Most of my makeup these days falls into one of two categories: fancy-pants (Guerlain) or cheap-and-cheerful (Burt’s Bees, Wet ‘n’ Wild). I don’t know what this says about me.

In any case, at the latter end of the spectrum, I’m unable to resist going into Tony Moly whenever I pass this shop in Manhattan’s Koreatown. My latest purchase was Panda’s Dream Brightening Eye Base, one of several items in the Panda’s Dream eye-care line.

Why Panda’s Dream? Because pandas have big dark circles around their eyes (duh!) and, apparently, because these products contain bamboo shoot extract.

Brightening Eye Base is a twist-up solid stick that looks pearly-white in the tube. It’s meant to be applied to the under-eye area as a lightweight brightener and concealer. I’ve been dabbing a bit of product onto my fingertip, then gently patting it under my lower lids.  Panda’s Dream applies and blends easily; it softens the shadowy areas and adds a very subtle gleam. (No glitter, I promise!) I’ve also been pressing and blending a dab of this “base” into the inner corners of my eyes. And — pro tip! — I’ve even been using it (sparingly!) as a highlighter on my browbones and just above my eyebrows.

I have a light-toned complexion, and Panda’s Dream Eye Base blends seamlessly into my skin. I’m guessing that someone with medium-to-dark skin might not be able to use this product without noticing pearly residue, but if your skin is light-to-medium, you shouldn’t have any problem. And who wouldn’t love this packaging? Or the price — about $10, much less than high-end “illuminizers” or whatever they’re being called these days?

Product source: I purchased this product at Tony Moly on 32nd Street. It is also available on Amazon and eBay, if you hunt a bit.