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Design by Leah Romero; Photo Courtesy of Tatcha
As Someone With Genetic Dark Circles, I Love This Brightening Eye Cream
When I heard this product was also supposed to de-puff and firm up the under-eye area, I had to investigate.
By Veronica Hilbring
Want to know if a product really works? Welcome to Slow Beauty. Since it can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, we have testers try the best and buzziest in hair and skin care for double that amount of time to determine what actually makes a difference.
I was born with puffy eyes and dark circles. Over time, due to lack of sleep, countless long nights, and genetics—both of my parents suffer similar afflictions—it seems my dark circles have settled in and aren’t budging. I’ve had several dermatologists recommend a variety of solutions, including improving sleep, drinking more water, using expensive eye creams, and even getting Botox. But I’ll admit that I’ve never been consistent with any of the methods.
As an avid beauty lover, I’ve always been familiar with Tatcha. While I hadn’t used their products on a regular basis, I definitely know people who swear by the brand. So when Tatcha announced its new Brightening Eye Cream, I was eager to test out the launch. Featuring a 12-hour time-release vitamin C, niacinamide, and pro-glutathione, the cream claims to de-puff, firm, and lift the skin while reducing the appearance of dark circles. I massaged the whipped formula around my eyes every morning and evening for 12 straight weeks. Keep scrolling to read how my eyes reacted to the product.
Courtesy of Tatcha
I’m already enjoying the product. It’s nice, thick, and moisturizing. I feel like I put it through its first test this morning as I was out very late last night, consumed alcohol, and didn’t get a ton of sleep. On my first assessment, it doesn’t seem to be helping my puffiness.
This week, I see a noticeable difference in my under-eye area—it’s slightly brighter than it was last week. I’m eager to see what the upcoming weeks will bring.
During week three, I really put this product to the test. I had a couple of long days and sleepless nights. The cream has been able to combat those dark circles but still seems ineffective on puffy eyes. I’m thinking of using under-eye masks for the puffiness alongside the Tatcha cream.
I recently looked back at my old photos and noticed small subtle changes throughout the last few weeks. The brightening has been very subtle, and I even noticed less puffiness.
Courtesy of Tatcha
This was probably my busiest week so far. I worked every day until the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week and then had some lovely time off—but I never missed a day of using the eye cream. I went from a cold climate (Chicago) to a warm climate (Aruba), and my under eyes pretty much remained the same.
This week, I observed some noticeable changes in the appearance of my under eyes. They definitely look lighter in the close-up photos I’ve been taking of myself each week to track my progress.
This week, I am dealing with some breakouts after trying a new facial oil and cleanser. Be advised: Do not try every TikTok trend! I won’t say the products, but just know you’ve seen them all over TikTok and Instagram. I would say I haven’t noticed any changes in my eyes. But this has been a busy work week of late nights, early mornings, and not enough water. I’m still enjoying this entire process and liking the product so far.
This was the most challenging week of testing this product. I caught the flu and was in bed for nearly three days. For two of those days, I was literally unable to move beyond using the restroom. I didn’t wash my face or brush my teeth. Gross! It was absolutely awful, and I will never miss a flu shot again.
Thankfully, I got on the mend and was able to document this week’s progress. Due to my illness, my skin was very dry and dull. In addition to the Tatcha product, I also gave my skin some TLC with a face mask and moisturizing creams and serums.
Courtesy of Tatcha
I’m still on the mend from last week’s flu, but I managed to use the product every day. I think the consistent use has continued to keep my dark circles as light as possible. My face is finally feeling back to normal. I don’t believe I’ve seen any significant changes within the last two weeks of using the product.
I can’t believe I’m on the final stretch of testing this Tatcha eye cream. Even just looking back to selfies I took last week, I can notice the difference. This week, I took some photos after a hot yoga class and hot bath. I was definitely in a very zen mood and had sweated significantly a couple of hours earlier. I wonder if that’s why my eyes didn’t look as puffy as they sometimes are. I’m also surprised to notice that I still have a lot of product left. I’ve used an appropriate amount of product daily, and I believe I have enough to last at least another 10 weeks.
This week has tested my skin like no other. It’s been in the 20s in NYC for the last two weeks, and keeping my face moisturized has been my top priority. I’ve been making sure to do my skin routine daily without missing a single step. Today, my dark circles definitely appear brighter, and my face looks nice and plump.
This week, I didn’t notice much difference from last week. But I took a look back at my pictures from week one and was blown away. You can truly see the difference from using the product consistently over the last 12 weeks. I am thoroughly impressed.
Design Courtesy of Leah Romero; Photos Courtesy of Veronica Hilbring
The author before and after testing Tatcha’s Brightening Eye Cream.
Final Thoughts
What a journey. Before this assignment, I had truly never tried a product consistently. If there were no results within two weeks, I would abandon it. Turns out, I wasn’t giving new products enough time to see if they actually worked. After 12 weeks, I’m pleased with Tatcha’s Brightening Cream. The formula brightened my under-eyes almost immediately, while it took several weeks to notice any de-puffing.
I fully plan on finishing the product and repurchasing immediately. Compared to other eye creams on the market, this one is actually worth the price, and you can see your results fairly quickly. I definitely recommend it for those of you who are also looking to help out your dark, puffy eyes. While the formula isn’t a total cure, it’s a great product that’ll keep your dark circles at bay with consistent use and healthy lifestyle habits.
