The Catrice Under Eye Brightener in shade 010 | Light Rose caught my attention because of its promise: light coverage with a nourishing formula, free of heavy additives.
At $6.00, it feels almost like a casual “why not?” purchase compared to pricier under-eye products that can climb past $30. With over 21,000 reviews and a steady 4.2-star rating, it’s already established itself as a budget-friendly favorite.
It also helps that the brand positions itself with clean, conscious beauty values—vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free—which makes the low price tag even more appealing. For anyone who’s curious about trying a brightener without the pressure of a big investment, this feels like a safe first step. But does it live up to that reputation?
What Makes It Stand Out
Before diving into performance, it’s worth noting that this product comes with some strong claims:
- Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Shea Butter – meant to hydrate and smooth the delicate under-eye area.
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Paraben-Free – certified by PETA, which makes it appealing for conscious beauty buyers.
- Color Correcting with a Pink Undertone – designed to balance bluish shadows rather than completely mask them.
It’s not advertised as a heavy-duty concealer, which sets realistic expectations right away. Instead, the brand leans on brightness and hydration.
Texture and Application
The texture is creamy but not overly thick. It blends easily with a fingertip, sponge, or brush, though I found fingers worked best for quick mornings. The pink tint might seem intimidating at first, but once blended, it mellows into a soft brightening effect.
For those with deep dark circles, this may not completely cover them, but it does noticeably neutralize the blue and gray undertones. If you’re looking for a lightweight “wake-up” effect rather than full camouflage, this product is right in its lane.
Pro Tip in Practice
Catrice suggests applying it in thin layers and setting with powder to avoid creasing. This advice is spot on—too much at once can settle into fine lines. Using it sparingly gives the best result, especially if you follow up with a light dusting of translucent powder.
Wear Test: How It Holds Up
Throughout the day, the under-eye brightener stayed fairly consistent. By late afternoon, some brightness had faded, but the product didn’t completely vanish or cake. For someone with combination skin, the moisturizing ingredients helped prevent the area from looking dry or patchy.
On days I paired it with a concealer, it served as a great color-correcting base, boosting the overall effect without needing multiple heavy layers. On no-makeup days, it worked well alone for a subtle “I slept enough” look.
Skin Type Considerations
One thing that makes this brightener versatile is its compatibility with all skin types—oily, dry, normal, and combination. If your skin leans dry, the hyaluronic acid and shea butter help prevent a flat, chalky finish. If you’re oilier, setting it with powder keeps things balanced.
The Light Rose shade suits fair to light-medium skin tones best. Luckily, Catrice offers three additional shades, ranging from Warm Nude to Dark Mocha, giving more options for a variety of undertones.
Things to Love
- Affordable at just $6.00
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrance
- Effective at brightening tired under-eyes with a natural finish
- Doubles as a base under concealer for extra coverage
Things to Keep in Mind
- Medium coverage only – don’t expect it to erase severe dark circles.
- Needs to be layered lightly to avoid creasing.
- Best results when paired with powder or concealer for long wear.
Overall Impression
The Catrice Under Eye Brightener isn’t a miracle cure for heavy dark circles, but it shines in what it sets out to do—brighten, hydrate, and refresh the under-eye area in a natural way.
For the price, it feels like a smart addition to any everyday makeup bag, especially if you prefer a lighter, skin-like finish instead of a full-coverage look.
It fits well in a morning routine where you want to look rested without committing to a full face of makeup. And since it’s both budget-friendly and backed by ethical practices, it’s easy to see why so many people are reaching for it.This product is part of Amazon’s Beauty and Health category, which offers a wide range of affordable finds. If you’re curious, it’s worth exploring other items under the same section—you may come across more hidden gems that fit your routine just as seamlessly.
