I have been talking about Skyn Iceland and their eye masks for years... probably since I started the blog. The first time I spoke about them was in a post from 2015, all about their skin hangover kit. I did a brand buzz post about them in 2016 and then mentioned the eye gels again in 2018.

I figured it was time to do a truly dedicated post about the best eye gels in the world... and I've tried a lot of eye gels. 

For me, my eyes are extremely sensitive. I am constantly having allergic reactions to different products, I have eczema flare-ups once a week and I just need to be really careful with what I put around my eyes. 

If you haven't gotten the idea, March 2020 has been one of the worst months of my entire life. I didn't think March 2016 (the year my dad died) could be beaten but this is a close one. I got dumped, totally blindsided by the end of a relationship I thought was beautiful and strong. Then, the entire world decided to explode.

I think I'm speaking for a lot of people who would say this month is the worst we've had in a while. I mean, the world truly feels like it's ending and I keep expecting Katiness Everdeen to appear on my screen. All jokes aside, it's a really scary time in the world and I'm very fortunate to have a job, a healthy family, a roof over my head, and a creative outlet to help keep me occupied.

I said recently that I was having a hard time with the quarantine but the past few days haven't been so bad. I've been talking to my friends more, organizing and cleaning, working out -- a little routine really does make all the difference. Another change I made was to be a little more mindful of what I was eating. For the past two weeks I kind of have been all over the place in terms of a diet but the past few days, I've started tracking my Weight Watchers points again and I think that has helped level out my anxiety a bit.

It's all a struggle, truthfully. We are all in the same boat and in theory, that does help me feel a little better. I hope you are all staying safe, staying indoors, and staying healthy. As always, I'm here if you need to talk.

On a lighter note, I've loved a lot of things this month and I'm excited to share them with you!

The highlight of the month was being asked to be a bridesmaid for my BFF since I was 5 years old. She gifted us astrology themed items, like in the photo above!

Skyn Iceland Hydrogel Eye Patches

These eye gels are no stranger to the blog. They have been my favorite under-eye patches for years! I've tried other types and while they are good, nothing compares to Skyn Iceland. They are a bit expensive: $30 for 8 patches, which is why I buy them whenever they are on sale. I now put these eye masks in my skincare fridge and use them in the morning as I'm getting settled at my desk. They make my entire face feel awake and help with any puffiness (I've been crying a lot and not sleeping so these have been a lifesaver). The difference between Skyn Iceland and other brands is that they are formulated for stressed skin, and they are a little thicker than other brands. They aren't gel and aren't overly soaked with product, so they actually stay on your face without slipping and sliding all over the place. They are a true game-changer and my go-to product.

Roku Express Streaming Stick

I'm not sure if I mentioned this previously but back in November, I purchased a Roku Streaming Stick to turn my very old television into a smart TV. I wanted it primarily for Disney + but it has so many more capabilities, like Prime Video & Hulu. In times like these, it's been heaven sent! I love that I can lounge in my bed and watch pretty much everything and anything without having to go into the living room where our Smart TV is. I love mine so much I bought one for my mom to use in her room; she's been really into Netflix shows and wanted to watch Hulu & Prime as well so it's good for her while we're all stuck at home. It's very easy to hook up, easy to navigate and it was $30, which is the best part.

A to Z Mickey Bracelet

The one thing making me incredibly happy right now is all things, Disney. You know that I've had my moments with a Disney obsession but right now, I am fully in the midst of it. One of my favorite Disney themed pieces I picked up during the month was this gorgeous, handmade bracelet from the small shop, Shop A to Z. The bracelet I have is called the Zoe bracelet, and it' has gold filled beads and a small, pink Mickey/Minnie head. It's super well made, adorable, and adds the touch of magic to any bracelet stack. The shop is run by my favorite Disney influencer, Zoe, and her style is truly everything.

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

This is a no brainer this month but I actually purchased this in February, before we knew what exactly was going to happen. Well, it's been a lifesaver and it's pretty dam adorable. I've been meaning to buy a Touchland sanitizer for a while because of it's aesthetic, the scents, and the spray feature. I have always loved the idea of a spray sanitizer and this lives up to the hype. It's a little bigger than your average bottle of sanitizer but it's thin so it fits most places. It's easy to use on the go and I think that's what I love the most. It also blends seamlessly right into your hands so you don't have any wet residue left over. Keep an eye on their website & Ulta for when it comes back in stock.

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe day! 
xoxo
B

I've said it multiple times before but I love a good concealer, and really anything related to the undereye area.

I feel like they're the products that I see the most difference when I use them, and because I have such harsh undereye circles, it's my problem area so I like to tend to that the most.

I've tried almost every gimmicky product under the sun and lately, I've been even more obsessed with finding the perfect under eye routine.

My no shopping for Lent is still going strong, so these products were purchased last month and I've been testing this for the past few weeks, and I have to say, I love every one of these products.

Whether everything really works or is it just a placebo effect is another story.



Physician's Formula Refresh Mint Cucumber & Bamboo Eye Depuffer: After washing my face in the AM with Simple Micellar Water, I run this under my eyes to depuff and cool. I first saw this in a Vogue Beauty Editor's Instagram Story and I needed it immediately. I loved that this was big enough to cover a large surface area, and I was just drawn to it. It feels so good on my under eyes and is naturally cool. It does do a great job at depuffing and prepping my skin for the rest of the products.

Julep So Awake Depuffing Gel Eye Cream: When I saw this first hit the market I knew it was something I had to have. It's not a traditional cream, but has a slight jelly feel to it. A little goes a long way and it really moisturizes my undereye area. It has caffeine which is one of my favorite ingredients in a beauty product because it really awakens the skin.

Becca Anti Fatigue Under Eye Primer: This is another new product that I ordered the minute it was available a few months ago. I apply it after I let the Julep cream sink into my skin as a good base for my concealer. It's a very solid balm, more solid than the Physician's Formula roller. It is NOT cooling at all but it claims to be so I was disappointed by that. However, I do like the feeling of it and I think it really does make a huge difference in my concealer. If you're priming your face and your eyelids, why not your under eye area?

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution: I bought this before any of the other products and I primarily use it at night. At first, it was drying my skin out but it just took a little getting used too. I think it has helped my dark circles over time because at one point, they were really, really bad but they have gotten a bit better. It is a pure, concentrated serum filled with Caffeine and Green Tea so it's probably your best bet when it comes to your under eyes!

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels: I don't know how much more I could talk about these masks but I have to include them in this post. I've tried so many eye masks but these are the ones I continually go back too. They are so cooling, I shiver when I put them on my eyes, and they are the most comfortable masks out there. I hate when the eye mask slides all over your face but these definitely DO NOT do that!

What are your favorite under eye products?
xoxo
B

I've spoken time and time again about how my makeup purchasing has decreased, but I've been more obsessed with trying skincare.

Skincare is having a major moment and it's not going away in 2018; one of the biggest trends you're going to see is skincare as makeup. That means more natural finishes, more radiance, more hydration, and just more natural beauty. I for one am excited about this because I love a good trend and I'm ready for some new stuff!

Now, this post isn't necessarily about skincare but it is about masks. I'm not talking about face masks or sheet masks, I'm talking about nonface masks.

There are masks for everything now, for every part of your body and for every concern. I love a good nonface mask and I've tried my fair share. I think I love the 'gimmick' but just as you take extra care of your face, you need to take extra care of other parts of your skin/body as well.

I've tried my fair share of all different types and I've come up with these as my current favorites.



1. Skyn Iceland Eye Masks: I've tried so many eye masks but I always go back to these. They're soft, smooth, and very cooling. They don't tug on the skin and don't slip or slide all over the place. They are the perfect undereye mask and I don't know if I'll ever be able to try anything else.

2. Sephora Lip Masks: Sephora Collection is sneakily becoming one of my favorite brands and I love their lip masks. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and makes your lips super soft. I always make sure I have at least one on hand.

3. Patchology Lip Masks: In the same breath, I love the Patchology lip masks too. They're gel masks that fit on your lips perfectly and feel really nice on your lips. My lips feel very soft and smooth after using these! I don't think these are better or worse than the Sephora ones but just different in texture.

4. Sephora Collection Hair Masks: I bought one of these masks on a whim and used it one random night when I knew I had to wash my hair in the morning. OMG I was stunned. I've never used a hair product that made such a quick and noticeable difference. After using the rose mask, my hair was softer, shinier and easier to style. I need everyone to try one of these, ASAP.

5. Nails Inc Overnight Detox Mask: I wouldn't forget your nails, would I? I love a good at home manicure and probably get a salon manicure 1-2 times a year. This overnight detox mask has really helped my nail growth and strength. Every so often I'll take my nail polish off, let this sink in overnight and then repaint in the morning. It's nice to give my nails a breather

6. Sephora Collection Foot Mask: TMI but I have really terrible feet. They're always dry, cracked, and just gross. I do my best to take care of them with the Emjoi Micro Pedi but sometimes I need extra help and these Sephora foot masks are the ticket. They leave my feet so soft it's actually insane. After using one of these, my feet feel like a baby's butt.

What are your favorite non face masks?
xoxo
B

I've talked many times about my love of Skyn Iceland, but never have done a Brand Buzz on the brand and their products.

I discovered this brand about two years ago, and I purchased their Skin Hangover Kit; I've mentioned before how much I love anything having to do with the word "hangover" and beauty. It's a weird obsession but it's ok.

Skyn Iceland is made for stressed skin, and gives you the products to keep your skin healthy



The one item I truly fell in love with was the Hydro Cooling Eye Gels. I've purchased so many packs of these, and have tried to find a less expensive version, but nothing ever measures up. These are by far my favorite eye gel patches, because they are very cooling, and do have that gel texture but don't slip and slide all over your face. They have a good hold on your skin, and leave the greatest feeling behind. If you take anything away from this post, go buy these eye gels.

As for the rest of the items.... I really love the Arctic Hydrating Balm. It's my morning moisturizer and has been for quite a few months. It's lightweight, but still super moisturizing, and doesn't leave behind any residue. It works well underneath my makeup and sometimes I don't even use a primer with it, and it still is incredible.

Speaking of primer.... the Pure Pore Minimizer works fantastic to fill in pores. Some days when I want a no makeup, makeup look, I'll throw this on my t-zone and cheeks and it gives a smooth, flawless finish. It doesn't have that much of a silicone feeling, but still gets the job done. It's one of my favorite pore filling primers.

Lastly, I love the Icelandic Relief Eye Pen. It came in the Skin Hangover Kit, and I've misplaced it somehow but it's still an awesome product from what I remember. It gives a slight cooling effect, and makes your under-eye look pretty dam good, especially when you didn't get that much sleep. It also works well under makeup, which is a good feature to have in an eye cream.

There are some things that haven't worked for me, such as the Gentle Cleansing Cloths & the Icelandic Relief Eye Cream, but that's just me.. my skin is uber sensitive so it may work for you!

Below are some items that I really want to try in the near future!

A few months ago, I was looking for something new to spend my Birchbox points on and stumbled along this kit from Skyn Iceland. It's called the Skin Hangover Kit and if you know me, you know that I'm fascinated with any beauty product that has the word "hangover" in it.



I immediately placed it in my shopping cart and patiently awaited for it to arrive.

Before seeing this kit, I had no idea what Skyn Iceland was. I have never heard of the brand and was very curious to have something new from a brand I never tried.

After doing some research, I found out that Skyn prides itself on having products that are stress free and help decrease the signs of stress, especially in the eye area. They are inspired by the coolness and natural resources of Iceland (makes sense from the name) and their products are made with soothing ingredients that help balance your skin out.

That description of the company and products made me even more excited to try everything. My expectations were high.

Now, this was a few months ago and I've had time to try it the products in the kit, my predictions were right. I was surely not disappointed.



The Skin Hangover kit consists of 2 Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Icelandic Relief Eye Pen, Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion, and 2 Fresh Start Masks.

The things I used first were of course the firming eye gels. I love eye masks and these are definitely the best ones I've ever tried. I mean, they should be, they're $30 for 8 of them. They were very cooling and hydrating -- they depuffed my under eye area and I was able to see a slight difference after wearing them.

The Relief Eye Pen is great for those mornings where you feel gross, sick, and your face is puffy and needs an SOS. Like the eye gels, this is very soothing and calming. It has a slight tingly sensation (at least for me) and it is a very relaxing eye gel.

The Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion is something I just started using and my goodness, I feel like my face drank a glass of water and then played outside in the snow after applying it! It's insanely cooling, tingly, and refreshing. My skin is super dry, especially in the winter months, and I know this is going to be super satisfying.

I have not tried to the Fresh Start Masks yet (I have a lot of face masks and keep forgetting about them) but I will be trying them this weekend!

After trying this little set, I think it's safe to say that I am a big fan of Skyn Iceland. I love kits like this, especially for brands I haven't tried yet, because it gives you a chance to try a bunch of products at once.

I'm eagerly awaiting to try the rest of the line and find some more amazing products! Also, those eye gels are on my wish list -- I am lost without them!

Have you ever tried Skyn Iceland? What is your favorite underrated beauty brand?

Shop my Skyn Iceland picks below!