The founder of View the Vibe has officially entered her 40s and with knowledge and determination she plans on staying young on both the inside and out. Nicki’s Pick is a weekly beauty column that features Nicki’s favourite beauty products and latest discoveries for women in their 40s. These products are tried and tested by Miss Nicki, and if she lists it here you can trust that this is how she is staying young in mind, body and spirit…

Eyes are the bain of every aging woman’s existence – mine in particular. (You can probably tell with my last three picks of the week being for the eyes… I don’t deny I may have a minor obsession.) The day I turned 40 I looked in the mirror and I swear I saw more lines, darker circles, more sagging skin and more puffiness. And these days, hectic work schedules make it such that I see those eyes often… sigh…

But that’s when I am so grateful to have discovered the amazing Collagen Re-inforce Rejuvenating Gel Eye Pads by Elizabeth Grant. I learned about these two years ago at a TIFF lounge dedicated to media who work around the clock during Toronto’s most fabulous time. After Day 4 of the fest I was in dire need of rest and my eyes screamed this out. So I rummaged through the amazing swag bag I had received at the lounge and lo and behold there were samples of these formidable eye pads. I used them and not only did they work, they also made me feel better. The swelling I was feeling disappeared (and sometimes how you feel makes you think you look worse) and I looked more alert and bright-eyed, which is crucial when running from one party to the next surrounded by beautiful people.

As soon as you put the pads under your eyes, you get this cooling sensation and you can feel the pads working. Fifteen minutes later the puff is gone, the collagen has managed to smooth out some of those nasty lines, the dark circles are not as dark, and overall you just look better and brighter. I tell you: When you’ve had a bad day, everyone can see it in your eyes… I say at $35.00 for six pairs, these pads are a worthy investment!