly.

Key ingredients include:

  • high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid
  • caprylyl capryl glucoside
  • white lily

Action:

  • hydrating
  • soft surfactant
  • soothing

This 4-in-one product (cleanses, removes makeup, moisturizes, tones) is the first cleanser to include Hyaluronic Acid, which has the benefit of leaving skin feeling both clean as well as moisturized. Totally non-greasy, 2 pumps are all that are needed to cleanse the entire face and neck (in the mornings I use only 1 pump of foam – no need for overkill) with the product rinsing off easily, and no tight-skin feeling left behind – just a fresh, soft & clean sensation. This product has now become one of my favourite cleansers in my skincare rotation, as I am not only happy with how well it removes the day’s makeup, but for how my skin feels after … definitely something I intend to continue using. Suitable for sensitive skin as well.

Filorga Foam Cleanser nozzle

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Foam Cleanser

 

Filorga Skin Structure serum

Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum (CAN $95.00) | A milky-white facial serum of light/medium density with a quick penetrating texture that melts into the skin with a water-like consistency (leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind), coming with a dropper applicator. The scent seems to be a slightly mellower version than that of the cleanser – a fresh & pleasant white floral that while noticeable, dissipates once the product is absorbed into the skin.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Voluform
  • Collaxyl
  • Dynalift

Action:

  • anti-aging
  • cellular stimulation
  • restores face volume
  • boosts skin density
  • skin-lifting

The next important step after thoroughly cleansing, is application of a serum; I absolute love serums for the way they feel as well as how effective they are in augmenting the beneficial properties of other skincare subsequently applied on top. With Skin Structure, I used 2 drops only (both morning and night) that I rubbed between my palms then pressed onto my face (ears and neck included) and lightly massaged that all in – working quickly, as this texture literally disappears into the skin lightning fast. As I don’t have access to complicated scientific equipment to accurately measure results, I let my eyes & mirror be the judge, and after just 2 weeks of using this serum on a consistent basis, my skin felt softer to the touch and also appeared noticeably more even toned.

 

Filorga Skin Structure serum applicator

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum

Filorga Nutri-Filler

 

Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream (CAN $95.00) | A dense white facial cream moisturizer with a soft & buttery-like texture, bearing the strongest scent level of the same fresh white floral fragrance as the rest of this range (even though naturally derived, it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities). Extremely hydrating and suitable for all skin types – even the driest – this cream is meant to not only soothe and add suppleness, but help firm and tone facial contours as well (think of it as Botox, without the painful injections).

Key ingredients include:

  • Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Shea Butter
  • Argan Oil
  • plant extracts
  • red seaweed

Action:

  • deeply nourishes and replenishes skin
  • redefines facial contours

When I began testing this cream, I initially felt that it would be much too rich for my skin type (which runs normal to combination, with oil issues along the t-zone area) as I’m used to less emollient moisturizers. Interestingly though, I began seeing how the serious hydration found with Nutri-Filler began benefitting my skin — which for some reason seemed to need more moisture than ever before (I’m guessing the previous harsh Winter coupled with the present hardcore hot Summer, might have something to do with my skin’s current situation). Fine lines and pores appeared diminished, and this after only 1 week of use; that being said, I did find that it took longer than I’m used to for the product to become absorbed into my skin (and never fully, for that matter), although it did make applying foundation on top that much easier , as long as I waited a good 1o-15 minutes before adding any makeup.

Filorga Nutri-Filler sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Filorga Nutri-Filler macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Filorga Time-Filler eyes

Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream (CAN $75.00) | A milky white eye cream in a silky texture that melts rapidly into skin, and which bears a more subtle version of the same signature scent. Upon application, there is a light initial cooling sensation and once fully absorbed, skin also feels slightly more taut.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Synake
  • sea funnel
  • Hyaluspheres
  • sea extract + plant complex rich in Albizia Julibrissin
  • Matricide with Provitamin B5 (panthenol)

Action:

  • anti-aging
  • cellular stimulation
  • helps smooth contraction wrinkles
  • micro-filling of dehydration wrinkles
  • treats dark circles
  • promotes and strengthens eyelash growth

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than that of the rest of the face, so it makes sense to use a separate eye cream designed specifically for that delicate area. Applying Time-Filler Eyes twice daily to both the under-eye area (which includes crow’s feet & laugh lines — all the way to the temples, in fact) as well as my upper lid, I really liked how easily this product spread and how quickly it was subsequently absorbed into my skin. It wasn’t until the second week of use that I actually noticed changes: fine lines appeared somewhat plumper and there was even a new – albeit slight – firmness I could both feel and see around the orbital area. As I’ve never suffered from dark circles, I can’t state how well this cream works in the capacity of eliminating them and while the hollows under my eyes (thank you, diminishing collagen) haven’t filled up, I can still see some improvement in that area as well. Bonus: no irritation or stinging sensation, even when applied twice daily.

Filorga Time-Filler Eyes sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

Filorga Time-Filler Eyes macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute 1

 

Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (CAN $195.00) | The ‘star’ ingredient (figuratively AND literally) of this premium night cream is meteorite extract (yes, you read that right) and aims to help your skin regenerate while you sleep. Bearing a sharper but still quite pleasant version of the same signature scent, the first thing you notice is the colour: charcoal, followed by the unique texture which is almost jelly-like in consistency and bears suspended shimmery particles. Slower to fully absorb than the day cream, and may leave behind a slight tackiness.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • meteorite extract
  • brown seaweed
  • collagen peptide
  • bran extract
  • Vitamin C

Action:

  • potent anti-aging treatment to target visible signs of aging while you sleep
  • helps fade dark spots
  • boosts skin’s radiance
  • wrinkles appear smoother
  • improves evenness of complexion

I confess to being the most excited about this product, because, well….METEORITE (need I say more?). The charcoal/black colour (which looks light grey at some angles, deep black at others – as seen in the photos below) was another surprise and while it does apply with a grey translucency, no traces of the colour are left behind once the product becomes fully massaged into the skin. The texture is almost like whipped jelly and a little goes a long way; after cleansing then applying the serum and eye cream, I didn’t need much to cover my entire face & neck (thankfully, as this product is on the steeper end of the price spectrum) but I did have to wait a good 15 minutes before I could say it felt more or less absorbed into the skin. After about only a week of consistent use, I woke up to softer, more even toned skin, with a healthy radiance to my face that even my family remarked upon. I did notice an odd slippery feel to my face upon my morning wash, but nothing that lingered.

NOTE: Skin-Absolute is exclusive to Holt Renfrew at both the Bloor St. and Yorkdale locations.

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

Filorga Skin-Absolute

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (detail)

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute 2

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

I’m so happy to see that skincare is becoming more and more mainstream, and not just something associated with an older demographic – a concept I wish had been popular when I was younger … but I digress. Skin care itself has come a long way, with what seems like daily innovations and newly discovered ingredients, all at a wide range of price points; what makes Filorga extremely interesting, is the decades of science behind the products as well as the good results I personally obtained after 4 weeks of consistent testing – and I stress consistent, because for any benefits to be both seen and felt, you need to apply your chosen skin care regimen religiously. Admittedly, this range veers on the higher end of the price scale, but after 4 weeks of testing, I’ve only managed to finish half of the contents – which means you can break down the cost per item over approximately 8 weeks of use each. After going over the products available through the brand’s website, there are several I have my eye on and I definitely intend to give them a try in the near future.

Filorga products are available in Canada at Murale, select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix store, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom. Find more information on the brand via www.filorga.com

 

Filorga closer

 

 

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Creams

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream Duo opener

 

There has been a noticeable shift in the world of beauty towards paying more attention to skincare, as by now we all understand that our makeup will look only as good as the canvas (i.e.: the face) that it’s applied to. Asia has long been a leader in this regard, as Asian women can be somewhat obsessive when it comes to caring for their skin (something I can relate to & am totally on board with, so good on them!) and the latest trend to rise from this need, is a new generation of sleeping packs – products meant to transform your skin overnight. First out of the starting gate is Garnier with the Miracle Sleeping Cream™ (Night & Eye versions) newly added to their Ultra-Lift range, that claims to ‘combat the signs of aging and fatigue’ while helping to regenerate your skin.

Since first being introduced to these creams at the Garnier media preview a few weeks ago (you can read about the event here), I have been [religiously] using both products and am ready to share my thoughts, but first, a little background:

According to researchers at Garnier, fatigue is now considered the #1 concern related to aging, and you can blame our lifestyles for that; sleeping less due to busier schedules, which contributes to wrinkles, as well as loss of firmness/tone in the skin. Oh joy.

The period of time where our body does its most effective regenerative work, is while we sleep, which has to do with chronobiology; that’s when our skin activates its natural reparative mechanisms, and Garnier is tapping into this source with the help of their new Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Creams™. According to the company:

“Formulated with a brand new polymer, this compound takes a toning, elastic form that can hold droplets of oils and active ingredients within the cream’s texture, enabling their properties to be preserved as much as possible. Upon contact with fingers, the polymer is irresistibly attracted to the skin, leaving an ultra-flexible film on the face. Once it is left, the polymer returns to its dynamic form, providing great coverage and allowing the texture to act like a ‘conveyor belt’ that helps the active ingredients to penetrate the skin”.

Spotlight on the 7 Active Ingredients:

  • LHA – a highly effective active ingredient that has been developed to boost radiance
  • ADENOSINE – helps to combat the signs of aging caused by fatigue
  • EXTRACT OF ALBIZIA – a powerful antioxidant that combats fatigue, helping to control dull skin tone and unevenness and reduces wrinkles
  • HYALURONIC ACID – intensely hydrating
  • EXTRACT OF RUSCUS – used to boost skin’s microcirculation
  • JOJOBA OIL – helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barriers
  • LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL – helps improve the quality of sleep and combat the signs of aging

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Cream

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream open

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream macro

Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Cream (CAN $24.99) | Housed in a palm-sized cobalt blue glass jar (to help preserve the integrity of the ingredients against exposure to light), this pale pink-tinted cream has a noticeable fragrance: fruity, soapy, & slightly floral – not unpleasant, but definitely something to note for those with sensitivities. The texture, is where things get fun; kind of bouncy (think: Jell-O) with a cream/gel feel when you rub it between your fingers, and one which reverts relatively quickly back to a smooth surface in the jar. Meant to be highly nourishing/hydrating, but with a lightweight feel upon the skin.

My Skin: combination/oily, crows feet around my eyes (or as I like to call them, ‘laugh lines’), slight unevenness due to some hyper pigmentation on my cheeks, chin, & forehead (SPF and safe sun practices were unheard of, back in the day), loss of elasticity in the jawline area, a bit of seasonal skin roughness (noticeable during the Winter for the most part).

Thoughts: There’s a cooling sensation felt upon first applying this cream to the skin (although it doesn’t last long), and as this formula is quite rich in actual feel, a little definitely goes a long way. My usual routine before bed, is to start by removing all traces of makeup (I never, ever skip this step – even when I’m bone tired and it’s the absolute LAST thing I want to do) then I cleanse and/or exfoliate (I alternate with using a mild exfoliant type cleanser and my Clarisonic Aria). After towel-drying my skin, I take a pea-sized amount of the Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream first and apply that on the skin under both eyes, patting it in (I also dab some on my upper eyelids), followed by dotting my cheeks, forehead, and chin with the Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream then massage it gently in, making sure to not skip my nose and ear lobes (TIP: don’t neglect this last area, ladies: ear lobes tend to show a significant amount of aging, as do elbows and knees). I then further follow up with a light application of the Night Cream along my neck, jawline, and just above the décolletage area (North American women usually apply their moisturizer by staying well within the boundaries of the face; European women, on the other hand, also include the neck and upper chest).

Result: From the very first application, I can’t say that the years melted off my face (I wish), but I did notice several things: I woke up to a more even-looking complexion, but more importantly, my skin actually felt totally hydrated, velvety-smooth, and with absolutely no evidence of roughness at all (electric heating + harsh Canadian Winter weather = all kinds of nasty to my skin). After 4 consecutive weeks of using both products consistently, my skin continues to look more even, slightly plumper in certain areas (such as: under the eyes, along the cheeks and middle of forehead), and even my pores seem less noticeable. Without the equipment needed to proper analyze if the depth of any wrinkles has actually decreased, I can say that overall, some fines lines appear to be somewhat smoothed out, although not erased completely – but much less visible. As I said above, the texture and feel of this cream upon my skin, may fall on the rich side but when I wake up, it  always feels completely absorbed.

One other thing worth mentioning, is that this cream is meant to worn at night ONLY, so don’t try doubling up by applying it as a day cream as well.

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream ingredients

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Cream (ingredients listing)

 Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream swatch

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Cream swatch

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Eye Cream

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream open

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream macro

Miracle Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Eye Cream (CAN $24.99) | Based on the same principles and formulation as the Night Cream, the Night Eye Cream has a similar auto-smoothing texture, albeit the formula appears more gel-like to me and is transparent (with just the slightest pink tinge). Also included among the ingredients to help fight dark circles under the eyes as well as the look of puffiness and fatigue, are ‘rare plant ingredients’, along with caffeine. Not as strongly scented as the Night Cream, and feels like it absorbs quicker into the skin, with no greasy after-feel.

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream ingredients

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Eye Cream (ingredients listing)

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Eye Cream swatch

Garnier | Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™, Night Eye Cream swatch

 

Bottom line: I enjoyed the feel of both products on my skin, as well as the results I attained. From the brand that was one of the first to introduce BB Creams to North America, this skincare first is poised to be equally successful, especially when you consider the price point. Did it perform miracles? Not yet, but neither was I let down with either cream; in fact, I continue to have soft, smooth skin which feels so well nourished, I can almost skip applying a daytime moisturizer (which I won’t). The only downside I can name, is that it is a little strongly scented, as I find most Garnier products to be – that’s something I wish this brand would seriously look in to, as skincare should be more felt, than smelled. Other than that, if you’re in the market to try out a product that thus far has delivered on its claims, then I suggest you give the new Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream™ Night and Eye Creams a look. Sweet dreams.

Available now at all mass-market retailers. Find more information on the brand by visiting www.garnier.ca

 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream duo closer

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration