One swipe of this viral eye balm might be the closest thing your under-eyes will get to an espresso shot. It's Sleep Week, and we're talking about it.
As a beauty reporter, I'm invested in the caffeine-powered pick-me-up known as the TULA Skincare 'Spresso Energizing Eye Balm -- a compact stick that promises to wake up tired eyes faster than your morning latte. It's next on my list to try (after all, TULA has some fabulous formulas).
The trending treatment has become a social-media darling for anyone battling dark circles, puffiness or the telltale signs of a long night. And unlike your coffee, this energizer goes directly where you need it most: the delicate under-eye area.
De-puffing is having a moment, and we're going to talk about it. Whether you're 25 or 55, it's never a bad idea to dial down the puffiness, especially after a late night or to help combat anti-aging.
At the heart of the balm is caffeine, which is a key ingredient to help de-puff in the first place. When applied topically, caffeine can help tighten the appearance of skin and reduce the look of swelling -- making it a go-to solution for bags and shadows beneath the eyes.
That's why the formula in TULA's balm is designed to act like a mini wake-up call, instantly cooling and brightening tired-looking eyes.
The product's stick format is certainly part of its appeal. Instead of dipping fingers into a jar or carefully dabbing on cream, you simply swipe the balm across the under-eye area for a refreshing burst of hydration. The texture glides on smoothly and leaves behind a subtle glow that makes the skin look more radiant and awake. It's ideal to stash in your bag for quick touch-ups during the day, especially after a red-eye flight, a late night or an early morning meeting.
But caffeine isn't the only ingredient doing the heavy lifting. The formula also features hydrating heavy-hitters like hyaluronic acid, along with probiotic extracts designed to support smoother, healthier-looking skin. Fruit extracts such as apple and watermelon add an extra dose of hydration while helping soften the look of fine lines around the eye area.
Oh, and the cooling effect is real. One swipe is all you need for a refreshingly chilled morning (almost like pressing a cold spoon against your eyes), but without the DIY hack.
So, whether you're running on three hours of sleep or just want to fake a full eight, this trending eye balm is proof that sometimes the quickest beauty fix really is just a swipe away.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.