There are some products that are so special, that sometimes I’m careful to use it sparingly, and I find myself using it for only special occasions.

Lately, that special product is the Brightening Eye Cream from Banila Co.'s It Radiant line. 

Before I get into exactly why that is, let me do a brief overview about the skin around your eyes, The thin skin around your eyes is fragile (it’s literally the thinnest skin on your body). Now add lack of moisture (dehydration) around that skin and the fine lines will be even more apparent. Cold, wintery winds don’t really help the situation, either.

On top of that, you might be familiar with the darkness underneath the eyes, a.k.a. dark circles. This is the product of two things: genetics (which is luck of the draw) and lack of sleep (which you can control). Without proper sleep, water sticks around near the eye area. As this is the thinnest skin in your body, the water retention results in dark circles and puffy bags. So make your beauty rest a priority!

When I look for an eye cream, I’m not necessarily looking for a miracle product, and you shouldn’t either. The truth is you can’t completely erase dark circles or tuck away puffiness with a cream. Skin care is all about about having realistic expectations: Use products that have ingredients that will make things a little bit clearer, brighter, smoother and firmer.

For me, I know that my eye area needs a) intense hydration and b) something to brighten up my dark circles. The ultimate goal for me here is to not have to reach for the concealer every time I go out.

That’s what drew me to the It Radiant Brightening Eye Cream. It is formulated with deep skin conditioning ingredients made with 10 different flower extracts including chamomile, white rose, jasmine, acacia, lily, freesia, lotus, daffodil, edelweiss, and iris. 

Let’s not forget the carob seed extracts that act as a humectant, binding moisture to the skin. It’s a super key ingredient here because humectant ingredients are honestly the best thing you can use for fine lines. If you can get moisture to stick around a lot longer, it’ll plump up tired, dry skin around the eyes to reduce sagging and/or wrinkles.

Secondly, since I’m looking for something to help brighten the eye area (without makeup) I love how it has finely ground pearl powder in the formula, which instantly illuminates the eye area, and bonus -- it’s a natural ingredient!

Ground up pearl? Yes!  For centuries many Asian cosmetic products have featured pearl powder to diffuse light (which reduces the appearance of imperfections) and promote clearer, brighter skin. You may already use makeup that contains pearl powder without even knowing it! Real pearls in your skin care or makeup really do help you achieve that slightly shimmery, luminous look.

I’ve found that pearl powder is really the “secret weapon” ingredient because it works! It’s rich in amino acids and minerals that are essential for anti-aging creams.

Lastly, the packaging is perfect. The eye cream comes in this little tube with a hygienic tip so I don’t get my germy fingers all over the contents. It gives me control to dispense exactly what I need onto my finger tip -- no more and no less, which is actually pretty important when you don’t need a ton to get the job done. Then I gently pat the viscous eye cream all over my orbital bone and let my skin slurp it up. Get the Banila Co. It Radiant Brightening Eye Cream here.

Now I’m a bit obsessed with pearl powders in my skin care products, and am definitely keeping my eyes peeled for more to curate on the site.

Have you tried any pearl powder skin care products? Do you recommend any? What’s your favorite eye cream? Share below!

xx charlotte