I’ve been wearing eye cream for as long as I can remember. I think I started way back in my late teens. Some creams have done what they said, others were no more than another moisturiser that ended up being used up as a handcream.
Last year I was reading the ingredients of an eye cream and nearly everything listed was an oil. That got me thinking. I could make my own! I used to use a Burts Bees serum now discontinued that was a mix of oils and loved it. The recipe below is an updated version of my first own eye oil mix. You’ll need:
DIY Cruelty Free Eye Oil
One container or tube. I use a 50ml tube from Muji
A funnel or measure. I’m not sure not the exact measure as I use a decanting funnel from Sephora’s travel bottles. It’s roughly 10ml of each oil.
Mix equal parts of each oil together. I use 2 funnels full of each oil which is enough to fill the 50ml tube. Shake tube to mix the oil together.
Apply around eye socket, around lips, on the nasolabial folds. I even apply it to my eyebrows and forehead if it’s looking tired, read some lines more defined.
Store away from direct sunlight
Does it Work?
I’m on my 3rd mix and love it. The previous mix had rosehip oil in which I didn’t on with. As all the oils are packed with vitamin E it’s a good anti ageing mix. I know nothing will stop the lines eventually but I can give nature a run for it’s money. My under eye bags aren’t so dark thanks to the wweet almond oil, the fine lines have softened, skin texture’s improved, it’s none irritant, though if it gets in the eyes it can film over for a moment.
Wheat germ oil’s a rich source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage, fight free radicals, support healthy collagen formation (I sprinkle wheatgerm flakes on my lunches and dinners for a vegan source of collagen). It also contains vitamin B which can help repair tissue damage.
Sweet almond oil is also rich in vitamin E along with monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, proteins and zinc making it a super antioxidant vitamin. Regular use can help protect skin from oxidative stress and UV radiation keeping its soft and supple. It’s vitamin A can help reduce acne flare ups.
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax extracted from jojoba nuts that you guessed is high in vitamin A and E. Unlike other oils, it’s waxy substance closely resembles our skins sebum. This means it can seal in moisture and create an effective barrier to external elements, keep our skin hydrated and help fight acne.
Macadamia nut oil is packed with vitamin E, omega’s, doesn’t clog pores, contains squalene and oleic acid that help with cell/skin regeneration. It’s 2nd to jojoba oil in matching naturally occurring sebum of to skin. It’s also rich in phytochemical compounds like tocopherols, toctrienols along with squalene that help protect the skin against oxidation.
Marula oil is the secret ingredient. In addition to containing vitamin E, fatty acids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids it contains vitamin C, the anti ageing, antioxidant superstar. Vitamin C can help even out skin tone, boost collagen, reduce acne scars and brighten skin.
I usually apply it at night because A, our skin renewal rate is higher at night and it’s more receptive to ingredients and B, the only con is if wearing makeup. I noticed that if I had a few hours before applying make up, it had absorbed enough not to affect eyeshadow. If it had been less than a few hours, eye makeup slid around slightly. Therefore in the mornings I use a store purchased eye cream. My current favourite’s Aromatica Argan hydrating eye cream. This is also as I do my eye make up first from years of making mistakes, messing up foundation, correcting and feeling that I’ve also wiped away the eye cream. It’s now out of habit after finishing my eye makeup gently swipe a little coconut oil on tissue to remove eyeliner mistakes, shadow fall out and reapply eye cream before starting on my base. If I don’t it doesn’t feel right. I’ve been noticing improvement in texture and my lines not as noticeable at the end of the day like some eye creams have the tendency to do.
Do you make your own skincare products? Please share below!