Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum
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Taylor Augustin
Airless pump container
Creamy, lightweight texture
Formulated with retinol, caffeine, and copper peptides
Recyclable packaging
A bit pricey
Due to the inclusion of retinol, some might not want to wear it during the day
I have very sensitive eyes, and in my years as a beauty writer have found many products simply don't work. But Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum has made me a believer in the brand. It doesn't make my eyes burn or sting and leaves them looking brighter, tighter, and more awake.
We put the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.
I'm a sensitive gal—I cry when I see elderly couples together, when I hold a baby, and when an eye product irritates my literally sensitive eyes. I stay away from eye products that aren't safe for those of us who manage sensitivity, so when I find out about a product that promises to keep me in the clear, I'm always down to try it out.
And that's exactly what happened when I heard about Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum. After getting my hands on the product and testing it out for a few weeks, I've visibly noticed an improvement in my eye area and have dealt with absolutely zero sensitivity. Interested in my unfiltered thoughts? Just keep scrolling.
Best for: Those looking for an eye serum with retinol
Uses: As a day (with sunscreen) or night eye treatment
Price: $64
About the brand: Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson started the brand because she wasn't impressed with what was on the market. Since its inception, she has created products with a focus on good-for-you ingredients that give your skin the break it deserves.
About My Eyes: Sensitive and dry
My eyes are incredibly sensitive to makeup removers, contacts, eyelash glues, and certain mascaras, so when I find a product that doesn't irritate my skin, I'm all in. I should note here that while the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is said to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, I don't have any deep wrinkles yet.
My typical skincare routine consists of micellar water, cleanser, moisturizer, oil, and a lip treatment. I've used a few eye serums in the past, but none have stayed in my routine for too long due to my sensitive skin. The A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is great because it can be used in the morning and at night. Spoiler alert: After using it for two weeks, I've already decided it'll stay in my routine until I'm all out.
The Feel: Pillow-soft
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Taylor Augustin
When I think of eye products, I typically think of thick, creamy formulas. But since this is an eye serum, it's actually much more lightweight than you might expect. It's pillowy-soft and quickly absorbed by the skin.
The Ingredients: Targeting fine lines and puffiness
- Retinol: Retinol works to target fine lines and wrinkles. Notice more elastic skin? You can thank this ingredient.
- Caffeine: This powerhouse ingredient works to help reduce puffiness, leaving you looking more awake and healthy.
- Copper peptides: Collagen helps keep us looking bouncy and fresh, and thanks to the addition of copper peptides, this serum safely promotes its production.
The Results: Better Than Expected
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Taylor Augustin
Due to my sensitivity, I was a bit wary going into this review. However, I can firmly say I'm absolutely in love with Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum.
The original formula was good, but this new and improved one is great. My eyes didn't suffer from any redness or irritation, and while I can't say for sure if it helps with fine lines (thanks, Botox), I can say it made my skin feel tight and firm and even seemed to reduce puffiness. I especially love putting this on right when I wake up and have found it layers well under makeup.
The Value: Worth the Splurge
I've tried eye serums that cost more than $150 and ones that come in under $15, and with the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum being somewhere in the middle, I'm very impressed. With enough product to last for months, I think it's an investment well worth the splurge. This bottle should last me about three months, which comes out to about $21 a month—which honestly isn't bad at all.
Similar Products: You Have Options
BL+ Eye Serum: If you're looking for a luxe option, you'll adore BL+'s Eye Serum ($180). It comes complete with a cooling rollerball applicator, which is all too fun to apply. This product will leave you with visibly-reduced lines and an overall elastic look.
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum: Firming and hydrating, the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum ($71) from Dr. Dennis Gross will leave your eye area looking immaculate. Formulated with retinol and ferulic acid, this also works as a great makeup primer for the eye area.
Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum has become a fast favorite in my eye cream collection. It noticeably helps with the appearance of puffiness and even discoloration, and I'm already planning on ordering a refill when I run out.
Specs
- Product Name A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum
- Product Brand Drunk Elephant
- Price $64.00
- Weight .5 oz.
- Full Ingredient List Water/Aqua/Eau, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Caffeine, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Coconut Alkanes, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Niacinamide, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glucose, Biotin, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Retinol, Ceramide NP, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Lecithin, Cetyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Ubiquinone, Citric Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Steareth-20, Thioctic Acid, Tocopherol, Chrysin, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Citrate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Laureth-23, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin