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It’s been a minute since I wrote an entry for my Sample Sunday series. I used to do these weekly(!), and always test out a new little K-beauty sample I’d been given on my travels. However, my last entry was too long ago, and so today I’m bringing it back.
One of the wonderful things about all of the Korean cosmetics stores is that they gift you with a bunch of samples each time you shop—some more than others, especially if you have a local and take the time to get to know them.
My friend and I would get very spoiled at our local Nature Republic, and it ended up with me discovering a bunch of my favourite products from the brand, particularly the Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream (sigh… read my rave here), and the Bee Venom Toner (included in my original Korean skincare routine post here), as well as the Argan Steam Emulsion (also reviewed here). So many loves, so many little samples. I guess that’s the true purpose of samples when you really think about it, so win-win!
Today’s Sample Sunday is a little different because, well, it doesn’t quite fit the description. It’s the Etude House Collagen Eye Patch and, first of all let me say: I know this ain’t a sample. I know! Buttt… it’s just so smol and cute, no? I also felt like using eye patches, and figured that this was teensy enough to fit into my Sample Sunday series.
My skin has been pretty dry of late, and whilst I’ve been layering on the moisture, I thought I could pay special attention to the delicate under-eye area. To be honest, I never use special eye creams for this area, even if I’m at an age where, apparently, I should. Although we get told to start doing that basically as soon as we leave school, so who’s to know when’s the best time to start?
All the anti-ageing products in the world can’t replace a lifetime (or a youth’s lifetime) of laughs, experiences, and of course a healthy diet and exercise (this one comes and goes for me, but I do always see results in my skin when I persist). What I’m getting at, in a very roundabout way, is that I don’t necessarily believe that eye products/creams actually do anything… and with that, I dove into these here eye patches.
To start, it’s infused with collagen, which is only ever a good thing. Other ingredients include Centella Asiatica Extract, which seems to be everywhere right now (including in my review for the Rovectin Cica Care Balm) and is great for soothing troubled, dry skin, as well as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and retinol, actually. I was surprised by this, as I had recently dipped my toe into the world of retinol, and then hastily retracted it at the very first hint of irritation. Baby steps. But you’ll be pleased to know that there was no irritation from these babies whatsoever.
They are of course from the cutesy Etude House, but I was pleasantly surprised that these patches were pretty straight-down-the-line, no-fuss patches. I will warn you, do not open on an angle! The little case that holds the patches also holds a hefty amount of essence, so much so it leaked over my legs which luckily blocked it from getting on my couch. So, they’re well-soaked in the essence. That’s a good thing, but do be prepared!
I didn’t notice much of a scent, and as I said, did not find these irritating at all. The patches had the little mesh backing, which I try to remove after applying, but eventually decided to remove first and then apply. This may be the correct way, but I like to think the mesh holds the form, so it would be best to apply the patch and then remove the mesh. Alas, my coordination eludes me, but I persisted nonetheless!
After about 15 minutes or so, I felt the patches dry up and promptly removed them. It’s a cruel irony that you can actually overdo the application of face masks, so much so that leaving them on for too long eventually sucks the moisture back out of your skin. Crazy, non? This little set was a pleasure to use, however, and I would definitely treat myself to more of these babies.
Did I see a huge improvement in the appearance of my under eye area? It’s a bit too soon to tell. Again, I wouldn’t put all my anti-ageing eggs in one basket, but it is a nice relaxing ritual to apply extra moisture to the under-eye area and kick back for a quarter of an hour. Does me just fine!
These patches are a win in my book, and have also encouraged me to try more of them. Whilst I remain sceptical on the permanent benefits of them complexion-wise, the relaxation points cannot be denied. And they’re such a small little treat, it would be a shame not to enjoy them!
Have you tried these patches? Or any others? Am I tripping when I say anti-ageing under-eye products don’t work? Let me know!
Until next time,
Steph x