This eye bag eraser removed my tired look in 15 minutes

woman&home.com editor Kerrie Hughes, pictured beside a close up shot of her hand holding L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Eye Bag Eraser, with a dot of the cream on her hand — (Image credit: Future)

Sleep is a luxury in my house. The combination of perimenopause symptoms and young kids means disturbed nights are standard, and my eyes are always the most immediate giveaway to just how tired I sometimes feel.

Being very fair-skinned and prone to puffy eyes, the deep blue and purple colour of my eye bags is instantly noticeable. Over the years, I have tried more of the best eye creams for dark circles than I care to admit in an attempt to lessen both issues. Few have touched the sides, and while a bit more sleep would undoubtedly help, I'm realistic that there's only so much lifestyle changes can do - so I am always on the lookout for products that might help me look - and therefore feel - a bit less tired.

Cue L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Instant Eye Bag Eraser. Promising to 'depuff and smooth eye bags in 15 minutes.'

L'Oreal Paris

Revitalift Laser Instant Eye Bag Eraser; Results in 15 Minutes

I was sceptical. But it really works. Below are two photos, before application (left) and 15 minutes after applying (right) - and the difference in how puffy and smooth the skin under my eyes looks is stark.

L'Or&eacute;al's Eye Bag Eraser — Before application (l), after application (r): The cream clearly reduces the puffiness under my eyes, smooths out my skin and generally makes it look brighter

The biggest 'wow' factor is how well it de-puffs and smooths the skin under my eyes. I can't believe how much less defined the lines of my bags were after using it, and generally how much brighter and smoother the whole area looked.

It does have a slight clinical odour, but it is very subtle and wears off over time. It is also a product you can feel working, which is why I'm guessing the instructions advise not to make any facial expressions for 15 minutes while it is left to work. This is easier said than done, but being able to feel the skin tighten - not in an uncomfortable way - is a gentle reminder to move your face as little as possible while it does its thing.

When I first tested this cream, I checked back after 15 minutes and my initial reaction, would you believe, was one of disappointment. I could still clearly see my dark circles. But I quickly reminded myself that there is no miracle solution for those and went back to reassess the results. While my dark circles were still visible, the cream had made a clear difference in the brightness of my skin, instantly making me look less tired.

And w&h Digital Beauty Editor Fiona McKim is a fan, too "I'm forever trying to warn people that creams cannot dramatically firm loose skin (trust me, I wish they could) However, what they can do - and what this eye treatment does extremely well - is temporarily tighten everything, usually with a mix of polymers, for a very convincing, temporary lifted effect."

"This is a great bit of skincare technology for events, or simply day to day, when you want a bit of a boost - and it's amazing to see it at such an accessible price point, too. L'Oreal is known for delivering excellent technology for the price, but if you're keen to shop around, there are a couple of other brands on the market offering products with similar effects. These are the two that I'd recommend."

WUNDERBROW

Wunderlift 60 Second Wrinkle Reducer

This clever formula gets to work in a minute, flat and includes colour correcting pigments to cosmetically wash over dark circles too. One tip: a little goes a very very long way and it's easy to overdo it, so start with a small amount only.

Remescar

Eye Bags & Dark Circles 8ml Instant Eye Cream

This is a real 'if you know, you know' cult buy amongst beauty insiders. It's a highly effective cream, which works best if you apply another moisturiser underneath it to prevent the area drying out as it tightens - just make sure the cream is oil-free.

L'Oreal Paris eye cream — Don't be put off by the small tube, you only need the smallest amount - it will last for months

Back to L'Oreal, the tube is small, but don't let that put you off - it will last ages. I use this product almost daily now, and based on the amount left in my tube, I would say this will easily last me at least three months of daily use, if not more.

The small size and fast-acting nature of this product means I can take it everywhere with me and quickly apply some if needed. However, so far I have not needed to top up or reapply after putting it on first thing in the morning. I have made sure to properly wash it off at night, something also suggested in the instructions.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Instant Eye Bag Eraser doesn't work miracles, but it's the closest I have come to finding one for reviving tired-looking eyes.

Kerrie is the editor of woman&home (digital). As a woman&home reader and senior digital editor with over a decade's experience, Kerrie’s main purpose is to ensure the brand delivers high-quality, relevant content to help enrich and improve women’s lives – a responsibility she feels hugely passionate about.