Skincare products for the delicate under-eye area are a bit hit and miss, in my experience. They either deliver very little or nothing at all. But I’m a trier - never quite willing to give up on that slim hope that maybe, just maybe, the next ‘miracle’ product I invest my hard-earned cash in will actually work. Which brings me to BYOMA De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel.
This isn’t a product I rushed out to buy. I came across it, by chance, while looking for a caffeine serum (which does offer some noticeable under-eye benefits) in Boots. I was struck, like I’m sure most first-time purchasers are, by its unmissable packaging. Dusky pink with soft, rounded corners, it's the sort of product that would look great on any dressing table or bathroom shelf. Brightly coloured, but in a muted, tasteful kind of way.
BYOMA is a brand I’m familiar with, but only because I spend far too much time browsing skincare categories on the likes of Amazon. This was the first time I’d seen a physical BYOMA product, and it was instant eye candy. Before making a purchase decision, I first looked at the price. The eye gel retails for £12.99, which is slightly more than I’d normally pay for a serum. Swayed by the scientific ingredients, I plucked one off the shelf to pop into my basket.
Wait up… There was nothing in it. The bulky-looking container felt empty. Convinced I’d selected a tester product, I put it back and reached for another further back on the shelf. Same. It felt devoid of any contents. After picking up and putting down the shop’s entire stock of the eye gel, I came to the conclusion that (unless a shoplifter had come along and sneakily emptied every bottle) that’s how they were sold - with not a lot of product in them.
I reluctantly parted with £12.99, not convinced I was getting my money’s worth. Such big packaging for so little product - 20ml. Before I break down the gel’s active ingredients and pick over my experience of using it, I want to delve into the arguments for and against under-eye skincare products.
Do you need an eye gel?
Not everyone needs an eye gel, or any other type of under-eye skincare treatment. This is something that influencers have rammed home quite hard over the past 12 months. They have, rather convincingly, pointed out that a good moisturiser can be just as good when it comes to looking after the delicate skin under the eyes. Most of them, however, are on the right side of 40 and have yet to experience skin concerns that go hand-in-hand with ageing. Lucky them!
So, what are the pros of using a skincare product specifically formulated for thin skin under the eyes?
Targeted hydration: Eye creams, gels and serums are specifically formulated to deliver intense moisturisation to the delicate skin around the eyes, which can be more susceptible to dryness than other areas of the face. An extra shot of hydration can help to minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Some claim to be able to reduce puffiness and the appearance of sagging or dark circles.
Active ingredients: Nearly all skincare products developed specifically for the eye area contain active ingredients that address specific concerns. Think of bags, dark circles, morning puffiness and fine lines. Popular active ingredients include retinol, peptides, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid.
Prevention: Using an eye gel, cream or serum from your early 30s may help to prevent premature ageing.
Onto the cons…
Expense: Skincare products designed for the eye area are often more expensive than run-of-the-mill anti-ageing moisturisers.
May not be necessary: For many people, a good moisturiser or serum is sufficient for their eye area.
Chance of irritation: The skin around the eyes is sensitive, and choosing an eye cream that is formulated with ingredients that don’t suit your skin type could lead to stinging or redness. To avoid irritation, always patch test an eye product before applying it to your face. Behind the ears is a good place to try a new product first.
Review BYOMA De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel
The active ingredients in this product include trusty vitamin C, triple hyaluronic acid and tri-ceramide complex, which mimics natural lipids found in the skin and safeguards moisture levels as well as the skin’s barrier. BYOMA De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel has a pump action delivery system. One pump is enough to treat both under-eye areas. The gel is transparent off-white and is fragrance-free.
I’ve been using the gel morning and night for a week. It’s non-oily and absorbs well. The results? Nothing visible to the naked eye. I still have a definite bag on the right side of my face and a few fine lines. Does it feel moisturising? Yes. Is it brightening? The jury is still out on that one.
Apart from wondering just how many days worth of product I’ve got left, I’m questioning the value of this gel in my routine. It certainly feels lovely on the skin, but that’s not why I bought it. I want a product that is going to deliver a noticeable difference to my under-eye area. If you look online at the product description, it infers instant results - particularly in relation to brightening. I can’t say that I’ve noticed that benefit - yet.
Because I have spent £12.99 on the gel, I will continue to use it until it runs out. If I notice more obvious results in the meantime, I will update this post. It hasn’t worked, so far, on my skin, but that’s not to say it won’t work for someone else. Everyone’s skin is different.
BYOMA is a brand that puts protecting the skin’s barrier at its core. One hope I do have for its De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel is that it protects my skin going forward and minimises further age-related concerns.
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