“This is the first eye cream I’ve enjoyed using (and it doesn’t give me milia)”

I have diligently tried (but ultimately failed) to get into eye cream over the past few years. They’ve either pilled under my make-up (and ruined my concealer), given me a rash or caused milia (small, tiny white bumps underneath the skin) to erupt. It’s safe to say, I thought eye cream simply wasn’t meant for me.

However, with my 30th birthday looming, one of the most common pieces of advice I was given as I entered this new decade was to use an eye cream. So, I set out yet again to try to find one I liked. This is when Shiseido’s Exclusive Ultimune Power Infusing Eye Concentrate entered my life. 

Its main claims are to hydrate, reduce puffiness and dark circles, and brighten the eye area. Basically, it ticks all my eye area goals. It contains a concoction of yeast extract, rose water and ginkgo biloba (an antioxidant-rich botanical) to prevent tired-looking eyes.

First off, it’s the perfect middle ground between a serum and a moisturiser with its lightweight jelly-like texture. Upon hitting the skin, you get a soothing cooling effect before it’s soaked up, leaving the area looking immediately thirst-quenched.

I noticed within just a week of use that my concealer not only sat better on my skin, but didn’t crease as much either. After a month or two, I woke up from late nights looking slightly less zombie-like than I used to, with less concealer needed to brighten the area.

I didn’t find it irritated the sensitive area either, which was a problem I’d experienced before with eye creams. It softened my under-eyes, which were starting to look a bit dry and flaky due to trying to melt off stubborn mascara when cleansing. Basically, it has rightfully earned itself a place as a staple in my routine.

I think if you’re super dry around that area, treat this as a serum and go in with a thicker eye cream afterwards. But if you’re like me and find traditional heavyweight eye creams cause milia to appear within a matter of days, this is the perfect lightweight solution that doesn’t compromise on results. 

Image: Charlotte Bitmead; Shiseido