Mumsnet Talk

I have dark circles, and it really is the bane of my life.

I've managed to get rid of the pigmentation through a dermatologist.

They are lighter but still there unfortunately.

I have used countless creams and gels etc and have come to realise that for anything to work it would need to prescribed, not bought over a counter.

However I've done some research and found what seems to be the holy grail. Out of 87 reviews, it has 75 rating it 5 stars.

Should I buy it and see for myself or just think that it's probably just another beauty scam claiming to do something that is pretty much impossible?

I'd be a bit worried that it might do something nasty - I mean, it could get good reviews because it does get rid of dark circles but it also harms you? You can't tell if you're buying something online (which I'm guessing you are if you're mentioning reviews?).

If it's over the counter, it must be safe to use, so at least it won't do any harm, but I'd be really wary of buying stuff online that's meant to be prescription/isn't marked as safe for sale in the UK.

Well it all depends on who wrote the reviews and how independent they are.

87 reviews is nothing in the grand scheme of things and you need to be careful what you put on the skin under your eyes as it's so thin.

What is it?

www.amazon.com/Elite-Serum-Defend-Protect-Rejuvenate/dp/B006E3STSM/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1357085167&sr=1-1&keywords=elite+serum

Eek that looks scary!

Doctor Recommended as a Legitimate Topical Alternative to Botulinum Toxin Injections

Contains the Highest Concentration of Pharmaceutical-Grade Peptides - Argireline, SNAP-8, Haloxyl, Eyeliss, Matrixyl-3000, Syn-Coll

Considered to be the #1 Eye Serum on the Market - For Reducing Dark Circles,

Puffiness, Fine Lines and Crows Feet

This Exclusive DNA Precursor Formula was Developed by a famous Cosmetic Pharmacist, Irwin Grams

First Ever use of Patent-Pending Dispensing Syringe for Precision Application - This is a Needle-Free Alternative to Botox.

Can you tell me using your own words what all that 'impressive' stuff means?

If you can't because you don't understand a word of it then YABU (and in good company)

All 'beauty products' are a scam! Marketed to prey on peoples vanity. Most of them dont do a thing.

Oh I know they use big and long scientific words to make it sound more impressive.

Corny why does it look scary? It's just a gel.

Yes but do you understand them?

That's the important thing here because if you don't, it sounds as though you're suitably impressed...thus being their perfect target.

Considered to be the #1 Eye Serum on the Market - For Reducing Dark Circles, Puffiness, Fine Lines and Crows Feet
Surely reducing pufiness and removing fine lines/crows feet are the opposite effects?

Yep, no way would I touch that.

It's an alternative to botox. Which is a poison.

I think cat is right -but this one doesn't even look harmless. Peptides are acids. If I'm remembering right, Ben Goldacre says stuff like this works because while they're in the gel, they're all stretched out, and as they dry on your face, they shrink and temporarily contract the skin - until you wash the cream off! Meantime you'll have a slightly 'tight' feeling face ... unless you happen to react to one of them.

IMO, if it's being sold on the net and not in the shops, there's probably a reason, and even if that reason is only that they've not yet got approval, why risk it?

I didn't read the ingredients Worra I looked at the reviews and other websites.

This Exclusive DNA Precursor Formula was Developed by a famous Cosmetic Pharmacist, Irwin Grams
So this bloke invented something which, according to its title is older than DNA?

Have you considered Anusol? It'll cost you about £5.

Why are dark circles "the bane of [your] life"?

Does pile cream actually work cat ?

I remember it being said on Miss Congeniality

It is apparently the #1 eye serum on the market yet you can't buy it on amazon uk only .com? Probably illegal to sell it here so no I wouldn't touch it.

I have no idea, but it won't cost you $89 + delivery!

www.amazon.co.uk/Elite-Eye-Serum-Protect-Rejuvenate/dp/B006E3STSM

This is it on the amazon.co.uk

But it's not available...

Oops sorry- I don't know why it didn't come up when I searched

Elite Serum is a scientifically designed compound that is composed of a combination of special DNA precursor pool peptides. The advanced formula works quickly and effectively to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Furthermore, it helps to improve tone, firmness and skin elasticity while restoring youthful looking eye contour on patients of all ages. It contains an unprecedented and extremely effective, highly concentrated blend of pharmaceutical-grade peptides and nature's most potent moisturizers. *Formulated with the highest concentration of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. *Rich seaweed extract base as used by the world's most expensive serums. *Contains scientifically advanced peptides proven to cause DNA rejuvenation. *Delivers a youthful and vibrant appearance around the eyes. *Rapidly brings oxygen and nutrients to the eye area. *Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. *Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. *Works directly under and around the eye area within minutes. *Ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing application. *No injection needed. It works on areas where the Botox® solution can not. *A Cooling, hyper toning sensation indicates that the serum is working. *Scientifically designed as hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. *Dermatologist and pharmacist tested under strict laboratory conditions. *Can be used safely and beneficially in conjunction with other skin care products. *Ability to work alone as needed as a powerful eye serum. *Manufactured in the USA in an advanced FDA licensed pharmaceutical laboratory. Elite Serum is manufactured in a state of the art 70,000 square foot facility in Miami, Florida. From the ISO 9002 laboratory to the production staff, all employees are all trained on GMPs, SOPs and all FDA rules and regulations. The facilities are subject to random inspection from the United States Food and Drug Administration
What a load of wank!

I searched it on google Cas not on the amazon search.

So it probably didn't come up because it's not available.

What probably happens is that you put it on your eyes, it makes you go blind and you can no longer see the lines and circles!

ok, the UK reviews, of which there are 2 only describe them as helping puffy eyes and lines, not really helping dark circles.

Personally I wouldnt waste my money. Eye serums and all such things stretch the skin, inflate wrinkles to ease them out (temporarily) and/or have pearly pigmentation to hide circles/lines.

You can buy Rimmel blemish stick for a couple of £ to help with the circles and I found Benefit Erase Paste helps too.