The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Last year, I wrote about the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx, a remarkable over-the-counter eye treatment that I stumbled upon on TikTok, where its magical tightening powers could be witnessed in real time. The brand just relaunched this longtime favorite with a slew of customer-requested improvements, and the new product is already sold out at Sephora at the Peter Thomas Roth website – but you can still get it at Ulta if you hurry.
The original formula has been popular for years, and can visibly tighten undereye skin in real time. In a video, a woman with prominent under-eye puffiness and visible sagging applied Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Firmx Eye treatment to the area of concern. Almost instantly, the nondescript cream appeared to lift, firm and visibly smooth her under eyes in a way that I could describe as nothing short of magic. Or at the very least, in-office-treatment-worthy.
Needless to say, our readers were equally amazed by the dramatic, albeit temporary, results, and tubes of the stuff were bought up like hot cakes (according to our anonymous shopping data).
However, the product wasn’t without its faults. At Sephora’s website, critics of the original Instant Firmx complained of a ghostly cast left on skin, product flaking throughout the day, and a satin-y texture that was difficult work with and didn’t sit well under makeup. On the other side of the aisle, fans of the Peter Thomas Roth creation said that there’s “a learning curve” to the application and wear process that requires a less-is-more type of approach and letting the product dry completely before applying makeup on top.
Still, the brand appeared to hear these critiques and got to work on creating a new and improved formulation that addressed these consumer issues. The finished result, which very recently arrived on beauty shelves, is the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye Tightener — Easy-Wear Formula.
This fresh iteration of its viral predecessor is sheerly tinted to “neutralize the look of any white cast and create a smooth finish that won’t pill under makeup,” and address other concerns like dark under-eye circles, according to the brand. Compatible with all skin types and tones, the Firmx also features an updated texture, plus an included brush, to make application significantly easier than the original formula.
If you’re curious to know how such a product is possible, you wouldn’t be alone, which is why the first time I covered Firmx, I sought the guidance of Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Surgery and Dermatology. He previously explained that the instantly firming results are most likely due to sodium silicates, which are listed fairly high on both products’ list of ingredients.
“These ingredients form a film on the skin that contracts once it’s dried. It essentially pulls the skin tight once the product dries down, which only takes a few seconds,” Ibrahim previously said.
He said that throughout the day, as the skin naturally generates more oil, the film will start to wear off, losing the tightening and de-puffing effects.
And like the original formula, this one also contains peptides, a well-studied skin care ingredient that dermatologists say helps boost collagen production over time and helps to provide structure and support for skin.
As I previously mentioned, the Easy-Wear is a very new launch, but early users of the product have already said that it’s a big improvement from the original, with one reviewer calling it “perfection.”
“I can honestly tell you that this stuff works! If you’ve tried the original, you know that it works, but it’s difficult to apply because sometimes you get dry, white patches once it’s completely dried. This one doesn’t do that,” this same reviewer wrote on the Peter Thomas Roth website.
Another reviewer at Ulta claimed that they couldn’t believe their eyes upon application and said that in a mere matter of minutes, their eye bags literally disappeared. “There’s no learning curve here, you just use the brush that’s included and paint this product on the eye bags,” the reviewer wrote, also insisting that the product doesn’t leave a white cast, goes on smoothly without any texture, and can easily be worn under makeup.
Below, even more reviewers have expressed appreciation for this revamped formula, which, with its recent improvements, has elevated the Firmx eye treatment to new levels of perfection. Take a peek or grab a tube yourself ASAP.
Promising reviews:
“This actually works. It tightens under my eyes in minutes and makes the puffiness way less noticeable. You just need a tiny bit and let it dry still. It has no strong scent and feels light once it sets. The brush makes it easier to get an even layer too.” — Ytig
“OMG - this stuff is some kind of voodoo magic! I have puffiness/small bags and hollowing under my eyes. In fact, I have been considering surgery because they bother me so much. So I figured for $38, this was worth a try! To say I am blown away is an understatement! I followed the directions and after about 5-6 minutes my under eyes looked so smooth! No bags and hollows vastly improved! I will be a lifelong customer for sure!” — Kimba005
“I can’t believe my eyes ! In a matter of minutes the product literally makes bags disappear! There’s no learning curve here, you just use the brush that’s included and paint this product on the eye bags . The product doesn’t leave a white cast and goes on smoothly without any texture. I can easily put makeup over this . I’m so impressed with the results, I had no idea how much eye bags ages you . Tired eyes can now be a thing of the past!” — Linda