There’s been a lot of buzz about Upneeq Eye Drops, a prescription eye treatment made for droopy eyelids (also called acquired ptosis). The product promises to lift your eyelids and make your eyes look more open and awake within minutes. Sounds impressive, right? I decided to dig deeper, and try it myself, to see if it’s really worth the hype or just another over-marketed beauty fix.
What Exactly Are Upneeq Eye Drops?

Upneeq is not your regular over-the-counter redness relief drop. It’s a prescription eye medication that contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a compound that temporarily tightens the muscles in your upper eyelids. The result? A visible lift that lasts for several hours.
It’s mainly targeted at adults with droopy lids that come with age or fatigue, but it’s also caught the attention of people using it for cosmetic purposes, especially to look more alert or refreshed without surgery or Botox.
My Experience Using Upneeq
I was skeptical at first, mostly because I’ve tried countless eye drops that claimed to “brighten” or “revitalize” eyes but did nothing. But I have to admit, Upneeq worked almost instantly.
About five minutes after applying a drop in each eye, my lids actually lifted a bit. My eyes looked wider and less tired, like I’d just had a great night’s sleep. The effect wasn’t dramatic like a facelift, but it was noticeable, especially if you look at before-and-after photos.
The feeling itself was mild, no burning, no stinging, just a slight cooling sensation. The only downside is that the results are temporary, lasting around 6–8 hours before fading back to normal.
What I Liked About Upneeq
- Fast results – You literally see a difference in minutes.
- No irritation – Unlike some drops, this didn’t make my eyes water or sting.
- Great for special occasions – Perfect when you want to look awake for a meeting, photos, or a night out.
- Subtle lift – It’s not extreme, but enough to make you look refreshed.
The Not-So-Great Side
Upneeq isn’t perfect, and there are a few things you should know before getting too excited.
- It’s prescription-only, so you can’t just grab it off a shelf.
- It’s pricey, averaging about $200 for a 30-day supply.
- Results are temporary, meaning you have to use it daily to maintain the effect.
- Possible side effects – Some users report mild dryness, redness, or headaches, though I didn’t personally experience those.
For people with serious eyelid drooping or underlying eye conditions, doctors might recommend medical treatment instead of relying on a daily drop.
Is Upneeq Safe?
Based on the research and my experience, Upneeq Eye Drops are safe when used correctly and under a doctor’s supervision. They’re FDA-approved and primarily prescribed by eye doctors or dermatologists. However, if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, or heart issues, you should definitely consult your doctor first since the active ingredient can slightly affect blood vessels.
What Other Users Are Saying
From scrolling through forums and verified reviews, most people agree that Upneeq does what it claims, it gives a temporary lift and helps tired eyes look more awake. But the main complaint remains the cost and the short duration of its effects. Some users also feel that the product is being overly marketed as a cosmetic “miracle,” when in reality it’s a subtle, short-term fix.
Upneeq Eye Drops Is Worth It, But Not a Miracle
After using Upneeq for a few weeks, I can say it’s legit, but it’s not life-changing. It delivers a quick, gentle eyelid lift and makes your eyes look more alert, which can be a real confidence booster.
However, the price and prescription requirement make it less accessible for everyday use. I’d recommend it if you want a short-term lift for events, photos, or days when you just need to look more awake. But if you’re expecting permanent results, you’ll be disappointed.
Conclusion
Upneeq eye drops can make a visible difference for people dealing with droopy eyelids or tired-looking eyes, especially if the issue is mild and temporary. The quick lift effect and convenience are definite pros. However, it’s not a miracle fix or a replacement for proper medical treatment if your eyelid drooping has an underlying cause.
It’s also quite expensive for something that must be used regularly, and many users report that the results fade within hours. If you’re only after a cosmetic boost for special occasions, it might be worth trying once. But for everyday use, the cost and side effects might outweigh the benefits.
Before buying, consult your doctor, especially if you have eye or heart conditions. Always remember that Upneeq is a prescription-only medication, so steer clear of websites selling it without medical authorization.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.