The Eye Cream Born Between Louisville and Provence

Let’s talk eye creams—because not all are created equal.

You know I’m picky. Especially when it comes to the eye area, where everything shows: fatigue, dehydration, late-night screen time, you name it. Most eye creams promise the world… and deliver a nice texture, at best.

This one is different.

It’s called Illuminate Advanced Eye Cream by Clique Beauty, and it’s the first eye product in a long time that made me stop mid-application and go: wait—this actually does something.

So what makes it special?

Let’s start with the formula (because that’s where the magic is):

1% caffeine.
Not 0.01%, not “infused with caffeine” (eye roll), but a full 1%—which is well above the industry average (many don’t even list the percentage, because it’s that low.) That means real results on puffiness, circulation, and that under-eye shadow zone that no concealer can truly hide. That level of caffeine means actual action: decongestion, improved circulation, visibly less puffiness and a smoother under-eye look—especially after a short night. Honestly, if you’re looking for an eye cream for puffiness, this one deserves a spot on your list.

5% niacinamide.
This is one of my all-time favorite ingredients. At this concentration, it’s not just “brightening”—it actually strengthens the skin barrier, reduces uneven tone, and helps with long-term firmness. It’s that ingredient that quietly makes your skin better, week after week. It’s a solid pick if you’re diving deeper into niacinamide skincare and want to target the delicate eye area specifically.

Avocado oil and chamomile floral water round out the formula for hydration and comfort. No stinging. No fragrance. Just a silky, non-greasy finish that plays well with makeup (I’ve tested it under two different concealers—it’s a yes).

Clinically tested hydration? Yes, please.

And 8 hours after application, hydration levels were up +37%. That’s not a “feeling”—it’s a measured result.

To give you some context:
Most eye creams on the market hover around +15 to +25% in similar hydration tests. Very few go past +30%, and when they do, it’s usually with heavy, oily formulas that don’t always sit well under makeup.

The fact that this one delivers +37% hydration with a texture that’s light, silky, fragrance-free, and concealer-friendly? That’s honestly impressive.

A formula made in France, born in Louisville

Here’s what makes it even cooler. This cream is the result of a beautiful collab between Janna, an esthetician based in Louisville, KY (who’s seen it all in her spa), and a French skincare expert (yep, that’s the part I know well 😉).

They started formulating together—wanting to create clean, effective, pro-grade products that actually deliver. The result? A small but mighty range, already made in France, with 4 formulas (and more coming). And this eye cream is their latest launch.

So if, like me, you’ve been searching for an eye cream that does more than sit pretty on your shelf—this one’s worth trying. It hydrates deeply (and measurably), it respects your skin, and it’s backed by real formulation work, not marketing fluff. The kind of product that makes you quietly think: oh wow, that’s what it should feel like.

Let me know if you give it a go—I’m curious to hear how your skin responds. 🤍