What is it?

A cooling liquid formula to refresh tired eyes, dispensed in a miniature roller-ball applicator.

Overview:

*15ml product
*Currently retails in Boots for £9.99
*The product contains caffeine to tighten and brighten the eye area
*The product is dispensed in miniature roller-ball wand

The Eye Roll-on claims to hydrate and refresh tired eyes through lightly massaging the under-eye area with the bright green roller-ball wand. It is this roller-ball design that is the real innovation behind the product and that made it distinctive in the beauty market when it was launched in 2008. The roller-ball itself is actually made of metal, so it is naturally a cool material which will feel refreshing when pressed against the eye area. The actual product being dispensed contains caffeine to tighten the skin around the eye and 'Pro-Vitamin B5'.

Application and Results:

I used the Eye Roll-on every morning for a month after purchase. It applies as a slightly runny clear serum that feels sticky to the touch but does eventually sink in. I had to apply it before cleaning my teeth so that it had absorbed by the time I came to apply my makeup. I simply used light pressure to roll the wand in long curved movements, following the contour of my under-eye area.

Although I didn't suffer from especially difficult eyes they were a little bit puffy first thing in the morning so I was excited to try this product. I hoped it would be a quick-fix and it really wasn't. I don't know whether it was the caffeine or the vitamin B5 (which is sometimes used cosmetically to tighten pores) but I could feel the serum immediately tightening the skin. Sadly though the effects were short-lived (10-15 minutes) and the puffiness was not reduced at all. The massing action alone of the roller-ball should have stimulated circulation and helped to drain the under-eye area, so I was extremely disappointed to find that it didn't.

I honestly think you could get the same cooling results from rolling a cold teaspoon over your eye each morning, and the same tightening effects from a cold teabag. Admittedly this is a less practical solution for storing in your handbag, but I just don't think this product delivers on its claims.

Pros:

*The handy size is perfect for travel and small purses
*The roller-ball massage may indeed help to drain fluid from around the eyes which causes puffiness and the metal tip feels cooling
*It is easy to find and reasonably priced

Cons:

*Don't expect miracles - this is not a wonder product
*A chilled teabag works just as well!

The final word:

In my book the results from this product don't justify the (admittedly not enormous) cost. Only for the serious skin-care product collector!

Further info:

You can find out more about the product, including a video showing how to apply it on Garnier's own website:
http://www.garnier.co.uk/_en/_gb/nutritionist_eye /index.aspx