We tried it: Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator

Image courtesy of Estee Lauder 

Always willing to test out new products for SW readers, editor Cynthia tries out Estee Lauder's newest "miracle" eye cream.

Confession: I am starting to be paranoid that SW is making me famous as an excessive eye-bag haver! Why else would glossy mega-mag ELLE choose me to test out Estee Lauder's new Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator? 

I can't be sure, but it might have something to do with the fact that in recent months, a crazy schedule has made me a serious bag-lady. To which I have responded by testing out (and reporting on) tons of eye-bag busting creams, gels and hi-tech equipment; some of them produced amazing results.  

But with another season of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week shows mere months away, I am more than willing to keep the trials going. A girl can never have enough weapons in her arsenal to fight the intense eye area calamities caused by the late nights, multiple cocktails,  and early morning call times that fill the 10 days surrounding the collections.

no sleep + no make-up= scarySo here we go with another eye area wonder cream, complete with frighteningly up-close, make-up free photos for your entertainment. You can thank me later, or fill our comments with rage-induced tirades about the  images of my scary eyeballs. Your choice.

Product details:

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator

Color tested: light/medium

Price: $58 for .5oz at department stores everywhere (full disclosure: as stated above this product was sent to us free of charge by Elle Magazine/Estee Lauder.)

Application: built in ceramic applicator allows the consumer to "massage the product in," which depuffs and leaves eyes feeling cool and refreshed.

still no make-up but dark purple rings are gone!How it worked:

The thick consistency of the product made getting the correct amount out of the tube (and not 10x what was needed) a little difficult, which at nearly $100 per fluid ounce for the product is a major downside. But once the product was applied there was an immediate lightening benefit that is impossible to argue with.

Under make-up, Idealist was les successful.  The thick creamy product clumped as I tried to apply a light foundation over the top, most likely because too much had been applied due to my death-grip on the tiny tube. After a quick wipe off and reapplication, things looked much better and foundation went on smoothly.

Overall outcome:

When it comes to visibly brightening the under eye area (especially in those superdark inner corners) the product definitely delivered. As for puffiness and wrinkle camouflage, the results were less drastic but still noticeable.  Overall it's a great product. Unfortunately, the package design is where the development falls short. At  $58 for .5 fluid ounce tube, and with an applicator that seems to be designed to cause the consumer to waste pricey product, Idealist Eye Illuminator can't be considered super budget-friendly. 

For more on Estee Lauder's Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator, please visit the official Estee Lauder website listed above.  For more product reviews and backstage beauty coverage, check out the Style Wylde archives.