I tested an ‘eye lift in a tube’ – it’s available at Boots and the results lasted all day
UNDER-EYE bags are one of the most common beauty bugbears, and they’re tricky to treat – but a new product claims to reduce their appearance in just a few minutes.
Puffiness under the eyes, or ‘bags’, is a result of sagging skin or tissue around the eye area. They can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of sleep, allergies, drinking alcohol, smoking and a high-salt diet.
Unfortunately, however, they’re often hereditary, and become more pronounced as we age.
Now, though, IT Cosmetics has come up with a solution. The beauty brand has just launched Bye Bye Under Eye Bags, a skincare/makeup hybrid product that claims to depuff, tighten and smooth the eye area in just 20 minutes — ‘like a temporary eye lift in a tube’, the brand says.
The lightweight eye serum uses a ‘multi-patented technology’ to create a tightening and blurring film that smooths skin, reduces puffiness and generally makes you look more awake.
It can be used as the final step in your morning routine, under or over make-up.
In consumer studies, IT Cosmetics found that 94% of testers said the results lasted all day, and 90% said the product felt comfortable on the skin.
The brand’s own results certainly look impressive too, and many shoppers who have already tried the product have been quick to praise its effects.
I don’t have too many fine lines around my eyes yet and I can cover up dark circles well enough with make-up, but my eye bags are a real nuisance to me.
They’re the first thing I see in photos or reflections, and I feel like they make me look more tired than I am. While I’m sure my love of wine and crisps doesn’t help, I know that mine are largely down to genetics (thanks mum!).
As a beauty editor I’ve tried no end of gadgets, creams and concealers to try to minimise them but no topical product has really made a difference, so I was keen to see if this one would have an effect.
Read my review of Bye Bye Under Eye Bags to see if it really works…
- IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags, £33 from Boots – buy here
Pros:
- Reduces the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness in less than 20 minutes
- Results last well all day
- Can be applied under or over make-up
- Dries clear and so suitable for all skin tones
Cons:
- Results are only temporary
- Feels a little drying
- May emphasise fine lines
- Not particularly cheap
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags review: quick summary
I was dubious at how a cosmetic product could actually have an effect on the contours of my face, but I definitely did notice a difference (albeit perhaps not quite as noticeable as IT Cosmetics’ impressive social media image).
I don’t think that it will be for everyone, though.
- IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags, £33 from Boots – buy here
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IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags review: full review
First impressions
Bye Bye Under Eye Bags comes in a sleek metal tube, which is great for squeezing every last drop out (although I found the nozzle gets a little messy after a few uses).
The product itself is a semi-opaque white gel that goes onto the skin completely clear, so it’s suitable for all skin tones. It has the sort of silicone-rich, instantly smoothing feel of a primer, and begins to dry immediately.
It’s quick to apply and easy to add to your morning routine, before or after make-up.
Performance
This product glided on really smoothly and was imperceptible on the skin, and after about 10 minutes I could feel the drying effect kick in. It wasn’t at all uncomfortable, more just a sensation that there was something there – imagine a very thin layer of PVA glue on the skin.
After 20 minutes I checked the results, and although they were subtle (and not picked up very well by my phone’s camera), I did notice a difference. The puffy bulges under my eyes were smaller, and I felt like my eyes looked wider, as if they had been very gently stretched open a little more than usual.
These results lasted well throughout the day – I applied it in the morning, and could still feel it there a good six hours later.
The downside was that, while it looked fine when I didn’t move my face, whenever I smiled or squinted the film wrinkled slightly, giving me faint fine lines that I didn’t previously have. It also felt quite drying on the skin, and I imagine those with especially dry skin around the eye area would not like this feeling.
I tried using Bye Bye Under Eye Bags both ways, under and over make-up, and found that the way I most preferred was somewhere in the middle – over foundation but under concealer – as it made my concealer go a little patchy when added on top of it.
- IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags, £33 from Boots – buy here
How to use IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags
This product can be used on bare skin or over the top of make-up. In both cases, any skincare or make-up product underneath should be completely dry before you apply Bye Bye Under Eye Bags.
IT Cosmetics recommend starting with a pea-sized amount for both eyes, applying more if needed. Glide the product over the skin under the eyes, from the inner to the outer corners, tapping it out towards your hairline.
Wait for the product to dry completely, which will take 10-20 minutes. During this time, try to maintain a neutral facial expression, without squinting or smiling.
At the end of the day the product can be easily removed with your usual face cleanser.
How long does IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags last?
I agree with IT Cosmetics’ claim that this product lasts all day.
The serum doesn’t sink in like a traditional eye cream and instead remains as a film on the surface of the skin, which I could still feel hours later.
Even though, for me, the results were minimal, they lasted well.
Is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags safe?
Yes, this product is completely safe. It has been tested both dermatologically (for its potential to cause skin irritation) and also by ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
It’s also fragrance-free, paraben-free and suitable for all skin types.
Is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags expensive?
A 15ml tube of Bye Bye Under Eye Bags costs £33, which isn’t cheap – but as this is a cosmetic product rather than a skincare one, you’ll find that it lasts longer than a traditional eye cream as there’s no need to use it at night.
One happy customer commented on Instagram that one tube lasted her six months.
Of course, Bye Bye Under Eye Bags is also significantly cheaper than a surgical eye lift (called blepharoplasty), which can cost between £2,000 and £6,000!
Is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags cruelty-free?
Yes, the brand IT Cosmetics is cruelty-free and does not test its products or ingredients on animals or sell its products in countries where animal testing is still required by law. This particular product is also vegan-friendly.
However, IT Cosmetics is owned by parent company L’Oréal, a corporation that is not completely cruelty-free as it allows some of its other brands to be sold in countries where animal testing is still required.
Where to buy IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags
Bye Bye Under Eye Bags will be available to buy from plenty of big-name retailers, but it currently only seems to be stocked at Boots.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags alternatives
Looking for more products to lessen the look of eye bags? Here are some other options:
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, £7.90 from The Ordinary – buy here
- BYOMA De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel, £12.99 from Cult Beauty – buy here
- Depuffing Under-Eye Gel Pads, £33 (members’ price) from Beauty Pie – buy here
- Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift,
£45£31.50 from FreezeFrame – buy here
The verdict: Does IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags actually work?
Yes, this product does have a temporary tightening effect on the skin, creating slightly perkier-looking eyes.
It won’t suit everybody (those with dry skin or fine lines around the eyes may want to give this a miss), but it does a good job of giving fresher, less tired-looking eyes in just a few minutes.
- IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags, £33 from Boots – buy here