In an ideal world, a lot would be different—but I won’t get into all of that. I will say, however, that Eva’s ideal world would definitely include a lot more sleep. I’m not very good at getting my nightly zzz’s, and while some things have helped, like Elix’s calming tincture, when I wake up and look in the mirror, I look tired (ahem, talking about you, dark under-eye circles). Sure, concealers can fix some of the damage, but I recently discovered something even better: that famous eye cream I’m late to the game on discovering, but hey, better late than never, right?

After a particularly bad night of sleep—which I blame on seasonal changes and a few life stresses that came at me full-throttle while laying in bed—I was desperate for something that would help my dark circles. I had an early morning event and a long day ahead of me, so I didn’t want to look like a zombie. I remembered that I’d just received Ole Henriksen’s best-selling Banana Bright+ Eye Cream that I’ve read so much about, but never tried in my years in the industry. But, given the situation, I tested it out—and haven’t been without it since.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème

The hero ingredient is a triple vitamin C complex, which is key in brightening and smoothing, but it also contains actual gold to ensure deep penetration of the vitamin C. As such, while also deeply hydrating my sensitive under-eye skin, the eye cream instantly brightened my dark circles—a.k.a., it looked like I got sufficient sleep, when I really didn’t. It’s the best beauty hack, IMO. Another must-mention is that the formula includes universally flattering light-reflecting mineral pigments that further brighten and color correct for a wide-awake look. 

And while there are certainly immediate results, after long-term use, I’ve noticed an overall improvement in my chronic under-eye darkness—not to mention fine lines, wrinkles, and crows feet. I was told to start using an eye cream once I turned 30, but I never did—until I turned 31 and realized just how game changing the right formula can be. Ole Henriksen’s is just that, not only for the hydrating benefits that also make concealer-application smooth as butter, but also for the wrinkle-reducing and brightening powers that make it look like I had the best night’s rest (when I really did not). 

A little goes a long way, too, so spending $45 on the humble 0.5-ounce tub is totally worth it. You can’t buy good sleep, but this cream comes pretty darn close. Trust me. And while you’re at it, shop a few more of my go-to products from Ole Henriksen, below.

10% AHA Lemonade Smoothing Scrub​

Strength Trainer Skin Barrier Moisturizer

Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment