It started with my reflection. You know those mornings when you look in the mirror and swear your eyelids look heavier than they did the night before? Mine had that slightly droopy, tired look that no amount of concealer or caffeine seemed to fix. So, when I came across Upneeq, it sounded almost too convenient. The idea of looking more awake without makeup or procedures? I was curious, but cautious.
What Is the Upneeq Eye Drops?
Upneeq is a prescription eye drop made by RVL Pharmaceuticals. It’s mainly marketed for treating acquired ptosis (aka droopy eyelids) in adults. The drops work by stimulating the Müller’s muscle, a small muscle in the upper eyelid that lifts it slightly. It’s been compared to a “non-surgical eyelid lift,” with results claimed to show up within 15 minutes and last around 6–8 hours. Each box comes with 30 single-use vials, and a month’s supply can cost anywhere from $180–$250, depending on where you buy it.
Why I Tried It
Honestly, curiosity. I didn’t have major ptosis, but I did notice my eyes sometimes looked tired and uneven, especially on long days or after sleepless nights. I’d seen influencers calling it a “miracle fix” for tired eyes, and I just wanted to see if it could make a subtle difference. Plus, since it’s FDA-approved and not some random serum off the internet, I figured it was at least worth a shot.
My Experience Using It
My first impression? It feels like regular eye drops, cool, clear, and slightly tingly for a few seconds. About 10 to 15 minutes later, I looked again in the mirror. There was a slight difference: my eyelids looked just a touch higher, enough to make my eyes appear more open. Nothing dramatic, but enough that my mascara sat a bit better, and I looked less fatigued.
But here’s the thing: the effect wasn’t consistent. Some days it worked noticeably, other days the change was barely visible. And it doesn’t last all day, for me, maybe 5 or 6 hours tops. After that, things looked back to normal.
I didn’t experience irritation or redness, though I did feel a bit of dryness after a few days of continuous use. A few users online mentioned headaches or rebound drooping after stopping, which made me a little uneasy. It also requires daily use if you want to maintain results, which makes it a pretty pricey habit for something that’s more cosmetic than corrective in mild cases.
For me, Upneeq worked as a temporary perk-up rather than a transformative fix. On days when I had video calls or events, it helped me look fresher. But it didn’t feel practical or affordable for everyday use.
Pros
- Subtle but visible eyelid lift within 10–15 minutes
- Easy to apply, feels like regular eye drops
- No major irritation (for me personally)
- FDA-approved and clinically backed
Cons
- Very expensive for a temporary effect
- Results vary from day to day
- Only lasts a few hours
- Can cause dryness or rebound drooping with overuse
- Requires a prescription
How to Use
Use only one drop per eye per day (any more can cause irritation). Keep the vials refrigerated for freshness, and let the drops settle in fully before applying makeup.
Where to Buy
You can get Upneeq through telehealth platforms like Upneeq.com or SkinSolutions.MD, or through some dermatologists and med spas. Prices usually range from $180 to $240 for a 30-day supply.
Alternatives
- Latisse (for lash and eye enhancement)
- Eye Doctor Lid Lift Serum
- City Beauty Lid Lifting Cream
- Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
If you have noticeably droopy lids or want a quick fix for looking more awake before an event, Upneeq is worth trying, once. But if you’re expecting dramatic, long-lasting results, you’ll probably feel underwhelmed. I’d call it a short-term confidence boost, not a miracle cure. Personally, I’d rather save it for special occasions than add it to my daily routine.
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