Once I began implementing the right under-eye care into my skincare routine, I knew I was never turning back. The impact from life-admin in general was definitely showing in my face and I became obsessed with the idea that something was making me look like I had a full night's sleep with a lie-in on top. Yes, at first it did feel a bit gimmicky, using an under eye mask and suddenly feeling rejuvenated felt a little more psychological than the real outcome from 15 minutes with a piece of jelly. But I am here to tell you that right eye products really work.
So often the price tag that can come along with eye products can have you feeling like it might be easier just to skip the skincare step altogether. I definitely had my reservations, but that was before I intentionally started using the right products and seeing real, justifiable results. If, like me, you've ever asked yourself, do I really need an eye cream? Or wondered where you'd even begin with a facial tool, then read on to discover the best targeted eye care guide, all tried and tested by myself.
With two young children, years of broken sleep and an endless to-do list, my eyes were screaming out for some assistance in looking de-puffed, brighter and smoother. I quickly learnt that dry skin and sensitive eyes made sourcing the right product more of a challenge. Heavier creams and serums tended to aid skin texture (amazing) yet cause irritation to my waterline (not so amazing). I found that it was important to prioritise the element of relaxation associated with eye care, too. How the product makes your skin feel, results aside, can have a desirable affect in tricking your brain to feeling overall more alert, and ready to tackle the day. I needed comfort with function - products that yielded results without skimping on a luxurious spa-like feeling, all the while fitting into my busy schedule and already stretched budget. I know, it sounds like I'm asking for too much, right? You'll be pleased to know, I'm not.
Scroll on to discover the best eye products to tackle dark circles, puffiness and fine lines below.
The best eye gels:
Refreshing and dewy, eye gels can contribute to improved skin elasticity and prevent under-eye sagging through intense hydration. The best for daytime use as it excludes heavy oils and sits thinly on the skin, allowing the area to appear supple and smooth—making them great makeup prep. Eye gels have quickly become the favourite part of my routine. When faced with a horrendous nights sleep, I can count on any one of the gels below to refresh my face, combatting any areas that are dry or puffy.
Shop the best eye gels:
1. Lumene Glow Boost Eye Serum
Pros: Cooling metal applicator, hydrating, de-puffing,
Cons: None
Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, Arctic cloudberry
The cooling metal applicator of Lumene's Glow Boost Eye Serum helps to instantly reduce puffiness on contact with the skin, whilse the hydrating gel texture contains hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to instantly hydrate dehydrated skin. The addition of vitamin C is particularly helpful for brightening dark under eye circles over time too.
Customer Review: "I feel confident that this serum is a worthwhile purchase. It’s lightweight and blends in easily so you hardly know it’s there but I think my eyes look brighter and less tired."
2. Beauty Pie Youthbomb™ 360° Multi Action Eye Repair Night Serum
Price shown is member price.
Pros: Addresses dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and under eye bags in four weeks
Cons: None
Ingredients: Pinaretinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, Eyeliss
Beauty Pie's Japanese formula has garnered some impressive reviews and promises to overhaul dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles and puffiness in four weeks. It uses a form of retinol to plump wrinkles, while vitamin C and niacinamide help to brighten and boost skin elasticity. For the sophisticated formula, this is really good value for money.
Customer Review: "This is the perfect eye serum. I have been using it for a couple of months and it has transformed crepey, baggy skin around my eyes into something smoother and more elastic. Not a miracle worker on dark shadows but that’s genetics for you. I will certainly carry on using it and am very happy to recommend it."
3. Elemis
I'm a huge lover of anything and everything Elemis, but this Eye Gel is by far my favourite product of them all. This formula is infused with the antioxidant Matcha green-tea, and is perfect under concealer and other makeup. Only a little is needed so it definitely lasts, Use in the morning and top up during the daytime.
Pros: Hydrating, firming, more affordable than most
Cons: None
Hydrating and firming - and not too hard on your pocket. This La Roche-Posay eye gel is the perfect addition to your routine, especially if you haven't ventured into the world of eye care yet and are wanting to start off with something easy going. With the hydration staple - hyaluronic acid and energising caffeine, this is a tired morning-eyes saviour!
Customer review:
The best eye creams:
Eye creams add almost a protective layer over such a delicate area of the face, where that extra layer is is most appreciated. Best when given time to really settle into the skin, as most may not be as quick drying or easily absorbed as a gel. It is worth the wait, as these creams can combat dark circles and are formulated to strengthen the skin under your eyes. Great for using in both your morning and night-time routine.
Shop the best eye creams:
I have used this Gallinee probiotic eye contour cream for years, and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. This works so well with reactive, damaged or sensitive skin by supporting the microbiome and feeding good bacteria.
This is one of those products that you find yourself trying to avoid using in a bid to save it for as long as possible. It really is a nectar, made with an incredible formula. I tried this out and was so impressed with the difference I noticed almost immediately. With copper, Vitamin C and Omegas 6, 3 and 9 - It's managed to take the top spot of luxury eye care in my bathroom cabinet.
This retinol eye cream is the best budget-friendly product for tackling or preventing fine lines and sagging skin. Its silky texture melts in your hand and feels balmy and hydrating across the delicate under eye skin area. One to buy again and again.
The best eye masks and patches:
Here is where we really step up the spa-adjacent side to taking care of your under eyes. I'm sure we can all fondly remember balancing sliced cucumbers over our eyes as kids, role playing 'spa' and venturing into our first experiences of self-care. Well, eye masks are sort of the grown-up version of that, bringing the luxury care we crave into our homes and individual lifestyle - while giving us dazzling results at the same time.
Shop the best eye patches and masks:
With hydrolysed collagen for elasticity and sodium hyaluronate to help moisture seep into the skin, these Pathology eye patches are a quick fix in giving your under-eyes a boost while settling any visible stiffness and tiredness. Use in the morning twice a week for an upgrade to your skincare routine.
These eye masks are the epitome of luxury, allowing you to feel like you've just stepped off the massage table after receiving the best facial of your life. It contains revolutionary Hexapeptide, an active which delivers instant results through its tightening qualities. rejuvenating and rehydrating, these best-sellers are a must-have for an immediate lift.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen range has been a game changer for my skin. These masks are no exception, moisturising and replenishing - they are the best at enhancing a youthful and well-rested look, regardless of how exhausted you really are. Use at any point in the day for a surge of hydration.
The best eye serums:
Not quite an oil, not quite a gel. lightweight and easily applied, Eye serums are what you need when trying to steer clear of heavier formulas. Good for those with combination skin, and can be well situated underneath moisturisers without making the area too oily.
Shop the best eye serums:
Boasting of a delicate texture and skin boosting elixirs, this eye serum infuses a high level of Hyaluronic Acid to your under eyes to ensure no possibility of dehydration. massage in with a facial tool to enjoy its full results!
This eye serum recently went viral and for good reason. A serum with a multipurpose applicator, containing small roller balls to cool and massage as your skin reaps the benefits from the high concentration formula.
This affordable serum is perfect for keeping in your bag to use on-the-go for a refresher when needed. The Revolution Pro Miracle Eye Serum is small but mighty, containing a unique peptide complex to encourage supple skin and brighter under eyes.
The best eye tools:
My discovery of eye tools transformed my whole approach to skincare and self care in general. The massaging qualities, promotion of lymphatic drainage and even mental health benefits are unexpected from eye care - but not to be underestimated. Adding a skincare tool to your routine can stimulate blood flow, collagen production and even change the shape of your face. Combine with your favourite gel or serum to bind the product to your skin.
Shop the best eye tools:
A Gua Sha facial tool promotes so many benefits to your overall face, but its impact on the eyes is enough to make you wonder how you ever lived without it to begin with. The relaxing motions promise tightening, sculpting and smoothing of the complexion - not to mention collagen stimulating while the strengthening of blood vessels around the eye area.
This rolling this tool from Kitsch is perfect for whenever your under eyes are feeling puffy or congested. Combined with your favourite eye serum, and you manage to melt the product into your skin while cooling down any inflammation from free radicals. Pro tip: keep your roller in the freezer and remove for 10 minutes before using.
This 2-in-1 facial tool combines topical products with a dynamic face roller. When used under eyes, this tool can lessen the appearance of dark circles, hyperpigmentation and loose skin. It really is one to try if you are looking for a new and interesting tool.
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