The 5 Best Eye Creams for Every Skin Concern
I’ll never forget the shopping trip (years ago) when my mom bought what looked like a tablespoon of eye cream for the same price as a pair of combat boots I coveted. Back then, I was shocked, but now, I totally get it. These days I’m reaching for similarly petite portions that target dark circles, puffy bags, and dry, crepey texture. Why do my eyes need the extra love, anyway? "Our thin eyelid skin is prone to dryness, sun damage, and inflammation. It’s also an area of constant expression, which leads to wrinkles," says Arielle Kauvar, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Compared to the rest of my face, this area is showing age faster, so a targeted treatment makes sense. "Good eye creams contain many of the same anti-aging ingredients for the face but are formulated to avoid irritation," Kauvar says. My favorites are reasonably priced, and I have an effective option to address every concern.
Courtesy of Sephora
Best for Depuffing
I keep this organic eye treatment at my home office desk, so I can glide it around my eyes when they look puffy or tired. It’s become my afternoon pick-me-up. Caffeine (in the form of coffee seed oil) revs up circulation, and the rose quartz roller ball applicator feels like a massage.
Buy It: Kora Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil ($38, Sephora)
Courtesy of Ulta
Best for Overnight Repair
Dab a little around your eyes before you go to sleep. Retinol works on wrinkles and dark spots; hyaluronic acid hydrates. I love that you can find these gold standard anti-aging ingredients at the drugstore.
Buy It: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream ($28, Ulta)
Courtesy of Mary Kay
Best for All-Around Anti-Aging
I adore a good multi-tasker. With the antioxidant resveratrol to protect, vitamin B3 to brighten, and peptides to firm your skin, this is one of the hardest working eye creams around. Bonus: My concealer blends so nicely on top of it, so it’s like a primer, too.
Buy It: Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream ($36, Mary Kay)
Courtesy of Instacart
Best for Brightening
An organic vitamin C treatment at a great value; it moisturizes and fades discoloration. This formula is also vegan and doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances or colors.
Buy It: Avalon Organics Intense Defense Vitamin C Eye Cream ($24, Instacart)
Courtesy of Sephora
Best for Treating Dark Circles
I no longer dread dark circles. This tinted eye cream is skincare and makeup in one, thanks to its magical blend of brightening pearls, green tea, silk powder, and botanical extracts. Apply a tiny dot, then very gently pat underneath your eyes, and it’s like you added a flattering, youthful filter. It's available in three shades.
Buy It: Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment ($48, Sephora)
