I know it’s allergy season because my mirror told me, and it told me even before my sinuses found out. One morning about a week ago I looked in the mirror and saw two big, fluffy pillows under my eyes that said, “Congratulations, Karen! You’re a hot mess.”
When allergies cause my eyes to water, itch and swell up, I usually turn to a few different de-puffing tricks, like cold compresses, chilled tea bags and spoons, but I also try to keep my eyes open (as much as possible, haha!) to new things.
While not a new product, First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller Intense Therapy ($24) is new to me. It’s a moisturizing liquid roller ball similar to my beloved Clinique All About Eyes Serum ($26). Like Clinique’s serum, it contains caffeine (which, applied topically, might constrict blood vessels) and antioxidants to (allegedly) reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.
Unfortunately, there’s another thing they have in common: they’re expensive.
Both products also create a cooling sensation on the skin, like a refreshing splash of water. I think Clinique’s version wins in the hydration department, but Detox works faster and also contains illuminating mica, which, if nothing else, illuminates the under eye-area with some brightening shimmer, making it at least appear brighter. Every little bit helps, especially when allergies and insomnia double team my eyes.
