Sculpted By Aimee might not yet be a household name outside of TikTok tutorials and Irish beauty counters, but those who have tried the line tend to rave about its skin first makeup philosophy and quietly luxe formulas. The brand has built a reputation for marrying smart technology with ingredients your derm would approve of, all while keeping routines refreshingly fuss free.
Enter the tongue twister that is Brighten Up Depuffing & Awakening Eye Cream. The name reads like a pep talk and, according to Sculpted By Aimee, the formula practically is one. They promise an instant cooling depuff, a caffeine-powered wake-up call for dark circles and a longer term smoothing effect that preps the under eye for concealer.
To see whether all that optimism translates to real world results I worked the cream into my morning and evening rituals for two full weeks, massaging it in exactly as directed with the nifty cryo tip. Here is how it stacked up against its own bold claims and whether it deserves a place in your beauty budget.
What is Brighten Up Depuffing & Awakening Eye Cream?
In simple terms this is an under eye treatment, a category of skincare aimed at the thin, easily tired skin beneath and around the eyes. Treatments like this tend to be lighter than face moisturisers and are formulated to address concerns that show up first in that area such as puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.
Sculpted By Aimee positions Brighten Up as a quick hit of relief for morning bags plus a gradual support system for smoother brighter skin over time. The formula is water based and absorbs quickly so it can sit comfortably under makeup. Key features include a 2% caffeine concentration for temporary tightening and brightening, a cluster of five types of hyaluronic acid for hydration at multiple skin layers and a handful of peptides that signal the skin to keep collagen production ticking along. The product also doubles as a primer meaning you can apply concealer on top without worrying about slippage.
Because it targets both immediate puffiness and long term texture concerns it straddles the line between cosmetic quick fix and skincare investment. For anyone new to eye products the takeaway is simple: this cream is designed specifically for the under eye zone so it addresses issues your regular face cream might miss while playing nicely with the makeup you put on afterward.
Did it work?
In the name of very scientific research I parked my regular eye serum for three days before starting Brighten Up, figuring that two weeks on a clean slate would give the cream a fair shot to impress me. Fourteen days feels like a decent window for an eye product to show its colors, especially one that promises both instant freshness and longer term smoothing.
I used it each morning right after cleansing and again before bed, squeezing a pea sized dot and tracing the cryo tip in the recommended outward then upward glide. The first thing I noticed was the fleeting cool rush that woke me up faster than my coffee. That chill, paired with the caffeine, did help deflate the mild pillow puffs I get after a late Netflix session. The effect was visible but subtle; think “I slept seven hours” rather than “I just had a professional treatment”.
Makeup grip was genuinely good. My concealer usually starts creasing by lunchtime yet with the cream underneath it stayed largely in place. However by mid afternoon the initial brightening faded so I found myself tapping an extra dab over foundation as a pick me up. The formula layers without pilling so that quick touch up was easy.
Fast forward to day fourteen and the under eye zone did feel better hydrated. Fine lines looked a hair softer, most likely thanks to all those hyaluronic variants, though I needed strong bathroom lighting to appreciate the difference. Dark circles, my main concern, remained basically the same shade which was a letdown given the caffeine and niacinamide in the mix.
So did it live up to its pep talk? Partly. For temporary depuffing and a smooth canvas under makeup it performs well and the texture is a pleasure to use. For meaningful long term brightening it falls short, at least within the two weeks I tested. I will finish the tube but I am not rushing to repurchase. Still, if your priority is a quick morning wake up rather than a miracle cure this little cream is a pleasant ally.
Main ingredients explained
Front and center is 2% caffeine, the same buzz you rely on in a latte but in skincare form. Topically it constricts blood vessels which can temporarily lessen that bluish tint and calm morning puffiness. Next comes a five member hyaluronic acid family, each with a different molecular size so water is held at several skin depths rather than just sitting on the surface. The result is plumper looking lines and a smoother base for concealer. Niacinamide earns a spot for its multitasking reputation in strengthening the skin barrier and gradually evening tone although, in my experience, the concentration here feels gentler than the 5 to 10 percent typically used for marked brightening.
Peptide lovers will appreciate the roster that includes copper tripeptide-1 plus signal peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. These short chains act like friendly reminders encouraging skin to keep collagen and elastin production ticking along which over time can soften fine lines. Aloe, laminaria japonica and several root and flower extracts bring a soothing antioxidant kick that helps buffer the eye area from daily environmental stress.
The formula is free of heavy oils and fragrance so it is a solid pick for sensitive eyes. None of the listed ingredients rank high on the comedogenic scale meaning they are unlikely to clog pores or trigger milia, those tiny white bumps that can show up around the eyes. All components are synthetic or plant derived so the product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Expecting parents should take note that even generally mild actives like caffeine and niacinamide fall under the better safe than sorry rule. Always check with a healthcare professional before adding any targeted topical during pregnancy. Finally there is a respectable mix of modern humectants such as glycereth-26 plus low level preservatives like ethylhexylglycerin that keep the formula stable without the sting often associated with older alcohol heavy systems.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of twice daily use here is the straightforward rundown of pros and cons.
What works well:
- Noticeable cooling hit on contact that helps soften morning puffiness within minutes
- Lightweight fast absorbing texture that sits smoothly under concealer without causing creasing
- Hydrating blend of multiple hyaluronic acids and peptides gives the under eye a softly plumped look through the day
- Fragrance free vegan formula is unlikely to irritate sensitive eyes
What to consider:
- Brightening effect on dark circles is modest and may require complementary makeup for full coverage
- Immediate freshness fades by mid afternoon so reapplication can be necessary
- Small 10 ml volume coupled with a mid range price means frequent users might empty it faster than expected
My final thoughts
Brighten Up Depuffing & Awakening Eye Cream sits comfortably in that middle ground of solid but not seismic. After two diligent weeks my under eyes were hydrated, marginally smoother and less puffy on groggy mornings, yet the promised brightening landed closer to a polite wave than a full fireworks display. With a personal score of 7.5/10 I would recommend it to anyone who wants a lightweight daily de-puffer that plays nicely with makeup and is happy to top up through the afternoon. If your main mission is erasing deep circles or you crave dramatic long term change, this may feel underpowered and you might be better served by something with heftier actives or higher percentages.
Because finding the right under eye treatment can feel like speed-dating for skincare, here are a few formulas I have also road-tested and rate highly. Dark Circle Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder that visibly brightens and smooths without straining the wallet. Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream delivers a gentle viniferine and caffeine cocktail that is kind to sensitive skin while lending a soft focus radiance. The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a minimalist pick that packs a firm punch against morning puffiness, and Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct Brightening & Depuffing Eye Contour Cream offers a more luxe texture with a subtle pearlescent finish that fakes eight hours of sleep on sight.
Circling back to Sculpted By Aimee, I genuinely enjoyed the cooling glide and fuss free formula. I will keep using it on early starts and travel days, yet I am not quite evangelical about it and would probably suggest it to friends whose main gripe is puffiness rather than pigmentation. As always, remember that eye creams are supporting acts, not solo headliners, so manage expectations accordingly.
Before you slather anything new near your peepers do a quick patch test, please and thank you (sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent). Consistency is key, results are gradual and, yes, they fade if you slack off. Treat your under eyes with the same patience you give your morning latte and the payoff will follow.