Being the skin care afficionado that you are, you’ve created a beauty routine that works. Your complexion feels soft, looks revived and your make up sits seamlessly on top. However... what about those under eyes? Are they letting the world know you *haven’t* had those eight hours? Fear not! We’re on the hunt for the best eye creams... whatever your concern.
With the help of renowned Dr Barbara Strum (of Dr. Barbara Strum skin care no less), we discuss everything from the best eye creams for dehydration, dark circles and more to how to apply them correctly, and everything in between.
Get your little pots of magic ready, we’ve got a skin care lesson to attend to...
BUT FIRST, WHAT ARE EYE CREAMS
Made specifically for the under eye area, the best eye creams “are formulated with specific ingredients and textures that are ideal for that delicate area. Many target the most common concerns for under eyes – think hydrating ingredients to moisturise dryness and plump out fine lines and wrinkles, soothing ingredients to reduce irritation and help de-puff the under-eye area and targeted formulations to reduce the appearance of dark circles” explains Dr Strum. This is because “the skin around the eye area contains less sebaceous glands and has minimal subcutaneous tissue, therefore it is more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face or body, as well as more sensitive.”
HOW TO USE AN EYE CREAM
“The best way to apply any eye cream is after your serums and before your face cream so that the ingredients are effectively absorbed into the skin. Take a rice-sized amount and, using your ring finger, pat into the skin gently” instructs Dr Strum.
THE BEST EYE CREAMS
Now you understand the semantics, let’s take a deep dive into best eye creams. Whether you’re looking to remoisturise, plump, tackle dryness or want something to soothe your sensitive under eyes, we’ve got a curated list of the best eye creams to suit all your skin’s needs...
THE BEST EYE CREAMS FOR DARK CIRCLES
Powered by a potent blend of antioxidant rich purslane, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Eye Cream makes quick work of refreshing your delicate under eyes. Infused with skullcap extract to protect and support your skin –plus a special complex of yeast, sugar beet, golden root and active omega lipids – this serum ensures your under eyes are left feeling replenished and refreshed.
SHOP ALL DR. BARBARA STRUM >>> Formulated to bring luminosity back to your eyes is Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream. Enriched with caffeine, Brazilian ginseng, shea and coco butters, this wide eye-wonder instantly delivers dew to parched peepers, so you look more awake come sunrise.
SHOP ALL SUNDAY RILEY >>> Alpha-H's Absolute Eye Complex is the skin softener designed to be used on your under eyes, lids and orbital bones. Packed with flower extracts derived from hibiscus, hyaluronic acid and light reflecting particles, this skin serum not only delivers hydration where it’s most needed, but it helps to reduce the look of pigmentation, helps firm skin and softens puffy under-eyes.
SHOP ALL ALPHA-H >>> BEST EYE CREAMS FOR WRINKLES
Laced with biometric lipids, Dr. Barbara Strum’s Super Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is the answer to plumper looking under eyes. Rich in texture, this potent potion targets a depleted moisture barrier by boosting hydration — ensuring skin looks firmer. Not only that, but with the addition of active Persian silk extracts, this super serum works to uplift and revitalise the under-eyes too.
SHOP ALL DR. BARBARA STRUM >>> Powered by twin encapsulated technology infused with retinaldehyde, Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 is the slow release under eye treatment that works by utilising retinol to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and uneven skin tone. Enriched with a plethora of other skin-loving ingredients including chamomile, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, means you’ll wake up to eyes that are brighter, smoother *and* less puffy.
SHOP ALL MEDIK8 >>> BEST EYE CREAMS FOR PUFFINESS
With a unique water-based formula, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Eye Serum banishes tired eyes. Infused with the brand’s patented Multi-Peptide Complex (featuring three potent peptide ingredients) and niacinamide, it tackles not only dark circles and deep-set fine lines but unwanted puffiness too.
SHOP ALL THE ORDINARY >>> Designed to cool skin and illuminate, BYOMA’s De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel is the triple treat for your peepers . Powered by an infusion of vitamin C, a Tri-Ceramide Complex and triple hyaluronic acid, this eye-enhancer brightens, supports your skin barrier and delivers moisture *exactly* where your skin needs it...
SHOP ALL BYOMA >>> THE BEST EYE CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Specifically formulated to respect even the most delicate under-eyes, Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream, soothes and softens your skin. Enriched with the brand’s renowned Thermal Spring Water and a blend of bisabolol and dextran sulphate, this under eye must-have nourishes skin, prevents any feelings of tightness and ensures the under-eyes are supported and look replenished.
SHOP ALL AVÈNE >>> Restoring hydration and your under eye radiance is La Roche-Posay's Hydraphase Intense Eyes. With a unique Cellular Junction Technology powered by hyaluronic acid, this gel-cream formula helps lock in moisture while ensuring your delicate peepers look soft and supple. Plus, with the addition of glycerin and caffeine in its line up means skin looks refreshed and dehydration a thing of the past.
SHOP ALL LA ROCE-POSAY >>> Fueled by padina pavonica and nutrient-dense chlorella with blue green micro-algae, ELEMIS’s Pro Collagen Eye Renewal is the plumping must-have for sensitive skin. Pumping the delicate under-eye area with hyaluronic acid, proteins, peptides, antioxidants and amino acids, this eye treatment firms skin, protects it from free radicals and deeply hydrates.
SHOP ALL ELEMIS >>> THE BEST EYE CREAM FAQs
How do I find the best eye cream for me?
Firstly, it’s important to figure out what under eye concern you want to tackle. Then, determine your skin type. Both play a crucial role in what under-eye cream will work for you. If you have sensitive skin, then using a cream laced with potent actives like AHA’s may not be the best course of action. But if fine lines and wrinkles are your beauty bug bear then a lotion packed with retinol is something to consider.
Is an eye cream really better than moisturiser?
Yes — because they have been specifically formulated to be used under the eyes. Generally, your under eyes are more delicate and their skin is thinner than the rest of your face. As such, eye creams are lighter in texture, have lower doses of actives and have formulations that concentrate on boosting circulation, illumination and hydration.
Is eye cream or serum better for your eyes?
This totally depends on what you want out of them. Eye creams tend to be thicker in consistency and are packed with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin. These types of eye creams are ideal for dehydrated skin and someone looking to boost hydration. Eye serums on the other hand are lighter in texture and are usually formulated with actives, meaning they work great as a targeted treatment for a specific concern – think fine lines and wrinkles.
Now we know what our concern is, we’ve determined our skin type, the last step is to pick the best eye cream for you. So without further ado, pamper your peepers and tell everyone you had eight hours and *didn’t* stayed up all night rewatching your favorite series...
SHOP ALL EYE CREAMS >>> 
