As a licensed cosmetologist and full-time mom of three, I’ve tried more serums than I can count, and I’ve learned to spot the difference between a product that works and one that just looks good on a shelf. When the skin around my eyes and jawline started to lose its firmness (thanks, time and toddlers), I went on a mission to find a serum that could actually help me look more awake, lifted, and refreshed even when I wasn’t feeling it.
I tested four of the most buzzed-about firming serums, each promising to tighten, lift, and sculpt. After six weeks of consistent use, one product clearly stood out. But before I get into which serum won, let’s walk through the full lineup.
The Serums I Picked
Here’s the lineup I tested, all chosen for their popularity, claims, and reputation for firming and lifting.
- MAËLYS TOO-FINE Face Sculpting Serum
A clinically proven serum designed to visibly firm the eye area in 14 days and sculpt the cheekbones and jawline. Comes with a built-in gua sha-style applicator. - StriVectin Peptight 360° Tightening Eye Serum
A peptide-rich eye serum that targets firmness and elasticity around the entire eye area, including lids and under-eyes. - Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt
A luxurious eye treatment that promises lifted, firmer-looking skin with continued nightly use. - Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
A clean, hydrating eye cream powered by resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, focused on smoothing and brightening.
How This Process Worked
I wanted this test to reflect real life, not a lab. I used each product exactly as instructed, twice a day when possible, and gave each one a fair shot over six weeks. I didn’t pair them with any other firming treatments or tools, and I kept my skincare routine consistent otherwise. I also paid close attention to how each product felt, how easy it was to use, and whether I actually saw a difference.
I applied each product to clean skin, following the brand’s instructions. For MAËLYS, that meant using the gua sha-style applicator to massage the serum into my eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. For the others, I focused on the eye area only, as directed. I kept notes on how my skin looked and felt, and how quickly I noticed changes.
Here’s What I Looked For
As a cosmetologist and mom, I care about five things when it comes to skincare:
- Visible firming and lifting: I want to see real results, not just hydration
- Ease of use: If it’s not quick and intuitive, I won’t stick with it
- Speed of results: I’m patient, but I still want to see progress within a few weeks
- Clean, safe ingredients: Especially around the eyes, where skin is most sensitive
- Value for money: A product has to earn its price tag, and trial options are a big plus
MAËLYS TOO-FINE Face Sculpting Serum
This was the only product that delivered visible results across multiple areas of my face, not just the eyes. Within two weeks, I noticed a subtle lift under my eyes and more definition along my jawline. By week four, my skin looked firmer, smoother, and more sculpted overall.
The built-in gua sha applicator was a standout feature. It made application feel like a mini facial, especially when I kept it in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing effect. The serum absorbed quickly, left no residue, and worked beautifully under makeup.
I also appreciated the clean formula that uses no parabens, phthalates, or SLS and the fact that it’s tested on real women with diverse skin types. I had zero irritation, even with twice-daily use.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the bottle is on the smaller side at 0.5 oz, but the results justify the size. And the Try Before You Buy program makes it easy to test without committing. You get a full-size bottle, pay just $5 for shipping, and try it at home for three weeks.
What I loved:
- Clinically proven results in 14 days
- Multi-zone sculpting (eyes, cheekbones, jawline)
- Gua sha applicator for massage and depuffing
- Clean, gentle formula
- Try Before You Buy offer
What could be improved:
- Slightly larger size would be nice, but a little goes a long way
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt
This serum felt luxurious from the first use. The texture is silky, and it layers beautifully under night cream. After about four weeks, I noticed a smoother, more lifted look around my eyes, especially in the mornings.
That said, it’s strictly for the eye area, and the results took longer to show. There’s no applicator, so you need to use your fingers and take your time, which is not ideal when you’re rushing out the door. It’s also one of the pricier options at $85 for 0.5 oz.
What I liked:
- Elegant texture and packaging
- Noticeable lift with consistent use
- Great for nighttime routines
What could be improved:
- No sculpting benefits beyond the eyes
- Slower results compared to MAËLYS
- No trial option
StriVectin Peptight 360° Tightening Eye Serum
This one impressed me with its cooling metal tip and lightweight texture. It’s designed to target the entire eye area, including lids, which is a nice touch. After three weeks, I saw some improvement in firmness and elasticity, especially under the eyes.
However, it’s not designed for the cheekbones or jawline, so it doesn’t offer the same sculpting benefits as MAËLYS. It also costs more at $72 for the same size, and there’s no trial program.
What I liked:
- Cooling applicator feels great on tired eyes
- Targets upper and lower lids
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
What could be improved:
- No multi-zone sculpting
- Results were more subtle
- Higher price without trial flexibility
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
This was the gentlest formula of the bunch. It’s packed with resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, and it felt incredibly soothing on my skin. I loved the clean ingredients and the lightweight gel-cream texture.
That said, the results were mostly hydrating and brightening. I didn’t notice much in the way of firming or lifting, even after a full month. It’s a lovely product for someone focused on hydration and puffiness, but it didn’t meet my sculpting goals.
What I liked:
- Clean, gentle formula
- Hydrating and soothing
- Great for sensitive skin
What could be improved:
- Minimal firming or lifting
- No sculpting benefits
- Not as targeted or fast-acting as MAËLYS
Why I Chose MAËLYS as the Best
MAËLYS TOO-FINE was the only serum that delivered fast, visible results across multiple areas of my face. It firmed my eye area in just 14 days, sculpted my cheekbones and jawline, and made my skin feel tighter and more youthful overall. The gua sha applicator turned my rushed mornings into a moment of self-care, and the clean formula gave me peace of mind.
At $62 for 0.5 oz, it’s competitively priced, especially considering the results. And the Try Before You Buy program is a game-changer. You can test a full-size bottle at home for three weeks, just by covering $5 shipping. That kind of confidence from a brand speaks volumes.
If you’re looking for a serum that actually lifts, tightens, and fits into a real-life routine, MAËLYS TOO-FINE is the one I’d recommend. It’s not just skincare — it’s smart care, and it’s earned a permanent spot on my shelf.
