Fenty Skin flash nap instant revival eye gel-cream with massage tool
Described as a gel-cream, we would say the texture is more on the gel side. It’s not transparent in colour, but it has a lightweight, non-greasy feel. It’s complemented with a fresh, floral and slightly tropical scent, but it’s faint and not overpowering, which we liked.
Like all good skincare formulations, this contains hero beauty-ingredient hyaluronic acid. A humectant, which means it draws moisture to the skin and can hold 1000 times its own weight in water. Put simply, it’s one of the best skin moisturisers out there and well-hydrated skin has fewer lines.
Another stand-out ingredient is green tea. An anti-inflammatory that contains natural caffeine which helps constrict blood vessels and reduces swelling – working wonders on depuffing. But it’s also a rich antioxidant that protects and defends against ageing environmental stressors.
Other ingredients in the formula include niacinamide for brightening and soothing, horse chestnut as the brand claims it can reduce puffiness and Persian silk tree that can target signs of fatigue.
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The applicationThe thin nozzle on the tube makes it easy to dispense just the right amount. A pea-sized dollop for both eye areas is all you need. Don’t be tempted to pile on more when you feel you’re looking extra tired, as it isn’t going to give you better results. In fact, using too much eye cream can have the reverse effect and make your eyes look puffier. The thin skin can only absorb so much and will just react to the heaviness.
Using the product gently on the eye area is key. We found tapping it with the ring finger is best. It’s your weakest finger, so it encourages you to press lightly and not to drag or pull the delicate skin. You can choose to purchase it with or without a mini eye massage tool, we tested it with – rolling the cooling metal over the gel-cream for an extra reviving boost. Try keeping it in the fridge, as we did, for an extra cold boost and use for little pick-me-ups throughout the day.
Use the eye cream before your moisturiser and after your serum, as it’s always best with skincare to apply the lightest product first and the heaviest last – thinner formulas can’t penetrate thicker. You’ll find it absorbs quickly but does feel slightly tacky for a minute or two before it’s ready for concealer on top.
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The resultThis is a real treat for tired-eyes, as the formula works its cooling magic instantly. Eyes feel more awake and refreshed after use in the mornings and soothed in the evenings before bed.
The mini massaging tool is an extra boost to soothing puffy eyes. It’s addictive to use, we even find ourselves rolling it over the eye area as we type this. However, two spoons left in the fridge would work just as well. Or if you already own a massaging tool, wand or roller then they will work just as well with the product.
When it comes to making eyes look well-rested, it had some serious tired peepers to contend with. It was tested on days we were just not getting a full night sleep and it was showing. We didn’t see instant results, but after three days of continuous use there was a definite improvement to the under-eye bags that looked less swollen and even more so by day seven.
We can’t report it made a difference to dark circles, but it did make a brilliant eye primer to help cover them up. Make-up could be applied quickly after use. It not only created a smoother surface for concealer, but we found it less likely to crease and it would stay put and flawless throughout the day.
If you’re looking for something that packs more of an anti-ageing punch, this isn’t for you. You should look to formulas that are made-up of more active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol that will brighten dark circles and plump fine lines or deeper wrinkles. Try one of our favourite eye serums instead.