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. 3 A $6 gel made me completely reimagine my skincare routine Credit: Mary Connelly/The U.
S. Sun 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. Read More On Skincare SKIN SHOCK I finally found my holy grail skincare routine but my $2 scrub is controversial 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." Most read in Hair & Beauty MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos CAST AWAY Shutters down as Rangers kit makers suddenly CLOSE flagship Scottish store ALL KICKING OFF Moment ex-Gers star left in agony as off-field clash sparks dugout drama IN THE WORKS Document shows Gers HAVE applied for planning permission for Celtic fan nets I promptly added the gel to my cart and patiently waited during the two-day delivery time (thank you, Amazon Prime). I'm 39 & people in their 20s say I look younger than them - I don't get Botox, my morning routine has changed my skin FEELING REFRESHED 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. 3 I noticed a cooling effect after applying the eye gel Credit: Mary Connelly/The U.S.
Sun 3 The Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel glides on smooth and easy Credit: Amazon 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. SKINCARE LINEUP 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. Buy it now *If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue. 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. Read more on the Scottish Sun MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos MURRAY MAKEOVER Andy Murray hit with fresh warning over renovations at luxury Cromlix hotel 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-approved anti-aging tips Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp shared his dermatologist-approved tips with The U.S.
Sun. Stop using tanning beds. Don't use sunscreen to contour your face.
Wear driving gloves to protect your hands from the sun. He likes Coolibar Gannett UV Gloves UPF 50+ , $15.99 to $39.
Exercise, stick to a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. Don't drink excessively or smoke..
