Claim: fights the signs of ageing, sleep deprivation and fatigue to make you look as if you've had three hours extra beauty sleep. Light-diffusing properties also deliver a "soft focus" effect.

Claim: a non-acidic peel for the eye area, for brighter, more youthful-looking eyes. Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, balances hydration and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Despite the claims, none of these completely banished my dark circles. Jurlique's eye serum is quite liquid, yet slow to absorb. It delivers in terms of immediate hydration, and we like the use of natural ingredients. But it's best suited for younger skins, and those looking for some firming action will need to follow up with something more substantial. Perricone's peel does appear to smooth the skin, although won't suit some sensitive skin types. It actually caused a little redness in my eyelid area after I'd used it for a couple of days. Lancôme's is the best all round, with a creamy but light texture that leaves the skin with the promised dewy soft-focus effect.