Olay’s Total Effects Eye Cream Defeated My Dark Circles

Eye creams tend to promise a myriad of outcomes, from firmer skin to helping with stubborn dark circles, and some even going the length of promising to make you look more rested in just one application. While undereye concerns vary from person to person, there’s one collective truth that we can all agree on: we need to be doing something to treat our delicate under eyes every single day.

Ahead, I put Olay Total Effects Eye Cream to the test to see if it would really help stubborn dark circles and fake at least eight hours of sleep. Needless to say, you might switch out your luxury eye cream for this impressive drugstore option in the future. 

About My Skin: I have dark circles and puffiness

My undereye area is actually my least favorite area on my face. Sure, I have no problem sharing that with hundreds of readers, after all, I am on the quest just like all of you for the best eye cream. The two things I struggle with the most are dark circles and puffiness. My dark circles have intensified as I’ve gotten older and are usually the first thing I notice when I look at myself. I have a regimented skincare routine and rarely stray from it. I tend to apply eye cream in the morning to look as refreshed as possible after I’ve cleansed and applied my serums and sunscreen. Some brands for eye creams I’ve tried in the past are Kiehls, Omorovizca, and Biologique Recherche.

How to Apply: Delicately around the eye area

Eye cream should be applied differently than other skincare items, as the skin under your eyes is actually a much more delicate tissue than anywhere else on your face. When applying this eye cream, I placed a tiny bit along the perimeter of my eyes, lightly tapping in an upward motion underneath all the way around to my brow bone. When applying, tap the product in with your fourth finger as it applies the least amount of pressure to the eye area and preserves your delicate skin. You can apply this eye cream one to two times per day, whichever fits in with your routine best, but you might want to use something different at night for anti-aging if that’s a concern. This eye cream works more like makeup to help hydrate under the eyes and cover dark circles. 

The Results: My undereyes looked so much better

The first thing I noticed about this eye cream was the color. It has a slight flesh-tone peachy color to it which helps to neutralize dark circles and even skin tone. This color, when used in creams, is great on all skin tones and absorbs without any kind of residue, yet it does have a shimmery finish.

I also really loved how the product worked with makeup. I was able to apply concealer on top of it and didn’t have any issues with it smudging, smearing, or pilling. The most noticeable call-outs from this eye cream are its ability to help neutralize dark circles, even out skin tone, add some brightness, and it felt very nourishing. It did not do anything for my puffiness, but then again, it doesn’t promise to treat puffiness, so overall, I feel the marketing description is fair and not misleading.

Something to know, though, is that this product contains mica, and the shimmering finish you get from the cream can replicate the look of glitter. Mica is also an ingredient that can cause irritation, so if you have a sensitivity to this ingredient, keep that in mind. While the cream helps to diminish dark circles, in a way it works more like a makeup product than what I would consider being an anti-aging skincare product. 

The Value: It’s very affordable

At first glance, $30 might feel like a lot to drop on a drugstore skincare product, yet for what this eye cream actually provides (if you want to tackle those dark circles), along with how much product you actually have to use, the value is highly affordable and worth it for what you’re getting. 

Similar Products: You've got options

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream: The Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream ($54) utilizes marine algae peptide complex to help treat and diminish the look of dark circles while hydrating and replenishing the undereye area.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme: Suitable for all skin types, the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme ($39) leaves a bit of radiance behind, aiding to help neutralize the look and appearance of dark circles. Apply in the AM to a clean face by lightly tapping the cream around the eye area until it’s fully absorbed. 

The Honest Company Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream: Help aid the appearance of well-rested eyes with The Honest Company's Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream ($24), which neutralizes dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Wear alone or in conjunction with makeup for a smoother, more radiant look.