Of all the major cosmetic brands, Clinique is the one to which I turn when I want the straight story: no frills, gimmicks, or cheap thrills, just simple goodness and decent bang for the buck. Clinique is not the trendiest of brands at this point, but it's hardly technologically backwards either. And plenty of outstanding, basic products come from this division of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder Companies. Having received Clinique's All About Eyes in sample size in a recent Bonus Time promotional package, I was anxious to compare it to my lineup of other moisturizers for the eye area. One use and it was easy to tell that this was not a prize winner for those with super dry skin, though it does perform solidly as a lightweight moisturizer. I'd rank it alongside Origins' Eye Doctor and Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Eye Cream in its hydrating capacity, though it's a far cry from the super rich Renergie Yeux by Lancome.
Packaging and Appearance:
My .1 oz. sample size is a tiny rose-tinted plastic jar with typical Clinique white copy and pale green screw-off lid. The full size .5 oz. jar replaces the green lid with a silver metallic lid for a slightly more elegant look. Inside the jar is an almost luminescent pale peach gel-like cream, completely without fragrance. The consistency is super light, refreshing, and so quickly absorbing you'll wonder how it does its job at all. I estimate that the sample size will last a little less than a month with morning and evening usage, so the full size might last four or five months, depending how often and liberally you apply.
Product Claims and How They Fare:
~ Diminishes the appearance of fine lines in the eye area.
~ Lipids strengthen skin; optical diffusers scatter light for a softened effect.
~ Helps minimize dark circles, shadows, and puffiness.
~ Unique complex (including botanicals) brightens eye area; strengthens skin structure.
~ Skin retains moisture, so feels more comfortable, firmer: lines are less noticeable.
~ Ingredients strengthen moisture barrier, keeping moisture in, environmental aggressors out.
~ Protects against environmental damage and future moisture barrier breakdown.
~ Lightweight, non-creep, cream/gel formula helps hold eye makeup in place.
From the sound of it, All About Eyes has almost as many features as the Ginzu Steak Knife. I'm not sure I'd subscribe to the product being as much of a miracle worker as the above claims imply, but it is definitely a quality, lightweight moisturizer. Of course, anytime you moisturize in the eye area, you're going to reduce the appearance of fine lines at least temporarily, as hydrated skin simply looks younger than dry skin. (An appropriate analogy might be made by comparing a fresh, green springtime leaf to an old, withered autumn leaf. The former looks younger because it contains more moisture.)
As I don't have much of a problem with dark circles, shadows, and puffiness in the eye area, I can't really affirm or deny the product's capabilities in that area, but I am slightly suspicious of anything other than a good night's sleep or a heavy dose of concealer to do much in that department. As for the notion that All About Eyes helps hold eye makeup in place, I will say that it doesn't encourage bleeding, running, and feathering in the undereye area. I don't use moisturizer on my upper eyelids as I prefer not to tempt fate and have my eyeshadow crease or my moisturizer seep painfully into my eyes.
All in all, All About Eyes is a quality product, even if it is a bit lightweight for my tastes. However, given that you can buy Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Eye Cream for around $10 for the same size, I'd think more than twice before shelling out the $25 for the Clinique. If it weren't for the inflated price and hefty claims, I'd give the product four stars. As it is, though, I'm afraid it only deserves three.
Directions:
From Clinique website:
Apply small amount to entire eye area, using gentle, patting motion.
Price and Availability:
Clinique All About Eyes and other Clinique products can be purchased online at www.clinique.com or at your local Clinique counter in many department stores and some school bookstores. Go to http://www.clinique.com/templates/door/finder.tmpl
to find the counter nearest you. Any applicable Bonus Time promotions will be included with store listings. A full size .5 oz. jar of All About Eyes retails for $25.
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