Review: Garnier Caffeine Anti-Dark Circles 2-in-1 Tinted Eye Roll-On

On the 13th of January I posted a preview of this product in order to give you a quick tasted of what was to come and allow you to be a bit aware of what was coming on the market.  At the time this product appeared online at Boots.com however it’s official launch was on the 27th and now that’s two days ago, so I apologise for the delay in this review.
Once upon a moon ago I used it’s original eye roll and was quite impressed with the product.  The original itself was exactly what you needed to perk you up in the morning and it although it didn’t quite remove my dark circles (what eye cream does anyway, I want to know!) it helped keep my under eyes tight with minimal wrinkling.  I use it a lot during exam time and phases of insomnia.  Now it’s time to test it’s new and improved partner.

 

The Low Down

Garnier's Caffeine Anti-dark circles 2in1 Tinted Eye roll-on comes in an almost replicate package design as it’s predecessor except this one comes in a beige coloured roll on.  As expected the roll on itself is incredibly smooth and as its made of metal it’s very cold and soothing to the eye and does not tug on the skin either.  It’s ergonomically shapes and is easily small enough to pop into your purse or make up bag.  For product amount you get 15ml (which is coincidentally as much as you would in an OPI nail polish!) and from past experience it will last you forever although it’s recommended that you replace this every six months.

   

As you can see the consistency is very thin and almost water like therefore it’s fairly easy to blend even with your finger.  This aspect is a sure win for me because not everyone has the time to rummage into their bags or pots for a brush.  For busy women (and men) a swipe and a few dabs is all we have time for!  The product doesn’t really smell of anything and does not (and I have heard no reports that it) stings your eye area.  This product comes in only two tones: fair and medium/dark.  I suppose this gripes me slightly because what will people with even darker skin do?  How unfair.  This is something Garnier really needs to take note of. 

The one you are seeing me use is medium/dark.  I am still looking to use the fair version to see if it’s better or worse!

And what do they claim?
Garnier suggests that if you regularly experience dark circles (er, how about permanently?) and if you are finding your usual care routine is not enough, this is the product for you.  They specifically say that this product will hide and reduce the appearance of dark circles.  Garnier says that it’s their ‘1st roll-on massage which combines a caring formula with natural ingredients and a long lasting tinted concealer as effective a make-up.  The formula, along with the massaging ball, offers a complete solution to tired eyes and dark circles and bags’. (Something tells me Garnier needs to employ a new copy writer…, why so many ands?  Sorry, pet peeve!)

They also claim that by using caffeine in the product it helps stimulate your under eye area (to relieve the look of tiredness, dullness and dark shadow, I suppose) and also lemon extract which is ‘known for its clarifying properties’. 

The most interesting part if that Garnier says they use naturally derived active ingredients wherever possible.  Also it’s formulated and dermatologically tested to ensure effectiveness and respect for your skin.   

The formula of this product is supposed to have a double effect on dark circles and bags; it gives immediate coverage and reduces the look of fatigue with the above mentioned caffeine and lemon extract.  It’s also supposed to be hydrating, and also contains UV filter to help protect your eye contour from the sun. 

Note: at the bottom of the packaging it says, confidentially, in a separate section in bold:

“Proven Effectiveness; Immediately dark circles and bags appear camouflaged, their appearance reduced.  The eye contour appears illuminated, hydrated and smoother.

How you can use the product
For me I like to use this as part of my make up routine and I pop it into my make up purse for touch ups.  This is one of the reasons why I am adoring this product; it’s so much easier to use for touching up as it’s quicker and very effective.  So for instance, my favourite concealer is probably still the Amazing Concealer in fair however you need a bit more effort to blend with that product and the consistency means it can be messy sometimes and when in a rush, it’s not the easiest concealer to use. 

As you can see in the picture above I actually use it all around the eye area as it brightens up my eye lid space as well.  It’s so easy to just literally circle your eyes like a child does with felt-tip pens and take your ring finger and dab away effortlessly. 

If you’re feeling for a boost, leaving this in your fridge seriously is great for eye's that need serious de-puffing big time.  Definitely handy for when you’re been crying (and let it be laughter) and you need to look presentable in under 30 seconds.  Whip this out and you will look more awake and full of youth.

This product retails at £9.99 at Boots which is the same price as the original. 

How did it work for Cherry?

 

With these kind of products, photos CAN be deceiving and it’s easy to question these photos.  I know I got a lot of slack for my previous photos because of the angle I was taking it at.  So having taken that feedback in I tried to do it head on straight and this is what I came up with.  I think the left side (your left side) is SLIGHTLY closer, in other words my face not straight but this should not change the results.

So as you can see, the eye on the left is not concealer and the one on the right (MY left) is.  It conceals pretty well and the coverage is buildable; what you’re seeing here is a sheer coverage as it’s only been layered once.  It hasn’t removed my dark shadow completely but is very good under or over foundation.  As mentioned it’s also a great ‘quick-fix’ and a joy to use when needing a 'pick-me-up.  

This product is not oily, not greasy, does not irritate me and it doesn’t settle in my fine lines.  I feel it’s the correct consistency and decent coverage and everything I look in for a good touch up product; at least that’s how I interpret this roll-on. 

Cherry’s final verdict?
If you’re looking for serious super coverage I probably wouldn’t say this is for you.  If you feel that using a roll on is unhygienic even under your eye then I don’t think this is for you.  Also I’m very sorry (and annoyed) to say if you have black skin this probably won’t be of any help either. 

However if you loved the original roll on and you are looking for a good pick me up concealer then you might be onto something.  I would recommend this to anyone who would use it like I do and is tired of fiddling around with doe-foot applicators in public toilets or worrying about cakey concealer done in horrible public lighting.  This is minimal fuss and really simple to use.

I see this product as more of a make-up product as opposed to skin care.  I think Garnier are trying to market this as a two in one but as you can see there is very little stress in its skincare properties or benefits.  The positioning of this product is different to its original and therefore I wouldn’t expect a lot from this if you’re hoping this will rid your dark circles altogether. 

I’ve been using this product religiously since being sent this (which is about over three weeks ago) and when I use it in my public, I get many “oohs” and “aahhs” from friends who watch.  I lot of people are become converts already so if you’re willing to try this, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.   

I award this product five full cherries :)

 

Any questions?  Post them below!  Don’t forget to forward this blog post!

Peace x

Cherry x