Tired of looking, well, tired? Not only do the best eye creams brighten dark circles and depuff the skin around the eye area, they also work to reduce the signs of ageing, which is to say fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. It’s all about finding the right cream that works for you and that’s down to ingredients and formulation.
Below, Vogue rounds up the best of the best, from expert-recommended eye creams to tried and trusted favourites.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Stefanie Williams is a specialist dermatologist and medical director at Eudelo.
- Dr Anjali Mahto is a cosmetic and medical consultant dermatologist on Harley Street, and the author of The Skincare Bible.
- Dr Ginni Mansberg is a general practitioner, author of multiple health books and the medical director of ESK Skincare.
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide To The Best Vitamin C Serum
Do eye creams work?
Yes, but not all products are made equal, which is where formulation and ingredients come in. For example, those packed with hyaluronic acid can certainly work to plump and hydrate, whereas those with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and SPF (an absolute must) will help to protect the skin. But it’s important to note that topical creams, no matter how potent the active ingredients, cannot stand in for sleep, water, and a healthy diet. Furthermore, as we age, our fat reserves deplete; this cannot be amended with a cream alone. In this instance, you may want to think about a treatment or something more invasive. However, an eye cream can help with boosting firmness and minisiming lines which contribute to the look of sagging skin. This is where your retinol comes in.
Can eye cream reduce dark circles?
Again, just like a cream cannot fully fix the loss of fat, a total erasure of dark circles cannot be achieved with a cream alone. Creams can, however, work to lift their appearance, especially, when used in conjunction with regular, gentle massage, plenty of water, sleep and a healthy diet.
What to look for in an eye cream
Ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol are great for addressing discolouration, texture and a loss of collagen, while gentler formulations that star hydrators and humectants (think: hyaluronic acid, sqaualane and glycerin) are ideal for those with dry and sensitive eyes. The best eye cream for you depends on what results you’re looking for, whether that’s something to firm and depuff or to hydrate, banish dark circles or colour correct. Whatever you’re after, it’s important to bear in mind that the skin around your eye area is much more delicate than the rest of your face, which is why it needs looking after properly.
