When it comes to eye creams, I don’t mind splashing out. Take Skin Rocks, for example, which comes in at an eye-watering £65. Expensive, yes, but in my opinion, the results were absolutely worth it - it was a total tonic for my sleep deprived peepers. So, when I noticed a spike in Google searches for the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream, £15.99 a few months ago, my interest was piqued. TikTok creators have been singing its praises, raving about its brightening, smoothing and lifting abilities. Could it really be as impressive as my beloved Skin Rocks? Naturally, when it landed on the Grazia beauty desk, I was keen to start testing in the name of beauty journalism - and spoiler alert: I’m seriously impressed.
What does the L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream do?
Fight against sagging eyelids, that's what. Enriched with soya-ceramide complex, rich in peptides and essential lipids (all known to support the natural production and maintenance of skin's fibres), it intensely hydrates and nourishes the skin. This, in turn, reduces the appearance of sagging.
Shop: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream
www.boots.com
What L'Oreal says: 'A re-hydrating and anti-sagging eye cream for mature skin. Over time, skin can lose up to 30% of skin maintaining fibres. The skin dehydrates, the face can sag and dark spots can appear. This replenishes the eye contour area, intensely hydrating and nourishing the skin.'
What we know: Having hit viral status online, L'Oreal's Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream has been selling out fast thanks to its ability to plump up tired, sagging skin.
What Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'While the results weren’t immediate, I began to notice a visible improvement in my dark circles around the three-week mark. The fine, crepey lines at the corners of my eyes appear softer and smoother too, an effect I’ve only previously seen this quickly when using Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks eye cream. And as for the 'lifting' effect? Well I did see an improvement there too.'
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Packaging not very luxe
How to use the L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream
Simply take a small amount on the tips of your fingers and glide it around the orbital bone in a gentle, circular motion. Apply any excess across the eyelids. It absorbs quickly, but a little goes a long way.
Our review
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says:
I won’t pretend that sleep has been abundant in my life over the past three weeks, but this eye cream has done an admirable job of minimising the worst of the evidence. The texture is rich and indulgent – reminiscent of Pond’s Cold Cream – yet it absorbs swiftly, leaving behind a subtle, tell-tale glisten. While the results weren’t instantaneous, I began to notice a visible improvement in my dark circles around the three-week mark. The fine crepey lines at the corners of my eyes appear softer and smoother, too - an effect I’ve only previously experienced this quickly with Caroline Hirons’ eye cream. Though it’s been marketed with mature skin in mind, I’ve found it works beautifully with my thirty-something complexion. I’m starting to notice the first signs of sagging around my eyelids, and I do believe this has helped to firm and plump their appearance, lending a subtle ‘mini eye-lift’ effect that’s given my confidence a real boost. No harm in starting early, is there?
But let’s be clear- this isn’t a miracle worker. There’s only so much an eye cream can do, and it’s no substitute for an actual eye lift...obviously. That said, my eye area certainly doesn’t betray the fact I’ve been severely sleep-deprived for nearly a month - I’ve been waking up looking noticeably brighter-eyed and more refreshed. Those firming, plumping amino acids? I’m officially hooked. As always, consistency is key. I haven’t yet hit the three-month mark with this, but I’ll be sure to update once I do. Watch this space.'
Final verdict
For a rested, rejuvenated eye area (even if your actual resting and rejuvenating has been minimal) then this eye cream is a great option. While Skin Rocks The Eye Cream, £65 still has my heart, L'Oreal's Paris Age Perfect Hydrating Eye Cream is an affordable alternative worth paying attention to- especially if you have mature skin in need of a pep-up.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Rachael became Style Writer for heat! magazine before going onto work as Digital Writer for Boots Health and Beauty. Her special interests include fragrance (rose based scents have her at hello), new skincare innovations, and copious cups of tea. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin
