This product comes with some rather ambitious claims, such as: ‘instantly revives radiance around the eyes and disguises signs of fatigue’. This sounded like music to my ears after the pro-longed partying which accompanied Christmas and New Year had taken its toll! I’d heard good things about Darphin, so was expecting a lot (perhaps a little too much) from this product…

Application: Coming in the form of a ‘touch up’ stick the product is designed to be applied ‘when needed’, before or after application of make-up under the eyes.

Results: On trying it for the first time I found that it felt cool and refreshing on application, though this pleasant sensation didn’t last. It went some way to brighten the under-eye area but the effect was very subtle. In terms of ‘disguising’ signs of fatigue I could identify no effect, (however apart from YSL’s miraculous touche eclat I’m yet to find a product which does). I found effects were slightly more pronounced when the product was applied on top of make-up but certainly don’t expect drastic results.

The verdict: At £29 I think you are paying for the brand rather than the product this time, results are subtle , almost to the point of imperceptible, definitely not drastic enough to disguise those tell tale, post-party eyes.

Available at beautyexpert.co.uk

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This product comes with some rather ambitious claims, such as: ‘instantly revives radiance around the eyes and disguises signs of fatigue’. This sounded like music to my ears after the pro-longed partying which accompanied Christmas and New Year had taken its toll! I’d heard good things about Darphin, so was expecting a lot (perhaps a little too much) from this product…

Application: Coming in the form of a ‘touch up’ stick the product is designed to be applied ‘when needed’, before or after application of make-up under the eyes.

Results: On trying it for the first time I found that it felt cool and refreshing on application, though this pleasant sensation didn’t last. It went some way to brighten the under-eye area but the effect was very subtle. In terms of ‘disguising’ signs of fatigue I could identify no effect, (however apart from YSL’s miraculous touche eclat I’m yet to find a product which does). I found effects were slightly more pronounced when the product was applied on top of make-up but certainly don’t expect drastic results.

The verdict: At £29 I think you are paying for the brand rather than the product this time, results are subtle , almost to the point of imperceptible, definitely not drastic enough to disguise those tell tale, post-party eyes.

Available at beautyexpert.co.uk

1 comment(s)

Having not been blessed with naturally long eyelashes I loved the sound of this mascara by Bobbi Brown which lengthens, curls and defines to ‘provide the ultimate false-eyelash look.’ As a fan of uber-dramatic eye make-up this was music to my ears and I was hoping for some noticeable results.

Application: I was initially disappointed with the product on application. Despite curling the lashes well, rather than defining them I found it was difficult to avoid clumping. I tried a number of times, applying less and found the same. So whilst the product did lengthen and curl effectively these results were counterbalanced by unfortunate clumping , never a good look!

More positively however after getting caught in a heavy downpour whilst road-testing the product I can confirm that it definitely fulfils its waterproof promise! The brown colour ‘bark’ was also a nice change for me and good if going for a more natural and subtle look.

Verdict: All in all mixed results but unfortunately the clumping would put me off buying the product in future. £14.68 available at Bobbibrown.co.uk.

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After umpteen seasonal soirees my eyes are tired, my feet hurt, and my belly aches.  I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and it ain’t a pretty sight!

Luckily for me, and you, I’ve discovered Super Eyes Instant-Action Moisturising Eye Gel. 

Invented by the wickedly funny team at Soap and Glory skincare, the packaging promises “immediate skin tightening and heightening thanks to a winning concoction of tripeptide and swiftlift technology.  You can actually feel the moisturising potion sinking into your skin and firming up those little lines left over from one too many late nights.  I recommend applying it fresh from the fridge in the morning for a super-tight sensation, however, this lightweight gel can be applied whenever necessary.

The gel itself is slightly iridescent with a faint smell of peaches – perfect for all of you ladies who like to keep your skin routine beautiful, not boring!  Soap and Glory products can be found brightening up the aisles of Boots and Harvey Nichols and this little lifesaver will only cost you £7.82.  Bargain!

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I’ve never really been a huge fan of make up from The Body Shop, predominantly because I haven’t actually ever tried much of it, but seeing this special edition set of eye shadows got me a little excited. The pretty, sparkly box got me first, and then I saw the shimmering, autumnal hues of the palette.

The range of warm colours are perfect for the current season, although the metallic sparkle means they’d probably be a better option for evenings out (shame we’ve passed the party-filled season!)

As well as a wide mirror on the underside of the lid, you’ll also find an eye shadow brush in a draw big enough to store a couple more of your own, making application on the run ever easier.
If you’re after a matte finish, don’t opt for this palette, for you might be applying all day! For a more sheer yet colourful shine, these colours are generally better over a base. The eye shadows are smooth, however they have a tendency to crumble, meaning not only a messy palette (and maybe face), but the embossed logo on each colour block won’t last two seconds. I know, I know, it’s only aesthetics…

The Special Edition Sparkle Eye Palette from The Body Shop arrived just in time for Christmas ’08… so what does that mean for us beauty junkies of 2009? Sale of course! This little compact originally retailed at £18, so nab it while you can, for a steal at just £7!

Special Edition Sparkle Eye Palette, £18The Body Shop

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Blowout – Benefit, Lust Duster, Shimmering loose powder, Big Daddy: Dust this shimmering powder over eyelids, gradually build up layers for maximum effect or use as an accent colour. £13.50, available at www.benefitcosmetics.com.

Budget – Barry M, Dazzle Dust in copper: Yes this may be a predictable choice but dazzle dust is always a clear winner in the party looks stakes. The loose powder format is ideal to build up colour whether you want to achieve a sleek shimmer or full on intense dramatic eyes. £4.50, available at barrym.com.

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Blowout – Bobbi Brown Long Lasting Eye Gel: True to its name this no budging intense colour formula will last through the night and beyond. Without need for re-application, this is a true hero product and if you haven’t already coveted , do so pronto! £13.50, available at Bobbi Brown

Budget – Collection 2000 Kohl pencil: Great budget buy this beauty stays put and doesn’t smudge under the eye. £1.99, available at Superdrug.

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