Our eyes may be a mirror to our souls but they don't have to reveal our age! Why give in to dark circles (they're rampant in my family), bags and crow's feet when you can turn to terrific, at-home eye treatments like these for under $100?
Besides helping eyes look younger, they're a pleasure to wear under makeup and even when you head to bed. You only need a dab. They go on easy, absorb quickly and leave lasting moisture without any greasy feeling. Bonus!
Aubrey Organics Lumessence Rejuvenating Eye Crème
What it is: A vegan eye lotion enriched with proteins, plant oils, antioxidant vitamins and three plant-based liposomes. It has been clinically shown to counter the effects of aging and stress by delivering and binding moisture to skin while protecting it from damaging free radicals.
What I like: This healthy option helps shrink fine lines and wrinkles, reduce under-eye circles, and firm and brighten skin. It contains all natural ingredients that are kind to delicate skin as well as effective. Plus, it's budget friendly.
On the Shelf: $22.50 (.5 ounces) at health food stores. Visit Aubrey-organics.com for more information
Own Lifting Eye Cream
What it is: A triple-action eye cream containing Own's propriety CLA compound (derived from the safflower plant). It penetrates all three layers of the skin to aid in moisture retention, activate cell renewal and repair collagen structure.
What I like: New for spring 2012, this clever, anti-aging cream uses natural ingredients enhanced by clinically-proven technology. It gently repairs and nourishes the delicate skin around your eyes, helping it look brighter while lifting and smoothing fine lines.
On the Shelf: $24 (.5 ounces) at Ownproducts.com, Duane Reade and Whole Foods (northern California region)
Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream
What it is: A fragrance-free cream that softens and smoothes the sensitive skin around the eyes. It nourishes with antioxidants, flavonoids and essential fatty acids that improve elasticity and help protect skin from damaging free radicals while supporting cell rejuvenation.
What I like: This concentrated, all-natural formula has a luxurious feel. It combines organic oils from pomegranate seeds, argan kernels and jojoba seeds to prevent and reverse the visible signs of aging. Together, they tighten and moisturize skin, helping you banish lines and fight inflammation. Dermatological tests have shown this anti-ager reduces wrinkles by about 23% after 28 days of use.
On the Shelf: $33 (.34 ounces) at Usa.Weleda.com
Avon Genics Eye Treatment
What it is: A genetically inspired anti-aging eye treatment developed to undo up to 10 years of visible aging (based on a study of sister Boomers ... ages 45 - 59). It uses Avon's exclusive YouthGen Technology to help skin cells act younger and boost components like collagen and Hyaluronic acid that can aid a more youthful look.
What I like: Another winner in Avon's ANEW Genics line, this innovative cream (launched in March) helped my eyes look more rested after using it in the a.m. and p.m. for only one day. I can't wait to see the results of continued use! It's clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the under-eye area up to 50% after four weeks. And over time, eyes can look up to 10 years younger.
Plus, the August issue of People Style Watch (yes, I am addicted to their fashion and beauty tips!) advises looking for products with Hyaluronic acid like this one.
On the Shelf: $36 (.50 ounces) from Avon representatives. To locate one, call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit Avon.com.
Mama Mio Eye Know
What it is: A high-protein, moisturizing serum packed with 12 active ingredients to strengthen and hydrate skin, protect collagen and elastin, remove puffiness and zap dark circles.
What I like: Another favorite from Mama Mio, this multi-talented serum tackles the dark circles that plague me while adding moisture, reducing puffiness, smoothing lines and wrinkles, and helping firm saggy areas. It comes with brow- and muscle-lifting exercises that help tone the eye area for a wide-awake look. Plus, Mamo Mio partners with Look Good, Feel Better, a cancer support group that's helped me and so many others going through chemotherapy.
On the Shelf: $39 at Mamamio.com
La Roche-Posay Redermic+ Eyes
What it is: An intensive daily, wrinkle fighter containing Neurosensine, which has been shown to slow fiber degradation especially in sensitive skin, and 5% pure Vitamin C, known for helping reduce the signs of aging. It also includes Madecassoside to fill in serious creases and Hyaluronic acid to smooth surface lines.
What I like: Redermic+ Eyes helps repair troublesome, deep wrinkles as well as aggravating fine lines while revitalizing skin structure. This top-rated, anti-aging powerhouse includes Hyaluronic acid as recommended in People Style Watch, August. It's ideal for contact lens wearers and others with sensitive eyes. And, it's free of fragrances and parabens.
On the Shelf: $43.95 (.5 ounces) at La Roche-Posay.us
Boscia Restorative Eye Treatment
What it is: An advanced, anti-aging solution that provides intense hydration, significantly reduces puffiness and dark circles (under-eye bags), and protects the delicate eye area from future damage.
What I like: Part of Boscia's innovative line of preservative-free skincare, this rich cream helps turn back the clock by correcting uneven skin tone, dullness, and fine lines and wrinkles. It uses complex peptides, vitamins and antioxidants to provide results you can see. A dab of this potent product goes a long way so it's a wonderful way to stretch your beauty budget.
On the Shelf: $48 (.5 ounces) at Bosciaskincare.com, Sephora.com, Ulta.com and similar locations
Murad Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream
What it is: A multi-benefit eye cream that reduces the look of dark circles and wrinkles, decreases puffiness, prevents under-eye damage and illuminates the eye area. Renewing Eye Cream also increases firmness and hydration to help skin around the eye look younger.
What I like: This award-winning cream has been granted the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval. Like others I love from Murad, it uses the science of cellular water to boost cell hydration and skin health.
Great for dry skin like mine, this formula includes:
On the Shelf: $73 (.5 ounces) at Murad.com, Murad Inclusive Health Spa, Sephora, Ulta, and leading spa and salon locations
Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Duo
What it is: Two serious, eye-care essentials:
What I like: Like others from Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, this pair emphasizes results. Want to say good-bye to raccoon eyes? Eye Surgery is designed to deliver brighter, younger-looking skin even if you have stubborn discolorations and under-eye bags.
Meanwhile, Renovage tackles creases and other signs of aging around the eyes. It includes Shea Butter to soothe dryness and irritation along with natural ingredients clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth up to 46% in 30 days. Nice!
On the Shelf: $68 (.5 ounces) Eye Surgery Under Eye Rejuvenator; $78 (.5 ounces) Renovage Cellular Eye Repair at Osmotics.com and select Nordstrom, Dillard's and Henri Bendel locations
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
What it is: A one-of-a-kind, topical eye treatment clinically shown to help restore skin's elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It uses a proprietary, bi-mineral complex that builds the collagen needed to smooth skin.
What I like: This doctor-recommended workhorse has been shown to make a visible difference in nine weeks, with results starting as soon as two weeks. It uses minerals like copper and zinc as well as antioxidant-rich blueberries to improve skin health. Plus, there are two versions geared for individual skin types. I tried the cream, which is perfect for Boomers with normal to dry skin who live in arid climates. If your skin's on the oily side or your area is humid, you'll want the gel version instead.
On the Shelf: $99 (.5 ounces) cream or gel from physicians. To find one in your area, visit Obagi.com.
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We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to all the brands in this post for providing samples for review and testing.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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