This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and OLAY.
I always approach my cosmetic reviews with some degree of trepidation. As a certified cosmetic snob, with very strong opinions and very well set favorites, I always worry I will have nothing positive to say about the product I am asked to review. Even though I've had nothing but positive experiences thus far, each box brings a bit of nervousness. I needed not worry about the Olay Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush because I really love this product!
Before I get started on what I think, let's hear a word from Olay. What do they claim this product will do?
First and foremost, Olay says this brush will help reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines around the eyes. Second, the brush will reduce puffiness around the eyes and increase firmness in the area. These were my primary areas of concern, in addition Olay focuses on hydration, texture, tone and moisturization- the 7 primary ways we show age around the eyes.
When I checked out the product page at the Olay site, the claim I was most dubious of was the reduced puffiness. How would a concealer do that?
Well, I'm still not sure. But this concealer does JUST THAT. When I wake up in the mornings, my body may be up and at 'em, but my eyes certainly are not. I tend to look like a groggy mess for at least an hour or two every morning while my eyes adjust to being open, even after applying makeup. On the first Saturday after I received this product, I was headed to the gym early in the morning after a late night out. I try not to be one of those makeup wearing gym goers, but the bottom line is, even at the gym I like to look decent. People I know work out there! So, I got out the brush and went to work.
I've used brush applicators in the past, and am admittedly NOT a fan. I don't use brushes to apply foundation either. The most positive attribute about the brush-click system in this product is that it allows you to better control the amount of product you are using. At the end of the day, I will still always prefer to apply my cosmetics with my finger, but this isn't a terrible system either. I loaded up the brush and applied Olay Total Effects underneath my eyes. There was an immediate lightening in the area, but nothing I'd say was akin to reducing puffiness.
BUT THEN! After a few minutes, I could suddenly feel the area around my eyes quite literally tightening. It was amazing, and my eyes really did look more alert. Color me impressed. This product does what it says. Whatever it is, it works.
As someone who doesn't really suffer from under eye circles, I was worried I would have some trouble determining its concealing effects. However, I've recently started using another product that tends to leave me with red, for lack of a better term True Blood Vampire Eyes, and they could certainly use some help. I was very impressed with the Olay products ability to counteract this effect.
How does this product compare to my usual under eye concealer? Well, my primary use of under eye concealer thus far has always been to just brighten the area around my eyes, not necessarily for the purpose of hiding dark circles, but because you always look peppier with a little lightness there. I’m very happy with my current concealer, which is multi-use and thus used on other spots in need of some concealin’. Before trying out this product, I had no idea that I could get the kind of awakening effects that the Olay product has achieved. I will definitely be using this under my eyes in the future.
I personally am lucky enough to not be experiencing the effects of fine lines around the eyes just yet, but I will say this- the texture of this Olay product is very light. Not nearly as thick as what I am used to for concealers. I can see that this would likely be advantageous if you do have fine lines- the heavier the concealer, the more likely it will be to sit and thicken up in your fine lines. This would be a great texture over areas starting to show signs of aging.
Now for the giveaway! BlogHer and Olay are giving away a $100 Spa Finder gift card.
To enter this giveaway, I want to know- what is you biggest area of concern for your eyes? Dark circles? Fine lines? Vampire eyes (I’m guessing that’s just me!)?
The Rules:
Contest Dates 4/14-5/14
No duplicate comments.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
Check out the BlogHer round up page for more chances to win, and to read about more BlogHers experiences with this great product!
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