I’LL admit that I didn’t put much thought into skincare until I approached 25 and started to notice some under-eye puffiness.
But after trying a $6 eye gel you can buy at Target, Ulta, and Walmart, I was so impressed that I bought 9 other products from the same brand to build up my anti-aging routine.
From my late teen years into my early 20s, my skincare routine consisted of just a moisturizing soap, a face lotion, and an occasional spritz of rose water.
As I heard friends and social media influencers rave about the latest celebrity skincare trends, I realized I hadn’t paid much attention to my own skin.
With my 25th birthday fast approaching — and my under-eye bags growing — I wondered if there was a way for me to slow down the aging process and give my skin some more life.
Since early-morning gym sessions and commutes are part of my regular schedule, I knew I needed something that could help wake me up because — let’s face it — the cold water splash doesn’t always cut it.
I also wanted to make my eyes look a bit less tired as I started my day.
But I also wasn’t trying to break the bank — I simply can’t afford to spend hundreds on a single eye cream like some celebrities do (cough cough student loans).
After a bit of research, I came across the Good Molecules brand on Amazon and was intrigued by the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel.
Not only did the $5.99 price tag catch my attention, but I loved that the brand promises that it will “reduce signs of puffiness and plump the appearance of fine lines.”
I promptly added the gel to my cart and patiently waited during the two-day delivery time (thank you, Amazon Prime).
I got the first order of my Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel on March 27.
Upon applying it under my eyes for the first time, I instantly felt a skin energy boost akin to how my mind feels after an early-morning cup of caffeinated tea (I haven’t yet come around to coffee).
I wasn’t surprised that the gel’s “Nothing to Hide” ingredient list contains caffeine, but there’s also hydrating hyaluronic acid.
The yerba mate, meanwhile, has antioxidants and is supposed to deliver “brighter, more radiant skin.”
It glided on smoothly and also gave off a cooling effect, which left me feeling refreshed.
As I continued to massage the gel, I also noticed that my skin felt tighter.
This tightening effect has translated to less-puffy-looking eyes as I have continued to use the gel over the past five months.
Having been so impressed by the gel, I decided to give other Good Molecules products a try, including the vegan brand’s serums and a moisturizer.
Specifically, I use the retinol cream, hyaluronic acid serum, peptide serum, and moisturizer, all of which cost $8 to $12.
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Mary’s routine:
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Eye Gel, $5.99, Amazon
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream, $8, Amazon
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $12, Amazon
Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum, $12, Amazon
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer, $12, Amazon
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Face Oil, $10.97, Amazon
Elf Skin Holy Hydration! Eye Cream, $10, Amazon
Native Coconut & Vanilla Moisturizing Facial Cleanser, $9.99, Walmart
Garnier Facial Mist Spray with Rose Water, $9.99, Amazon
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, $11.99, Ulta
In Mary’s shopping cart:
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum, $5.99, Amazon
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment, $6, Amazon
Good Molecules Vitamin C Booster Powder, $8, Amazon
Good Molecules Squalane Oil, $8, Amazon
Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil, $10, Amazon
Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum, $15.95, Amazon
I’ve also added Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Face Oil, $10.97, to my list after my best friend recommended it, as well as Elf Skin’s Holy Hydration! Eye Cream, $10.
I recommend pairing the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel with products like these for a full and balanced skincare routine.
Loving my results, I went a bit wild and ordered a ton of other products from Good Molecules, including the niacinamide serum for only $5.99.
I also snapped up their overnight exfoliating treatment, vitamin C booster, squalane oil, rosehip seed oil, and body serum.
Sure, that’s a lot of skincare — but all 10 products cost me under $100.
With such a good deal, I had to tell all my friends about Good Molecules.
Although my skincare routine is much different than it used to be, I still haven’t forgotten about my tried-and-true Garnier face mist and Cetaphil lotion — also total bargains.
Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp shared his dermatologist-approved tips with The U.S. Sun.