If there’s anything that makes me more sceptical than an overblown cosmetic claim, that’s seeing ALL 5 star reviews on a brand’s website.
Am I really supposed to believe that everyone who tried a certain product loved it so much to elect it to HG status? That no one experienced even just average results – ever? Yeah, right.
Case in point: Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift. Said to firm skin and lighten dark circles, it’s loved by bloggers, beauty editors, and pretty much everyone else (according to their website).
I decided to investigate. Is it really that good? Mmmm…
What’s In Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift?
FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR
Growth factors are controversial. They’re naturally-occurring molecules that boost communication between cells. They do all kinds of jobs, including stimulating collagen production and speeding up wound healing.
Fibroblast growth factor, in particular, has two jobs in skincare:
- It helps promote the formation of new blood cells: This allows oxygen and other nutrients to get better delivered to the skin.
- It stimulates collagen production: It may be helpful in treating dark circles caused by blood vessels showing through the skin.
How can you tell if that’s your case? Simply press on them. If they lighten, then they’re caused by blood vessels.
This happens because your skin is so thin, it’s showing what’s going on underneath. By stimulating collagen production, you make skin thicker overtime.
That’s the theory. In practice, I haven’t found any studies proving that fibroblast growth factor can help with dark circles.
That’s probably because this is a fairly new ingredient in cosmetics. We don’t have enough data for his efficacy… or his safety.
Maybe I’m being too overcautious, but I’m sticking to retinoids. They too stimulate collagen production. And they’re safe.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Growth Factors In Skincare
PEPTIDES
Peptides are an anomaly in skincare. In theory, their molecules are too big to penetrate skin, so they shouldn’t do much.
In practice, studies show they work. Scientists think that they can, from the surface of the skin, signal to receptors present there how cells should behave.
Time (and science) will tell how and how well they work, but already, many brands, like Skin Authority, are including them in their products. Dramatic Eye Lift contains four different peptides:
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: It’s said to reduce wrinkles by inhibiting movement. If you can’t move your face, you can’t develop wrinkles through repeated movement. Needless to say, its effects are VERY weak.
- Dipeptide-1: It improves lymphatic circulation, which may help with dark circles too (the jury’s still out there on this one).
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: It helps reduce inflammation, one of the main causes of premature aging.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: It helps boost collagen production.
Peptides make a nice addition to any serum, but I wouldn’t purchase one just because of them. At least not until we know more about what they can really do.
Related: Types Of Peptides In Skincare: Which Ones Are Right For You?
HESPERIDIN METHYL CHALCONE
Found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone “lowers the filtration rate of capillaries”.
What does that mean? In plain English, “less blood flowing though capillaries close to the surface of the skin potentially means that less hemoglobin would be oxygenated to cause the dark bluish discoloration under the eyes.”
Before you get too excited, let me point out that pretty much every study conducted on hesperidin methyl chalcone are related to oral supplements. We don’t know if it is has the same benefits when topically applied to the skin yet.
Related: What Really Works To Treat Dark Circles?
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Texture
Lightweight gel.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and night, use your ring finger to pat the gel into the eye area. A little goes a loooong way.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I like how Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift feels on my skin. The lightweight gel-like texture sinks quickly into my skin, without leaving a tacky residue behind.
It’s definitely moisturising. I usually use my facial moisturiser on my eye area, but if you need the extra help there, this delivers. It makes skin softer and suppler, which in turn makes fine lines look a little smaller.
Plus, it makes a good base for makeup. Concealer glides like a dream on top of it.
FYI, that’s it. This serum didn’t do anything for my dark circles. It didn’t help with my puffy eyes. It didn’t lift my skin.
I knew it wouldn’t. If something could get rid of dark circles and saggy skin, no one would go under the knife to get rid of them, know what I mean?
Related: Do You Really Need An Eye Cream (The Answer May Surprise You)
Who Is This For?
Rich women who don’t mind splurging on a basic moisturiser.
Who Is This NOT For?
No one needs this. But it’s definitely NOT for you if you’re looking for a solution for dark circles and/or saggy skin.
Packaging
Blue and white tube with a pump dispenser. Practical and hygienic.
Does Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Highly concentrated, protein-rich formula lifts and tightens the delicate skin around the eyes for a more youthful appearance. | It can’t lift and tighten skin. Nothing you topically apply on your skin can. |
| Eyes instantly look brighter and more refreshed. | True. But anything moisturising will do this. |
| Helps lighten dark circles. | It doesn’t. |
| Helps firm and lift sagging eyelids. | Notice how it doesn’t claim to firm sagging eyelids. It only claims to help (what?) lift them. That’s because it can’t do the job. |
| Moisturizes and conditions to leave skin soft and silky. | True. |
| Non-greasy, clean smell, and will not clog pores. | True. |
Price & Availability
$139.00/£108.42 at Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
Nope. Save your money and apply your facial moisturiser to the eye area. You’ll get the same results.
Dupes & Alternatives
- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream ($15.99)
- Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($34.00)
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Steareth-20, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aminoethylphosphinic Acid, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Have you tried Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
