Shiseido Ultimune Eye: Power Infusing Eye Concentrate

For the longest time I’ve wondered why is it that advances in skincare always seem to miss out on the eye area.  Given the skin around the eye is thinner and more prone to showing signs of aging than the rest of the face, I’ve always thought it a pity that we have much less options for the eyes.  Eyecare has thus far seemed more reactive than defensive – hydration for dryness, wrinkle care for wrinkled eyes, lifting creams for droopy lids, etc.  Now at last, Shiseido presents us with Ultimune Eye to help skin around the eye area to grow stronger and more beautiful with each passing day!

Leveraging on the success of the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Shiseido’s latest Ultimune Eye is formulated with the brand’s exclusive Ultimune Complex, which boost’s skin’s natural Langerhan cells’ ability to capture invading viruses and induce anti-viral immunity, thereby keeping the skin healthy.  This is important in preventing premature aging as weakened skin cells are more susceptible to environmental stresses.  The Ultimune Complex comprises of a cocktail of botanical extracts – Gingko Biloba Leaf, Perilla and Wild Thyme – for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.  A blend of rose and lotus scents help calm and relax the senses, to enhance the overall sense of well-being.

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In addition to the Ultimune Complex, the latest Ultimune Eye has a new ImuMoisture Extract to address a common issue of dryness around the eye area.  This ImuMoisture Extract consists of Ectoin, a natural compound found in some microorganisms living in salty waters and high temperature environments to prevent water loss from their bodies.  White Birch Extract promotes metabolic activity, is anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing, and an effective anti-oxidant.

Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate comes in a shiny red bottle with a pump dispenser that is similar to though smaller than the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate for face [reviewed here].  The pump works smoothly, and easily allows me to dispense fractional amounts as I require.

The product dispenses out in a milky fluid that has a gel-like texture.  However, once I warm it up between my ring fingers, it melts into an oil that smooths onto the skin around the eye easily without any unnecessary tugging.

Once massaged into the eye, Ultimune Eye transforms into a dewy texture that feels extremely moisturising and comforting on my eye area.  I was initially worried that it would feel too oily, but in reality the texture is so light and silky it does not bother me at all.  On the other hand, it does take a while to be completely absorbed, so it may not be ideal if you’re rushing to apply eye makeup as well.  It took some experimenting, but in the end I reduced the amount to about a quarter-pump and found it just adequate to cover my entire eye area without leaving too thick a layer.  For evenings, it is perfectly pampering.

I have been using Ultimune Eye for about a month now, and found my eye area to be much better hydrated, the fine lines under my eyes are much less obvious and the skin is plumped up.  At the same time, the skin around my eyes also seem stronger and more resilient.  A couple of nights ago I somehow had a bad case of itchy eyes (probably from catching up on Suits Season 5!) and rubbed my eyes so badly I thought I’d wake up with puffy and sore eyes for sure.  Instead, my eyes looked the way they always do in the morning!  I do have to caution though, Ultimune Eye is designed to be a pre-serum, to be used in combination with an eye cream of your choice so you may not be able to observe any immediate improvements if used on its own.  On the other hand, it boosts the efficacy of your eye cream, and I found that I no longer needed an ultra rich eye cream even at night.

Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate will be out in counters on 1 September, and will be retailing at SGD98 for 15ml.

_{This post featured a product that was kindly provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}