If there is one beauty conundrum I am asked time and time over, it's this: but do I really need an eye cream? I get it, the thought of adding another step to an already brimming beauty routine seems excessive, laborious and admittedly a little luxurious, too. But take it from experts like consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, who explains the best eye creams are a crucial component in any comprehensive skincare regime. And if you ever needed any proof of their uniquely placed magic, allow me to introduce you to Shiseido's new Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Eye Cream, £75.
At £75 a pop, you wouldn't be blamed for expecting a lot from this small 15ml tub of cream, but thankfully the Japanese skincare powerhouse's latest innovation is no ordinary eye perfecter. Following in the footsteps of the brand's existing Vital Perfection best-sellers, the new eye cream seeks to reimagine targeted eye care by blending Shiseido's knack for cutting-edge science and dermatology-backed research with traditional Japanese skincare wisdom and holistic wellbeing.
What is the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Eye Cream?
Sticking to the Vital Perfection range's aim to lift, firm, and brighten skin, the eye cream goes big on correcting sagging, deep wrinkles and dark circles around the delicate eye contour with a retinol-based clinically-proven formula. Retinol ACE is the key ingredient in the mix and while it may seem like too potent an ingredient to use around the thin eye area, experts like GP and skin expert, Dr Raj Arora, concur that retinol is one of the best ingredients when it comes to addressing overall skin health as well as wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness with effective eye creams.
But Shiseido has gone a step further with its inclusion of Retinol ACE, a stabilised retinol derivative adapted specifically for the eye area to offer up the traditional benefits of retinol, including supporting hyaluronic acid production and encouraging natural epidermal turnover. Patented SafflowerRED™ technology (the line's signature ingredient) has been added to amp up the power of the retinol by enhancing circulation, providing antioxidant protection, and boosting skin self-regeneration to lift, firm and brighten. Together, the duo proves to be three times more effective than retinol alone. Impressive, indeed.
Boosting the formula further are Shiseido's two exclusive technologies, the new MicroVitalizer Technology™ and ReNeuraRED Technology™. The former targets senescent cells (damaged skin cells that no longer divide and instead linger to release inflammatory signals that accelerate signs of ageing), and disrupts their cycle with neem leaf – an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that works to neutralise the process. Shiseido's ReNeuraRED Technology is the product of 20 years of research and comprises of hardworking botanical extracts like natsume, red ginseng and ashitaba which activate the skin's sensory pathways to enhance communication between cells to ensure skin remains responsive to the cream's effects over time. The result? A formula that help accelerate and improve the skin’s long-term ability to regenerate from the inside out.
Shop: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Eye Cream
www.shiseido.co.uk
Shiseido has bottled up all that it is famed for - read: cutting-edge science, dermatology-backed research, traditional Japanese skincare wisdom and holistic wellbeing – into this powerhouse product that tends to the delicate eye area both immediately and long-term for lasting results that
boost the skin’s self-regenerative potential.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While I am well attuned to the benefits of eye creams, I will be the first to admit that it takes a lot for me to slot one into my daily routine consistently. But I've had no problem getting into the swing of things with this. I have been layering it onto the contour of my eye area (under eyes, eye lids, and the brow bone) with precision thanks to the accompanying roller ball applicator, which doubles up as a three-in-one massage tool inspired by Japanese acupressure. It feels cool to the touch and instantly works to de-puff, massage and stimulate targeted areas. If not the magic of the cream itself, this comforter will surely get you using the treatment regularly for a much-needed moment of self-care. As for the cream, as with most of Shiseido's products, it is rich, decadent and soothing. It revives the look of my tired under eyes almost instantly, feels ultra-comforting and quickly quells any tightness or dryness with a nourishing veil that lasts well into the day. A week of use later, I've been left bright-eyed and I can certainly use plenty of that with the start of autumn, that's for sure.'
Pros
- Comes with a three-in-one massage tool applicator
- Boasts immediate and long-term effects
Cons
- High price point
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).