Sometimes the secret behind an incredible look isn’t makeup or skin care at all, but rather an out-of-the-box product that has taken the beauty industry by storm in recent years: Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops. This is the case for many celebrities—JLo and Brooke Shields are fans—who swear by the tiny bottle for its eye-brightening power that no eye cream or eyeshadow can even come close to helping create. Hailey Bieber’s makeup artist has used it on her many times, whether it’s before a photo shoot or interviews. It’s also gone viral on TikTok as a top beauty “hack.” These are my honest thoughts.
The Benefits:
I’ll admit, when I was first introduced to Lumify in 2018, I was skeptical. I wear contacts, and my eyes can be a bit sensitive with certain lash serums, drops, etc., so I tread lightly with new eye products. But when I saw the before-and-after images the brand was using in its campaigns, the science-backed clinical trial data and the doctor recommendations, I figured I’d give it a try. Fast-forward several years, and it’s still one of my favorite products. My colleagues share my sentiments, and one NewBeauty staffer recently told me she thinks it’s her “favorite product she’s ever used.” (Like me, she’s been in the industry a long time too).
So what makes these FDA-approved drops so good? They give life to tired eyes almost instantly. It’s almost like waving a magic wand and then poof! The redness is gone (or significantly reduced). The secret lies in the key ingredient, low-dose brimonidine, and Lumify is the only OTC eye drop to contain it. Brimonidine was first approved by the FDA in 1996 for reducing intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma, and is available at higher doses in prescription-strength products. It’s not a bleach or a dye, but rather an active ingredient that selectively constricts the veins in the eye.
You only need one drop per eye and the effects last up to eight hours. Below, you can see my before-and-after. My eyes were very bloodshot with an overall pinkish-hue, and the “after” (below) was taken one minute after applying the drops. My eyes looked so bright, refreshed and awake.
Key Ingredient:
Low-dose brimonidine tartrate (0.025%)
How to Use:
Put one drop in each eye that needs it every six to eight hours, but don’t use more than four times a day. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness or irritation that worsens or lasts more than three days, talk to your doctor. If you wear contacts like me, be sure to take them out before putting the drops in. Then wait 10 minutes before putting your contacts back in. If you use other eye drops (for dry eyes, etc.), wait at least five minutes between products.
The Bottom Line:
This may be a makeup artist’s red-carpet secret for celebrities, but at the price of $13, anyone can benefit.
Price/Where to Buy:
$13–$22, target.com
*You can also try it in this year’s Luxury Review Box, along with 37 other products!
