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From Cartier Declaration EDT To Cartier Declaration Parfum: 20 Years Of A Modern Classic

Cartier Declaration Parfum And Cartier Declaration EDT

The fragrance industry is pretty shameless when it comes to hype and hubris. Although I try not to indulge in the worst of it, sometimes I am guilty of it, too. But with the recent release of Cartier Declaration Parfum, I can say with absolute certainty that Cartier Declaration EDT is a true modern classic. A classic in the sense that it added something very distinctive and special to perfumery at the time of its launch and that its influence is still felt to this day.

Cartier Declaration EDT And Cartier Declaration Parfum

Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, Cartier Declaration EDT was launched in 1998. With its fresh, spicy, citrus, woody and aromatic layers, this fragrance defies easy classification. And that’s part of its complex beauty. It’s a supremely sophisticated scent that achieves that rare feat of smelling expensive without resorting to bling tricks. Although officially a men’s fragrance, it’s one to be worn and enjoyed by women too.

Cartier Declaration EDT And Cartier Declaration Parfum

Since 1998, several flankers have been added to the Cartier Declaration range. Created by in-house perfumer Mathilde Laurent, Cartier Declaration Parfum has been launched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this classic fragrance.

“It’s a supremely sophisticated scent that achieves that rare feat of smelling expensive without resorting to bling tricks.”

SO WHAT DOES CARTIER DECLARATION PARFUM SMELL LIKE?

On first application, but only very briefly, I get the freshness (bitter orange note) of the original Cartier Declaration. And then there are powerful and seductive hits of leather and spice (cardamom, cumin notes). The base features standout notes of wood (cedar, amberwood) and vetiver. If this all sounds terrifically deep and smoky, that’s because it is.

Cartier Declaration EDT and Cartier Declaration Parfum

LEATHER REPORT: If I am going to do some product placement on my blog, then it better be something super. I took these pics of Cartier Declaration Parfum in the studio of the very talented leather craftsman Matthias Matthee. This work in progress is a customised backpack made from vintage black leather and with blanket stitching. Check him out on Instagram.

If I had to compare the two, I would say that the original has more of a sparkling quality, whereas Cartier Declaration Parfum goes into darker and denser territory. Cartier Declaration Parfum is a fitting tribute to the original, while still standing on its own merits.

Cartier Declaration Parfum, R1 230 for 50ml and R1 785 for 100ml.

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Fragrance Shopping Irritations

Fragrance Shopping Irritations

I have very basic expectations of fragrance shopping. FRAGRANCE SHOPPING = BROWSING + DISCOVERY + JOY. Mostly, I get to experience this simple equation. However, there are certain situations that are guaranteed to rile me. Here are four of my top fragrance shopping irritations.

“I have very basic expectations of fragrance shopping. FRAGRANCE SHOPPING = BROWSING + DISCOVERY + JOY.”

What are your fragrance shopping irritations?

So many choices, but no testers to be seen, let alone smelt

A key part of the fragrance shopping journey is trying out new possibilities. This becomes impossible when there are no testers. A well-known (and struggling) clothing retailer in my local shopping centre has several walls’ worth of fragrances, but not a single tester. This has been the situation since the beginning of the year, when most of the testers were emptied in the Christmas shopping rush. Grrrrr!

Fragrance Shopping Irritations

A TESTING SITUATION: A good supply of testers is essential.

Being watched like I am a shoplifter

I know shoplifting is rife in South Africa, but there’s a fine line between discrete surveillance and downright stalking. I do a lot of my fragrance browsing before or after gym. Apart from a good fragrance, I’m very dress down for gym, which could explain some of the unwanted attention I receive. However, one of the basic tenets of making a sale is don’t judge a customer by what they wear.

Fragrance Shopping Irritations

SHOPLIFTER, MOI? This is as dressed up as I get when I am in gym-gear browsing mode.

Attention!

Between the extremes of too much, overly eager, intrusive attention and (I must be wearing my Harry Potter invisible cloak) non-existent attention lies a happy medium of knowing how to read your customer. While a fair amount of customer service can be taught, some things are intuitive.

Fragrance Shopping Irritations

Not knowing your merchandise

I don’t expect sales assistants to know if and when a particular fragrance has been reformulated (unless if I am being VERY demanding due to low sugar levels). But not knowing the basics of the product they are selling (for example, family, accords and brief brand history) is one of the big fragrance shopping irritations for me. Sharing your knowledge of and passion for the world of fragrance is sure to impress me.

Fragrance Shopping Irritations

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John Varvatos Artisan Pure EDT, Elie Saab In White EDP, Coach Floral EDP, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum, Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him! Capsule Collection EDT Reviews

John Varvatos Artisan Pure EDT

After an initially slow start to the year, the fragrance counters are starting to get busy with all sorts of new  arrivals. We’ve got a pretty mixed bag here, with John Varvatos Artisan Pure, Elie Saab In White, Coach Floral EDP reviews. Are they worth getting out of bed for?

John Varvatos Artisan Pure EDT (Nose: Rodrigo Flores-Roux)

I am a big fan of Flores-Roux’s work for John Varvatos fragrances. There’s always an impressively long list of notes for John Varvatos fragrances and Artisan Pure is no different. Inspired by the lush Xalapa region of Mexico, it opens with a big punch of sunny citrus notes. Then there’s a herbal heart (with a standout Italian orris note) and woody base. It’s deliciously crisp summer freshness in a beautifully designed bottle. R1 225 for 75ml and R1 495 for 125ml.

John Varvatos Artisan Pure EDT

Coach Floral EDP (Noses: Shyamala Maisondieu, Nadège le Garlantezec and Nathalie Gracia-Cetto)

Pretty bottle. Pretty fragrance. While Coach Floral EDP isn’t going to be getting any awards for originality, it’s a very accessible and pleasant fragrance. Heart notes include tea rose, jasmine sambac and gardenia. R795 for 30ml, R1 190 for 50ml and R1 490 for 90ml.

Coach Floral EDP

Elie Saab In White EDP (Nose: Jerôme Di Marino)

I ain’t no blushing bride, but that doesn’t stop me from liking this wedding-inspired fruity-floral-chypre fragrance. It has a lovely creamy quality throughout, with notes that include mandarin essence, blackcurrant bud, jasmine sambac, orange blossom absolute, vanilla and ylang-ylang. R890 for 30ml, R1 410 for 50ml and R1 900 for 90ml.

Elie Saab In White EDP

Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him! Capsule Collection EDT Pour Lui (Noses: Nathalie Lorson and Aurelien Guichard)

Okay, so strictly speaking this is not a new fragrance (Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him! was originally launched in 2016). But this limited-edition collaboration with NYC tattoo artist Virginia Elwood is a good reminder why Zadig & Voltaire fragrances are worth sniffing out. Featuring notes of incense, vanilla, pepper and sandalwood, it’s an easy-going and very appealing take on the smoky, woody theme. R475 for 20ml and R1 085 for 100ml.

Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him! Capsule Collection EDT Pour Lui

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum (Noses: Dominique Ropion and Fanny Bal)

Previous fragrances in the L’Eau d’Issey Pure range have interpreted a drop of dew (L’Eau d’Issey Pure EDP) and delicate petals (L’Eau d’Issey Pure EDT). The latest, Nectar de Parfum, is more floral in character. It ventures into sweet territory, with initial stand-out notes of pear, honey and rose. Hallelujah, it’s not the cloying variety and the aquatic element will be very familiar to Issey Miyake fragrance fans. R925 for 30ml, R1 430 for 50ml and R1 820 for 90ml.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum

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Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense Review

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

When Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum was launched in 2001, it became another huge success for the French luxury brand. Recently one of the bloggers I follow on Instagram shared how it became her wedding fragrance and how much she was looking forward to trying the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

It’s easy to see why Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is so popular. Created by Jacques Polge, this floriental seduced a generation of women with its contrasts of fresh citrus and sensual patchouli. Official listed notes of this fragrance include: orange, mandarin orange, orange blossom and bergamot (top). Mimosa, jasmine, Turkish rose and ylang-ylang (middle). Tonka bean, patchouli, opoponax, vanilla, vetiver and white musk (base).

“This floriental seduced a generation of women with its contrasts of fresh citrus and sensual patchouli.”

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

SO WHAT DOES CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU DE PARFUM INTENSE SMELL LIKE?

A Chanel fragrance launch (whether a new pillar or flanker) is always a bit of an event. And Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense is no exception, with the powerful Chanel marketing machine buzzing away since its launch at the beginning of March 2018.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

Ok, so first of all let’s make it clear that Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense is not a radical reworking of the original. It opens with the familiar citrus burst of the original. But Indonesian patchouli has been pumped to the max, with rose and jasmine in close support. The sensual aspect has also been heightened with Madagascan vanilla and tonka bean at the fore. This all adds up to create a more sophisticated scent, with a good balance of the fresh and the sensual.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense - Olivier Polge

PATCHOULI POWER: Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer. Image courtesy of Chanel.

Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer and (excuse my basic French) le fils de Jacques Polge, has created a worthy successor to Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense, R1 745 for 50ml and R2 475 for 100ml.

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Black and Gold: Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu EDP, Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum…

Black and Gold - Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu EDP

Maybe it’s the luxurious elegance it evokes. And I could do with a lot of that when I am blogging in my not-so-glamorous PJs. Maybe it’s because the two colours work so well together. Whatever it is, I am giving this Easter weekend the black and gold treatment. These are some of the things I will be indulging in.

Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu EDP

The latest Valentino Uomo flanker is built around four notes: cinnamon, pepper, sandalwood and incense. After the amplified leather and iris of Valentino Uomo Intense, this EDP is all oriental woodiness. I get a slightly boozy opening, although nothing of the sort is listed. Then a very appealing smoky warmth kicks in. And the studded black and gold bottle is super tactile and sexy.

Black and Gold - Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu EDP

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

It’s been a stressful few weeks and my face is showing it. Time for some serious skincare in the form of Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum. Each capsule is packed with ceramides, botanicals and a retinol derivative. Together, these ingredients boost moisture levels and skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Black and Gold - Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

Candy Crush

As it’s Easter, I am allowing myself to indulge in candy and chocolate guilt-free. The fact that they also help me to stay off the cigs is another reason to tuck in.

Black and Gold - Candy Crush

Artistic Inspiration

How beautiful are these etchings from the Folio edition of Ulysses. OK, so I haven’t read James Joyce’s notoriously difficult-to-read novel, but I am going to take some inspiration from Mimmo Paladino’s etchings. They were first published in a limited edition in 1994.

Black and Gold - Artistic Inspiration

Black and Gold - Artistic Inspiration

I am quite realistic about my artistic abilities – I struggle to sketch a stick man  – but that’s not the point. If I allow myself to just get on with it, without the critical editor in charge, it’s always fun and even therapeutic.

Black and Gold - Artistic Inspiration

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Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% Review

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%

Regular readers might remember that I was on a retinol mission towards the end of last year. I was starting to see good results with Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair and was eager to try the more potent version, Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%.

RETINOL RECAP

I have been using Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% for almost two months. But first a quick refresher on why retinol is such a big deal.

Retinol is known to be highly effective in combating fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and free radicals.

Retinol is potent stuff, but it loses much of its strength when exposed to light or air. So Dermalogica uses fancy-sounding micro-encapsulation technology to protect it.

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%

ALL ABOUT RETINOL: A graphic representation of the Dermalogica retinol sphere. Image courtesy of Dermalogica.

USING DERMALOGICA OVERNIGHT RETINOL REPAIR 1%

As retinol can cause a bit of a reaction, it’s recommended to go easy when first using it. So while I wanted even more noticeable results, I also decided to be sensible and use the Buffer Cream that comes with it. So for the first week, to allow my skin to adjust, I diluted the Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% with the Buffer Cream. I then used the Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% by itself.

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% Buffer Cream

Retinol can also can the cause the skin to be sensitive to sun exposure. So I have been extra vigilant about applying sun protection and avoiding full-on sun.

RETINOL RESULTS

The condition of my skin has definitely improved over the last few weeks. While I still look 40-something, I like to think am looking less like a frazzled 40-something. It’s also been good to get compliments about my skin looking more “vital” and “alive”.

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%

For more information on retinol, you can read my post on Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair: https://fragroom.com/2017/10/27/dermalogica-overnight-retinol-repair/.

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%, R1 680 for 25ml.

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Twilly d’Hermès EDP Review

Twilly d’Hermès EDP

One of the buzzwords I particularly dislike is “millennials”. It’s over used and comes with massive (and questionable) generalisations. So forgive me while I use the term to make a point how, like many others, the perfume industry is making a big play for the minds and moolah of millennials. Some of these attempts fall horribly and/or laughably flat because either they try too hard to speak to younger consumers or fail to offer them anything new or exciting. I am happy to report, though, that Twilly d’Hermès EDP, launched in 2017, gets it right in many ways.

Twilly d’Hermès EDP

GINGERLY GRACE

Hermes’s in-house perfumer, the masterful Christine Nagel, has created a modern scent for younger women that avoids the sugar overload so prevalent in many younger fragrances.

Twilly d’Hermès opens with a gorgeous ginger note (there’s also some citrus about there). Ginger notes can be quite in your face if not treated well, but this one is fresh and fragrant. The kind you’ll want to spray several times to experience again. It draws you in immediately and irresistibly.

“This ginger note is fresh and fragrant. It draws you in immediately and irresistibly.”

Twilly d’Hermès EDP

Tuberose is at the heart of the fragrance, not overpoweringly so – more a hint of it. Which makes a change from some of the heavy-hitting tuberoses on the market right now.

Twilly d’Hermès is all tied up (I had to use a scarf analogy somewhere) rather nicely with a creamy sandalwood note. Talking of scarves, the bottle is suitably playful and chic, with its bowler hat and Twilly scarf adornment.

Twilly d’Hermès EDP

Before I go, let me state that Twilly d’Hermès is too good to be confined to its target market of younger women. It’s certainly youthful, but it’s not girlie-girlie and twee. So I would highly recommend that older women and adventurous men sniff this one out.

Twilly d’Hermès EDP, R955 for 30ml, R1 520 for 50ml and R2 100 for 85ml.

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Going large (all 300ml of it!) with Bleu de Chanel EDP

Bleu de Chanel EDP

The launch this week of the limited-edition 300ml of Bleu de Chanel EDP is as good a time as any to acknowledge why this woody-aromatic fragrance has become such a top seller for the French luxury fashion house.

Bleu de Chanel was originally launched as an EDT in 2010. Created by the esteemed Jacques Polge (Chanel’s then in-house perfumer), Bleu de Chanel became the new standard bearer for men’s designer fine fragrances. Several whiffs will tell you why. It’s sophisticated and elegant without trying too hard – in that very French, very Chanel way – from the super-minimalist dark blue bottle to the juice.

“It’s sophisticated and elegant without trying too hard – in that very French, very Chanel way.”

Bleu de Chanel EDP

FROM CHANEL BLEU EDT TO CHANEL BLEU EDP

In 2014, Polge gave Bleu de Chanel the EDP treatment. I won’t get into the endless EDP vs EDT debate here. Suffice to say, both are worthy of your attention and your preference no doubt will be very personal.

Both share a highly distinctive citrus-fresh opening, with grapefruit at the fore. The EDP has standout incense, vetiver, mint, cedar and amber notes. Super smooth, sensual and sexy, you’ll be hard pressed to find another fragrance that gets as many compliments as Bleu de Chanel EDP. It’s also remarkably versatile, from day to night and from casual-chic to more formal occasions.

Bleu de Chanel EDP

The problem with success is that everybody wants to copy you – or hate you. I won’t mention any names, but Bleu de Chanel has been shamelessly cloned by competitors. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and all that.

“The problem with success is that everybody wants to copy you – or hate you.”

Perfume snobs will claim Bleu de Chanel EDP has become too popular for its own good. Au contraire! As if creating a quality perfume that brings pleasure and joy to many men and women – and yes, profits to Chanel – is not worthy of praise and recognition.

Bleu de Chanel EDP, R4 160 for 300ml.  

Bleu de Chanel EDP

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Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme + Boss The Scent Parfum Edition + Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel + Hugo Urban Journey Reviews

Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme Fragrance Reviews

January tends to be a very slow month in perfume-land, with a lull in new launches. Probably a very good idea after the always-more-expensive-than-budgeted-for holidays. However, two months into 2018, I’ve got some newbie reviews for you.

Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme EDP

For a while Gucci became known for its middling fragrances. The not bad, but not particularly earth-shatteringly good either variety. That all started to change in 2017 with the release of the leather-licious Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme EDP and the white florals-rich Gucci Bloom EDP. You can read those reviews here:  https://fragroom.com/2017/07/08/gucci-guilty-absolute-prada-luna-rossa-carbon-thierry-mugler-amen-kryptomint/ and https://fragroom.com/2017/11/29/female-floral-fragrances-for-men/. These stand-out fragrances, collaborations between Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele and master perfumer Alberto Morillas, made it clear that the Italian luxury brand was back in the fragrance game.

ABSOLUTE MASTERY: Alberto Morillas, the creator of Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme and Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme. Pic courtesy of Coty.

Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is also an Alberto Morillas creation. Like its male counterpart, it takes some bold risks. It opens with an unmistakable blackberry note, luscious and intriguing. But it’s not just big on fruit. A Bulgarian rose develops in the background, adding to the richness, while also tempering the sweetness. Those familiar with Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme might recognise the Goldenwood note, an extract of the nootka cypress which brings a dense woodiness to the proceedings. The patchouli base completes the sensuality.

Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme Reviews

While undeniably lavish, Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is also very wearable, for both women and men. Michele wanted an unconventional romantic fragrance and Morillas has more than delivered on the brief. Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme EDP, R1 005 for 30ml, R1 385 for 50ml and R1 825 for 90ml.

“While undeniably lavish, Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is also very wearable, for both women and men.”

Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Him

It seems like I reviewed new Boss The Scent fragrances very recently. Such is the relentless cycle of modern perfumery. Establish the pillar and follow with a succession of flankers. The follow-up to Boss The Scent For Him Intense comes in a super-sexy flacon. The juice is surprisingly subtle for a male seduction scent. Maninka fruit, sourced from South Africa, is still at the heart of it, with ginger, orris concrete and patchouli notes in support. Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Him, R1 660 for 100ml.

Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Him Reviews

Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Her

If Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Him is curiously understated, the female version is positively on steroids. It opens with a big honeyed peach note that’s love-it-or-hate-it stuff. Osmanthus absolute, cistus absolute and roasted cocoa also feature in the mix. Talking of relentless cycles, Boss The Scent EDT For Her will be launched in April. I can’t keep up. Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Her, R1 375 for 50ml.

Boss The Scent Parfum Edition For Her Reviews

Hugo Urban Journey EDT

The latest addition to the long-running Hugo franchise is all about urban adventure. The grey, textured flacon captures that perfectly. The juice itself, although not particularly urban, is fresh, accessible and pleasant, with notes of Himalayan whorl flower, black tea and guaiac wood. Although not officially listed, I get a big marine whiff from this EDT that will go down well with its target market. Hugo Urban Journey EDT, R845 for 75ml and R1 155 for 125ml.

Hugo Urban Journey Reviews

Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel EDP

Launched in 2017, the Bulgari Splendida line focuses on the most celebrated flowers in perfumery. So far we’ve had Bulgari Splendida Rose Rose EDP, Bulgari Splendida Iris d’Or EDP and Bulgari Splendida Jasmin Noir EDP. The latest, Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel EDP, was created by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier (Pasha de Cartier, L’Eau d’Issey, Lancôme Poeme, YSL M7).

Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel Reviews

There’s a green-ish opening to Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel, courtesy of mandarin and neroli essences. And then a big hit of Chinese magnolia comes through, with orange flower and jasmine absolute also noticeable. The sensual aspect is further enhanced by the base notes of patchouli, musk and vanilla.

“It all adds up to create a terrifically expensive- and luxurious-smelling scent.”

It all adds up to create a terrifically expensive- and luxurious-smelling scent (with a price tag to match). My only gripe is that like its namesake, this magnolia is all too brief on my skin. Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel EDP, R1 500 for 50ml and R2 115 for 100ml.

Bulgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel Reviews

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3 Top Eye Products To Look Out For: Chanel Blue Serum Eye, Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift, Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum

Eye Products - Chanel Blue Serum Eye

The area around the eye is the most delicate skin on the face. So no surprises that it’s one of the first to show the signs of neglect, good times/bad behaviour and ageing. It’s for this reason that it pays to invest in an eye product that does what it says. Which means expect to pay more if you want to see noticeable results. How do these three eye products measure up?

Eye Products - Chanel Blue Serum Eye

ELIZABETH ARDEN ADVANCED CERAMIDE CAPSULES DAILY YOUTH RESTORING EYE SERUM

What it does: If you’re familiar with Elizabeth Arden’s super-duper Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, these babies are the equivalent for the fight against ageing around the eye area. They boost the skin’s natural barrier, increase moisture and combat fine lines and wrinkles.

Eye Products - Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum

Ingredients: I will not bore you with the full list of ingredients. Suffice to say, each capsule contains a concentrated dose of potent and highly effective ingredients. These include: Enhanced Ceramide Lipid Complex to boost the skin’s natural barrier; moisture-boosting Botanical Complex Technology; and nourishing tsubaki (camellia) oil.

The verdict: Super-duper, of course! The more Elizabeth Arden products I use, the more I am impressed by the brand. These capsules are well worth looking at if you want the best of science and nature.

R655 for 60ml.

Eye Products - Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum

DERMALOGICA STRESS POSITIVE EYE LIFT

What it does: An eye treatment and masque in one, this product helps restore the skin’s protective barrier, reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, and perks up the eye area.

Eye Products - Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye

Ingredients: Active ingredients include: wild indigo seed to combat under-eye circles; sea water extract and Arctic algae for puffiness; and bioactive diglucosyl gallic acid to energise the eye area.

The verdict: It comes with a cooling massage applicator, which feels great when you use it. This applicator can also be used to massage the eye area. I found that DIY massage unnecessarily fussy. Not to worry, the product works just as well without it.

R1 210 for 25ml.

Eye Products - Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

CHANEL BLUE SERUM EYE

What it does: The newest addition to the Chanel Blue Serum range takes on puffiness and dirk circles, and smooths and firms the eye area.

Eye Products - Chanel Blue Serum Eye

Ingredients: It contains ingredients consumed in the world’s blue zones: Green coffee PFA from Costa Rican green coffee, renowned for its antioxidant properties; olive tree oleo-active from Sardinian olives, rich in anti-ageing molecules; and regenerative gum extract from Greek lentisk.

The verdict: Blue zones? Yip, I was also a bit flummoxed by that one. Basically, these are regions in the world where people live longer and better. While I can’t vouch for the veracity of that theory, I can tell you that Chanel Blue Serum Eye is easily absorbed and is one of the most elegant and efficient eye products around.

R1 170 for 15ml.

Eye Products - Chanel Blue Serum Eye