As a beauty writer, it’s my job to believe that makeup is magic, skincare can be transformational, and it’s not a whole bunch of jibber-jabber created to sell products. And then there’s TikTok, which is determined to put me out of a job due to a video’s ability to show, not tell, how effective a product is. TikTok user @Trinidad1967 single-handedly convinced millions of people to use eye cream — specifically, the Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Temporary Eye Tightener ($38), an eye cream that sold out after her demonstration on how it works to smooth and tighten the look of your undereye area.
After having weight loss surgery, Trinidad had been battling saggy and puffy undereyes. She applies the product to her under eye and never have we been happier that TikTok now has three-minute-long videos because it takes less than that time to see her bags entirely disappear. Over four million people watched in awe — but we had to get to the bottom of the bag — ha – on why this product is so incredibly effective.
“While this is an effective option to quickly improve the look of fine lines and undereye bags, it’s important to note that the result is temporary,” explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. The product lists ingredients including Firm-A-Tite, Eyeliss, and Eye Regener, which together help to firm and tighten the appearance of the skin. “The key ingredient that’s contributing to the instant improvement is sodium silicate which serves as an adhesive that lifts the skin in the undereye, helping to tighten and smooth the appearance of the skin.” For this reason, Dr. Garshick recommends Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Temporary Eye Tightener for those with undereye sagging, skin laxity or loose skin in that area.
@trinidad1967
But the product is far from perfect — most importantly, this ingredient may lose effect if it comes into contact with water, makeup, or sweat, impacting how long the effect will last. Unfortunately, that means you can’t wear it under foundation. Some people may also find that it is chalky, making it harder to use as it may leave a white cast for some. “While the immediate benefit may subside within hours, some long-term benefit may be seen with continued use from the peptides and antioxidants,” says Dr. Garshick.
Unsurprisingly, Trinidad’s TikTok led to the PTR product selling out and staying that way, but if you can manage to get your hands on a tube, please take a video of the disappearance. Criss Angel will need to take notes.
