My skin care regimen was simplified big time soon after I discovered Lancome's Secret de Vie. I eliminated steps and most products from my routine and haven't looked back since. For several months I didn't even use an eye cream. I just used SdV instead, and it worked well. The cream is nourishing, calming and protecting, everything that I could ask for, and it's a well-known secret that other than in very specific cases you don't really need seperate moisturizers for face and eyes.

However, given the chance to try the new(ish) Secret de Vie Eye, I was just as happy to re-add a product to my skin pampering ritual. One of the thing I like and respect about the marketing and promises that come with this is that no one is talking about erasing lines, lifting skin or any of the usual hype that goes with top-of-the line skin care. The cream is supposed to boost skin's renewal activity and improve its texture. And, just like the face cream, it delivers.

There are no miracles here and I wasn't transformed back to my 20s (thank you, universe). My under eye area was in decent shape even before (as good as it can be, given my age and the fact that I've always had dark circles), thanks to using the regular SdV. The added improvement seemed to be marginal at first, but over time I suddenly realized that I'm using a lot less concealer, if any at all. Something there is definitely working.

I tested the eye cream on my face a couple of times, trying to see how different they are. It felt more sticky and not as quick to absorb as the regular cream. Since they are not the same, I assume that the eye formula has been tweaked for the more delicate skin.

Now, the question is, at $135, is it a necessary product?
It's not easy to answer. If you're in the market for a really good eye product and can afford to buy this one without having to go on a ramen noodle diet for the next month, then by all means, go ahead.
If you're already using the regular SdV and don't have any eye area special needs, you can probably be just as happy using the face cream all over without adding this one.
On the other hand, if you recoiled at the idea of buying the original SdV but your under eye could use all the help it can get, then the eye cream might be the answer.

One last word of caution: Both SdV products are scented, so if you're plagued with allergies to perfumed skin care, this isn't the one for you.

Eye of the Beholder

If writing about perfume is hard because it's so subjective, skincare reviews are even harder. First, because testing new products and incorporating them into my regular regimen takes thought and planning, but also because the skin is such a temperamental organ that the way some cream act on it varies greatly between people. Sort of like skin chemistry and scent, but with the added risk of getting an ugly rash.

A good example is my beloved Secret de Vie. I can't say enough good things about this cream. However, a person who is allergic to scented products might find himself/herself with an itchy face. Just as not everything that works on someone else- a blogger or a reader- guarantees that my face won't end up breaking out.

Which is why I'm happy to have the Blond as my co-tester (the cats' fuzzy faces are pretty useless for such things).

I don't have any serious or even semi-serious wrinkles other than two lines on my forehead that are a result of inheriting my father's facial expression (instead of getting his height, I ended up with his frowny forehead and flat feet). They seem to be a blinking sign that says "Coming Soon: Botox". Still, I'm definitely interested in products that provide some wrinkle-fighting goodness.

The Blond is a different story. His fair skin has suffered quite a bit sun damage in his youth and early twenties. He has frown lines and crows feet, and very visible laugh lines around his eyes.

I wasn't familiar with the iQ Derma line until the package landed at my door. The products promise cutting edge technology and some of the ingredients seem to be among those highly recommended in modern skincare (hyaluronic acid and marine collagen, for example). We tested two products: SkinTensive - Daily Facelift Treatment and RestorEyes - Firming Eye Therapy.

SkinTensive is a serum that promises a Botox-like effect. This is where testing skincare can get dicey. This one stings. Really bad. The blond's face felt the burning effect for hours after application. Mine also became blotchy and red, so obviously I'm too sensitive for this. I tried it twice, which is definitely not enough to judge or to get any long-term results. The Blond refused to ever try it again after that first application.


The good news is that the eye cream is awesome. It promises immediate results and it actually delivers. I tried it a few times and found it pleasant and effective on puffy eyes. The Blond has been using it daily and we both can see an improvement in his skin texture. The deeper lines are still there, but the under eye area appears to be more clear and the skin is smoother. Pretty impressive and definitely worth a try.