As a mom of two, mornings in my house are nothing short of chaos. Between making lunches, finding missing shoes and convincing my preschooler that pajamas aren’t school attire, I barely have two minutes to myself. So, when I look in the mirror and see dark circles staring back at me, I need something that works fast – and doesn’t make me look older by settling into fine lines.
Recently, I tested three under-eye heroes: Beauty Pie’s Superluminous Under-Eye Genius, DRMTLGY’s Luminous Eye Corrector with SPF and Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Tightener. Here’s how they stacked up.
If you want instant brightening…Beauty Pie
Dark circles are my number one concern and I don’t want to look as tired as I feel. Beauty Pie’s Superluminous Under-Eye Genius is the only one that truly gave me that “I actually slept” look. A tiny dab melts seamlessly into the skin and instantly brightens, thanks to its light-scattering pigments. DRMTLGY’s corrector does cancel out darkness with its peach undertone, but the thicker texture makes it harder to blend and can look heavy. Peter Thomas Roth’s FIRMx, on the other hand, tightens but doesn’t really brighten. For true radiance, Beauty Pie is the clear winner.
If you like comfort and all-day wear…Beauty Pie
Nothing drives me crazier than an eye product that feels tight or dry. With Beauty Pie, I forget I even put it on. It’s lightweight, hydrating and never settles into fine lines, even after a full day of errands and school pick-ups. DRMTLGY falls short here – the SPF is a smart bonus, but the formula feels thick and by midday it’s already sinking into creases. Peter Thomas Roth tightens to the point where it feels uncomfortable. Smiling with it on is tricky and I don’t want to feel self-conscious chatting with other parents at drop-off. Once again, Beauty Pie takes the crown.
If you need a quick fix for events…Peter Thomas Roth
Here’s where Peter Thomas Roth shines. The Instant FIRMx Eye really does deliver on its tightening promise. If I’m heading to a school event or dinner where I want to look instantly refreshed, it’s almost like a magic trick. The downside is that the effect wears off after a few hours and it doesn’t play well with makeup. Still, for short-term smoothing when you need it most, this one deserves a win. Beauty Pie remains the everyday go-to, but Peter Thomas Roth earns its place as a temporary confidence booster.
If you need versatility in your routine…Beauty Pie
With mornings as rushed as mine, a product has to multitask. Beauty Pie fits seamlessly into whatever the day calls for – on no-makeup days it gives just enough coverage to revive tired eyes, and when I want more, it layers beautifully under concealer without creasing. DRMTLGY does bring SPF protection, which is a plus, but its heavier texture makes it harder to use under makeup. Peter Thomas Roth really only works on its own, since makeup on top tends to crack. Here, I’d call it a tie between Beauty Pie and DRMTLGY – one wins for flexibility, the other for sun protection.
If you want the best value…Beauty Pie
This is where Beauty Pie truly sets itself apart. The Superluminous Under-Eye Genius is $35 for non-members, but just $14 with a Beauty Pie+ membership. Considering the luxurious texture and exceptional ingredients, it feels like a steal. DRMTLGY’s Luminous Eye Corrector is $30, which is reasonable, but not remarkable given the formula’s shortcomings. Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant FIRMx costs $38 and for a product that fades after just a few hours, it’s hard to justify. Beauty Pie’s membership model, with its transparency and beauty insider pricing, makes it the clear winner for anyone who wants luxury without overspending.
Beauty Pie wins my mornings
All three products had their moments. DRMTLGY’s SPF is a useful addition and Peter Thomas Roth really does deserve credit for its instant tightening magic. But for everyday life – the school runs, the work calls, the nights you’re up too late finishing laundry – Beauty Pie’s Superluminous Under-Eye Genius is the one product that keeps up.
It instantly brightens, hydrates all day and makes me feel like I’ve got it together, even when my kids are eating cereal out of snack cups on the way to school. For women in their 30s, 40s and 50s who want accessible, luxury-level beauty that fits into real life, Beauty Pie isn’t just another eye product – it’s the genius solution we’ve been waiting for.
