I've heard people talk about this fateful daythe one where you look in the mirror and realize your level of tired is reflected back at youbut I thought maybe I could escape it (I'm a a beauty editor, after all)! Nope. And, while you can do a scrub or a peel or a mask to wake up your skin, it's a lot harder to revive tired eyes.

I recently learned about all of the complexities of why this is so when I traveled to Palm Springs as a guest of La Prairie to learn about the launch of its newest product: White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire. (Yes, it's as fancy as it sounds.)

"We found that skin luminosity is a function of color and reflection, but the eye area is different as it has a three dimensional architecture," explains Jacqueline Hill, PhD, chemist and the brand's director of strategic innovation and science. "Light or skin luminosity in this area is not only dependent on color and reflection, but also on shapes. Color and reflection determine the quality and the intensity of light reflected from the skin while shapes create a pattern of contrasts between shadows and light that reveal a third dimension."

Simply put: Because of the curves and bone structure around your eyes, there are shadows that are being created that can leave your skin in that area looking darker (aka more tired) than you actually are. Which is unfortunately what makes it so hard to reverse.

All of these factors combined are what create a more light reflective surface for a brighter, healthier (aka less tired) appearance. "Our skin is made up of two light reflecting surfaces: The surface of the skin itself, but also the network of collagen fibers in the dermis. It's by smoothing the surface and densifying the network of collagen fibers that we increase the reflection of light from our skin," explains Dr. Hill. "Reflection of light is at its best when the surface of an object is perfectly smooth. If a surface is rough, shadows are created and light is scattered back in all directionsdiminishing the intensity of the reflecting light."

Bottom line: All the brightening ingredients in the world won\'t help if the surface of your skin isn\'t plump and smooth.

The formula feels as luxurious as it sounds.

The rich formula is loaded with a few key players that make up the magical triple threat to treat color, reflection, and shape. Golden caviar extract (the signature ingredient found in many La Prairie favorites) increases the production of ceramides to help boost collagen production and plump the skin. There's also the brand's proprietary ingredient they call lumidose which blocks tyrosinasethe enzyme that creates melanin (what triggers pesky brown spots). Finally, shea butter and glycerin are what make it super hydrating to help smooth fine lines.

The texture of the cream itself is so silky smooth that you'll likely want to rub it over your entire faceit feels that good. It's also super dense so a little goes a very long way. It wears well under makeup, too, so I'm able to apply it morning and night no problem. While it does have a fragrance, it's not overpowering and my sensitive eyes didn't mind. I've been using it for about a week at this point and can already see the brightening effects.

The applicator is a game changer.

While the formula left my under eyes moisturized and bright, it was really the magical wand that made me want and remember to use it every day. The ceramic pearl applicator not only massages the cream deeper into skin, but it also helps with lymphatic drainage and increasing circulation (so it de-puffs and wakes up those peepers, stat). I would apply the cream first with my finger and then follow it up with the wand in a circular motion around my entire eyea ritual that I've really leaned into in these times of self-isolation.

It's an investment.

When I mentioned earlier that the product was rich, I wasn't just referencing the textureit's also on the pricey side coming in at $550. BUT, if you're someone who suffers from dark circles or constantly tired looking eyes, or if you've tried many other creams with no success, this could be your answer. The potent ingredients and 360 approach to brightening, lifting, and restructuring your eye area is unlike anything I had heard of or tried before. Plus, you can continue to use the magic wand long after you've used up the cream itselfconsider it a gift that keeps on giving.