The skincare/makeup hybrid that instantly makes me look less tired

For as long as I can remember, dark under eye circles have been the bane of my existence. As a teenager who slept until noon, throughout my early twenties as a sleep-deprived mom and all the way through my thirties they’ve persisted. To make matters worse, as I’ve gotten older my face has thinned out, setting my already deep set eyes even deeper. Aging has also thinned my skin itself, revealing the capillary bed and enhancing the blueish hue more than ever.

I’ve tried using eye cream for dark circles and may as well have lit that cash on fire. They always cost a bazillion dollars and never seem to do anything more than regular face cream. I’ve also tried dozens of concealers over the years but more often than not they end up cakey and in a way, seem to call more attention to the issue. Not to mention, applying a full face of makeup has never been my thing. I’m definitely a minimalist when it comes to getting ready, preferring to obsess over skincare instead. I even went so far as to explore the option of under eye filler—apparently not everyone is a candidate including myself.

Suffice to say, when I was given the chance to test out the Honest Beauty eye cream, Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream, I was intrigued but realistic in my expectations. Turns out, this 2-for-1 little tube packs the combined power of makeup and skincare.

The first time I used it, I instantly noticed a difference. Out of the tube it’s super lightweight and wetter than other products I tend to use. As I tapped it under my eyes it started out a bit blotchy and sat on top, leaving me a bit skeptical. But with a few more taps, it started to disappear, taking an impressive amount of my dark circles with it. In their place, my under eye area was brighter and more rested. I didn’t even bother layering make up on top, opting to swipe on some blush and mascara and call it a day.

The one, two punch works like this. Super-charged hyaluronic acid (my desert island skincare must-have) offers serious hydration, acting like a drink of water right to the face. Squalane helps skin retain that moisture and reduce any added redness or puffiness. Skincare box checked! The tinted formula is also infused with illuminating pearl—a subtle sheen that helps reflect light back and fake a full night’s sleep even if you haven’t had one since pre-Covid times. Somehow it manages to illuminate without being shimmery which is sorcery I don’t understand but also will not question.

The best part? It only costs $23 bucks! There are currently only two shades available, sandstone (me, clearly) and terracotta, though the sheerness of the formula allows each shade to work on a wide array of skin tones. It’s also free from gross stuff like parabens, PEGs, phthalates, fragrances, and mineral oil. And unlike some under eye creams, it didn’t irritate or ultimately dry out my under eyes in the least.

Did it completely erase my dark circles? No. At this point in my life I realize there’s no magic solution. But without a doubt, it achieves the minimalist, well-rested look I’m embracing in my forties. Now can someone just remind me to drink more water?

Shop my favorite Honest Beauty eye cream for dark circles!

Honest

Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream

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$23

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