This New Eye Serum Promises To Brighten, Lift And Firm – So We Put It To The Test

If I had a pound for every time someone asked me 'do eye creams actually work?', I'd be a very rich lady. Even the most diligent among us can sometimes fall short when it comes to eye care, often believing it is an added frill or unnecessary cost. But a quick poll of expert opinion will quickly whip skeptics back into shape. Skin pros like consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, explains eye creams are crucial. 'The skin around your eyes is unique and is one of the first places to show the signs of ageing as it is so fragile,' she says. 'It needs a bit of extra TLC that face creams just won’t provide'. That begs the question: which one is best? For seasoned savants looking for the next level in eye care, allow me to introduce Westman Atelier's new Eye Activator Serum, £110.

Following the success of the brand's bestselling and award-winning Skin Activator, an all-in-one face serum that works in three folds to restore, correct, and protect, the new Eye Activator has been developed in a similar vein. Much like its predecessor, the formula includes 12 gentle actives (including texture correcting niacinamide and firming peptides), each promising potent results all without disrupting the skin barrier. Both have been developed in Korea by leading skin scientist Dr. Park, a skin barrier specialist who has helped to perfect the range's multi-lamellar (meaning fine, alternating layers that fuse an even bond with the skin), skin compatible formula that delivers a layered release of the actives.

But this new addition to cult brand Westman Atelier's Activator range sets itself apart with a 2-Step, Skin-Smart System. Step one helps to depuff and brighten with the help of vitamin K, alfalfa extract, and white lupin protein, while step two introduces clever exosome technology into the mix- an ongoing beauty buzzword of late.

A beacon of the next evolution in regenerative aesthetics, multi-award-winning aesthetic doctor,  Dr Priya Verma, explains, 'Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring nano-sized particles secreted by cells, particularly stem cells. They act as messengers, carrying important biological signals, like proteins, lipids, and genetic material, to other cells. In skincare and aesthetics, exosomes are used to deliver regenerative information directly to skin cells, stimulating healing, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production, leading to overall rejuvenation. They modulate the skin’s micro-environment and stimulate cellular repair, influencing the skin to behave in a younger, healthier way.'

Infused with an encapsulated proprietary complex that includes niacinamide and a peptide trio, the Eye Activator uses exosome technology to identify damaged cells and treats them with a dose of actives, to help prompt the process of skin renewal from deep below the skin surface for visible smoothing and firming. The brand notes, exosome technology is 'one of the most effective ways to deliver actives to skin. Smaller than the size of a pore, this technology goes deeper into skin's surface and enhances active penetration for visible results in just four weeks.'

My honest review of the Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'As a beauty writer, I'm well versed in the power of eye cream. But that's not to say I'm a religious user. I too understand the labour that comes with remembering to apply another product atop of an already stacked skincare routine. But I make a conscious effort when I know the formula is worth the extra minute in the morning, and Westman Atelier's Eye Activator Serum is one such. Aside from looking ultra-luxe with its heavy gold packaging, the serum's hardworking science-first credentials are prefaced by its serious-looking but easy-to-use pipette applicator. Once dropped onto the skin, the thin gel-like serum instantly cools and glides over to awaken my tired under eyes, helping them to look and feel more refreshed in seconds. There is a slight tacky residue in the immediate aftermath, but I've found that bodes incredibly well under make-up. I love the bright eyed look it delivers and the additional 10 seconds of self-care it offers to my routine.'

Shop: Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum

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).