Hello everyone!
I'm a huge fan of roller formats for the skin around my eyes, and I was excited to try the GRACE FACE Eye Essence with Caffeine and Peptides. This product promised to be a game-changer, with a massager and an eye refresher all in one. But, unfortunately, the experience was a bit of a letdown.
I was expecting some serious magic: smoothed-out wrinkles, a brighter gaze, and even dark circles and puffiness gone. The packaging, the promises from the manufacturer, and the ingredients all looked super promising. But, after using it for a while, I have to admit that it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
GRACE FACE Eye Essence with Caffeine and Peptides, Anti-Aging Roller for Fine Lines
Design and Packaging
The essence itself comes in a compact tube with a little applicator ball on the end. It's tiny, fits comfortably in my hand, and looks sleek and stylish - the minimalist design, the white and gold colors on the box, and the easy-to-read text on the box all get a thumbs-up from me. The earthy brown glass tube is a nice touch, and the brand's design aesthetic is cohesive across all their products.
The applicator is just a plastic ball on the end of the tube.
But, to be honest, the first-time experience wasn't exactly pleasant.
GRACE FACE Эссенция для области вокруг глаз с кофеином и пептидами, омолаживающая от морщин
The roller ball was super tight at first, and it was made of cold, hard plastic. It took some elbow grease to get it to roll smoothly. I'd spin it around in my hand a few times, trying to loosen it up. Finally, after that initial struggle, the serum would start flowing and distributing evenly.At first, it was frustrating - I'd have to keep re-rolling it to get it to work properly. I mean, I wasn't expecting that from a product that's supposed to make my life easier.
But, after a while, it started to behave itself and worked like a charm.
What the manufacturer promises
The manufacturer claims:
to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes;to refresh my gaze;to reduce signs of fatigue;to give me a lifted look;to improve skin elasticity and tone;to provide additional nourishment thanks to its active ingredients.That sounds impressive! And this essence is positioned as a concentrate with coffee and peptides - the components that are supposed to help brighten and tone the skin.
The active ingredients
The key active ingredients are:
Coffee, as a stimulating component, is supposed to tone the skin, reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and give my eyes a more refreshed look.
In theory, thanks to the coffee, my skin under my eyes should look less tired.
Peptides are molecules that, allegedly, can improve skin structure, stimulate collagen production, and maintain elasticity.
The manufacturer puts a strong emphasis on these components, presenting the essence as
a means to combat signs of aging.
Along with them, the composition includes additional care ingredients that help the essence absorb quickly and leave no residue. The texture is light, almost watery.
Cooling
The first thing I notice immediately after applying is the light, refreshing sensation.
However, I want to clarify that the cooling effect isn't as intense as that of the metal roller I used before. The cold feeling comes more from the essence itself, rather than the applicator, so I store this essence in the fridge to get a more pronounced toning effect when I apply it directly to my skin.
Within the first 15 seconds after application, I feel a sense of relief under my eyes – I'm wide awake!
Effect
From my perspective, my eyes do look fresher after using this essence.
Perhaps it's due to the sensation of coolness.
The essence absorbs quickly into the skin. It doesn't leave any residue, doesn't slide off, and doesn't interfere with applying other skincare products or makeup.
The same concealer glides smoothly over it – it's evenly distributed and doesn't get stuck in fine lines.
The essence has a light texture – it feels weightless, doesn't weigh my eyes down, and doesn't cause any irritation.
MY TAKE:
POST-USE:
MINUSES
But, as many "buts" as there are:
Essence doesn't remove bruises and dark circles!!
Yes, the look becomes slightly fresher, but if you have prominent bruises like I do, they remain in place. It turns out that this essence is just a gentle, moisturizing formula.
It doesn't smooth out wrinkles. Naturally. That was a silly expectation. And I didn't notice any pronounced anti-aging effects on the skin, which is the main minus in the context of the manufacturer's promises.
The plastic roller in the applicator is a clear minus. It's stiff to use in the first few days, and the cold sensation is barely noticeable. Personally, I prefer metal rollers because they glide much easier, better massage the skin, and provide a more intense cooling effect.
Until the roller is developed, the product might not even come out of the tube)) That's frustrating, because every second counts in the morning, you know what I mean!
GRACE FACE Eye Essence with Caffeine and Peptides, Anti-Wrinkle Cream Usage
I use this essence every morning:
I apply a small amount of essence to the under-eye area after washing my face in the morning. I gently press the applicator ball until it starts to spin freely.
I then massage the skin under my eyes with circular motions for about a minute. It's a quick process, and I wait just 15 seconds for the product to absorb.
After that, I apply my regular concealer, and it glides on smoothly, looking natural. And that's it.
GRACE FACE Essence for the eye area with caffeine and peptides, anti-aging from wrinklesVERDICT
I'm giving it 3 stars, not because the product is terrible - it does have some good qualities: the essence has a pleasant texture, it absorbs quickly, gives me a fresh look, and the base under the concealer is great. But the main promises from the manufacturer, especially about smoothing out wrinkles and getting rid of dark circles, didn't live up to my expectations.
I don't plan on repurchasing this, mainly because I'm frustrated with the results. I'll keep looking for something that actually works. Plus, it's a bit pricey at 450 rubles for 8ml - I think I can find something similar for cheaper.
Hope you found this review helpful!