I Used to Be Skeptical About Eye Creams. Here’s Why I’m Now a Convert
Erin Cook is a beauty and lifestyle journalist who has been slinging words for magazines, such as marie claire, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan and Body+Soul, for the better part of a decade. As part of this role, she's had the pleasure of interviewing countless experts, such as dermatologists, trichologists, makeup artists and brand founders, to get their two cents on the latest beauty trends or to answer consumer questions. She loves a good hyaluronic serum, tinted moisturiser or glossy lipstick almost as much as she loves her cats. Almost.
What is the best under eye cream? Beauty journalist Erin Cook shares her top rated eye creams below...
I've worked in the beauty industry for longer than I'd like to admit. I love beauty products, use them daily and will happily share my recs to anyone who shows even the slightest interest. But even I find the skincare aisle overwhelming at times.
There are endless categories of products to choose from – mists, serums, creams, lotions, oils, the list goes on. If you're not discerning, it's easy to end up with a 10-step routine and a bathroom cabinet that could double as a house deposit.
For that reason, I've always considered eye creams to be a nice-to-have. Not because there's anything wrong with them, but because I really wasn’t sure if eye cream was an essential.
Fast forward to now. As someone in my mid-30s with a toddler (which is another way of saying I'm permanently tired), I've completely changed my tune.
Do eye creams actually work?
It turns out eye creams are actually pretty great? Most are designed to do one of three things: soften the appearance of crow's feet, brighten dark under-eye circles or make you look like you've had a solid eight hours of sleep. And TBH, I need help in all of those departments.
Keep reading if you’re also skeptical about eye creams but want to understand what the fuss is all about. Here’s a quick deep dive – plus, five of my personal favourites.
What is the purpose of eye cream?
Why I’m a recent convert of eye creams...
They’re targeted and can do some serious heavy liftingUnlike your everyday moisturiser, eye creams are usually designed to tackle one specific concern – for example: fine lines, puffiness, dark circles or dehydration – and they're often packed with targeted active ingredients. Since the skin around your eyes can have different needs to the rest of your face, it makes sense to use a product that's formulated specifically for that area.
They’re formulated for the delicate eye areaThe skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, making it more prone to irritation – especially if you already have sensitive skin or sensitive eyes. Eye creams, serums and under-eye masks are specifically formulated to be gentle enough for this fragile area while still delivering effective ingredients.
A little goes a very long wayEye creams can seem expensive when you see the size of the jar or tube, but you only need the tiniest amount for each application. Because you're using so little, one tube can last for months. Plus, if you're no longer using your regular face serum around your eyes, that product will stretch a little further too.
My favourite eye creams (in no particular order)
Best eye cream for hydration
Good for: An entry level eye cream if you want to quickly hydrate and plump, but aren’t ready for anything too active.
Key features of the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream:
- Smooths, plumps and refreshes the eye area.
- Lightweight texture that absorbs quickly.
- Packed with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.
My Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream Review: This is my favourite eye cream to use as makeup prep. It hydrates and plumps the under-eye area, helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet while creating a smooth canvas for makeup to glide onto without settling into creases. It’s also ultra gentle and suitable for anyone with sensitive skin and eyes (AKA me).
Best eye cream to look more awake
Good for: Hiding a hangover. Apply first thing in the morning while you drink your morning coffee and watch them work their magic.
Key features of the Esmi Skin Minerals HydraDew Patches - Calming and De-puff:
- One tub contains 60 patches (30 pairs) for $39 which is incredible value.
- Esmi also does an anti-ageing and brightening version of the HydraDew Patches.
- Apply to hydrate and soothe stressed-out skin.
- Cools and depuffs on contact for an instant pick-me-up.
My Esmi Skin Minerals HydraDew Patches - Calming and De-puff review: While these eye patches aren’t technically an eye cream, I couldn’t leave them off the list. I am a huge advocate of the Esmi range of HydraDew Patches as they’re the most effective and most affordable variety that I’ve found. I love applying these in the morning to revive tired eyes or anytime of the day as a cute self-care moment.
Best eye cream for dark circles
Good for: Instant and long-term brightening of dark circles (win, win).
Key features of the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream:
- Contains universally flattering, light-reflecting yellow mineral pigments to help instantly colour-correct.
- Boosted with ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) and super-antioxidant glutathione to create a highly stable form of vitamin C.
- Can be worn on its own or under makeup.
My Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème Review: There are so many brightening eye creams on the market, but this one is a classic for a reason. It contains yellow light-reflecting pigments to provide an instant, subtle brightening effect. Meanwhile, vitamin C gets to work, targeting fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and dark circles, with results accumulating over time.
Best eye cream for puffiness
Good for: Anyone whose tiredness turns up in the form of puffy under-eyes.
Key features of the Beauté Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel:
- Firms puffiness, soothes redness and tightens fine lines.
- Refreshes the under-eye area quickly and is especially effective at targeting puffiness.
My Beauté Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel Review: This product quite literally does what it says on the label and does it well. If you woke up with under-eye bags and want an eye cream that will de-puff quickly, this gel-cream is your guy. It contains caffeine and a whole bunch of botanical ingredients to firm and tighten the skin.
Best eye cream to smooth wrinkles and crow’s feet
Good for: Anyone who wants to target wrinkles and crow’s feet but also has sensitive eyes.
Key features of the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream:
- Contains a form of retinol suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive ones.
- Boosts cell turnover in the eye area, minimising fine lines and wrinkles whilst promoting healthy collagen synthesis in the skin.
- Always use in the evening, as retinol-based products can increase sensitivity to the sun.
My La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream Review: I don't like to play favourites with my eye creams, but if I had to choose, this might just be the one. Generally speaking, retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-ageing, so you know this formula is packed with proven ingredients. Better still, it's from La Roche-Posay, a brand renowned for creating effective formulas that are also suitable for sensitive skin. While the effects won’t be immediate, use this product consistently in the evening to see longer-term results.
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