As a beauty editor there are two questions I frequently get asked: "What's the best mascara?" [1] and "Which eye cream do you recommend?" [2] Not only does this prove we are all obsessed with our eyes, but considering there are literally hundreds of options in both categories, it seems finding the 'one' can feel like a bit of a needle in a haystack. And in essence, I am not surprised. Whereas I could list at least 10 decent mascaras I would happily give the nod of approval, products specifically catered to treat the eye area is a whole different kettle of fish. The reason for this is because everyone has different eye needs, whether you're looking to treat dark circles, crows feet, sagging lids or puffy eyes there is a different ingredient for you.
Over the last decade or so I have tried hundreds of eye products, from eye creams to liquid tubes, [3] roll ons to gadgets [4] and I still struggle to find one I consider the holy grail. However, the new recent batch of products aimed to improve the under eye area have really stepped up.
Read on to find out why it's important to use a separate eye product, the ingredients you need to look for to target each problem area and which ones I would consider to be pretty good.
Why Do You Need a Separate Eye Cream?
"Using a separate eye cream is often advocated for because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face," explains skin expert, Justine Masters [5]. "Eye creams are formulated with ingredients tailored to address specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines without causing irritation to the sensitive eye area," she tells POPSUGAR UK.
Additionally, eye creams are designed to be lighter in texture. "Heavy creams can potentially migrate into the eyes and cause irritation," explains Masters. "However, whether you need a separate eye cream depends on your individual skincare needs and preferences."
What Ingredients Should You Look For in a Targeted Eye Product?
"When selecting an eye product, it's crucial to focus on ingredients that cater to the delicate nature of the skin around the eyes," says Dr Rachna Murthy, consultant ophthalmologist, aesthetic, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon at Face Restoration [6]. "Look for hydrating components like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to plump and moisturise, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
Masters tends to look for products which target puffiness likes caffeine and vitamin C as well as retinals if you're looking to combat fine lines and wrinkles. However she warns these should be introduced slowly as it can cause irritation.
Even with the risks, Dr Murthy agrees. "Peptides and retinoids can be beneficial, as both promote collagen production and improve skin firmness over time," she explains. "By incorporating these treatments and ingredients into your skincare routine, you can effectively target and reduce signs of aging around the eyes, achieving a more youthful and refreshed appearance."
The Best Way to Apply an Eye Product
Worried about when to apply your eye product? Masters has these simple steps. "Start with a clean face: Gently cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel, before dispense a pea-sized amount of eye cream onto your ring finger." The ring finger typically applies the least amount of pressure, which is ideal for the delicate eye area, as you can tag and pull at the skin leaving it marked. "Dab, don't rub: using your ring finger, lightly dab the eye cream along the orbital bone, starting from the inner corner of the eye and moving outward."
She also warns that you should avoid applying the product too close to the lash line as this can be transferred into your eye and cause irritation. "Using a gentle tapping motion, continue to dab the eye cream until it is fully absorbed. Give the eye cream a few minutes to fully absorb into the skin before applying any other skincare products or makeup."
The Best Eye Creams and Tools to Use Now
Best Eye Cream For Sagging Lids
Murad Retinal Resculpt Eye Lift Treatment [12] (£92)
This next-gen level eye cream takes its promise of improving your under-eye appareance to a new level. It contains an encapsulated vitamin a, or retinal-one, which is easier for the skin to tolerate and has been found to be 2.5 times more powerful as it can deliver all the goodness of retinol on a deeper level. I've been using it for a week or so and can already see the difference, it has reduced the appearance my fine lines, particularly on the top which is much harder to target with creams, and I think has made my eyes look a bit more open.
Best Overnight Eye Mask
Summer Fridays Overnight Jet Lag Eye Mask [13] (£46)
If you love the original Summer Fridays overnight mask, you will love this. It feels like a balm for your under eye area, but isn't heavy at all. It isn't like any other eye cream I've tried as it instantly wraps around the eye area and soothes the skin. If I have had a long day looking at a screen this comforts the dry skin around my eye area and I find I wake up with a lot less puffiness and minimised dark bags.
Best Eye (and all over the face) Gadget
Eye programme [14] (£357)
If you're struggling with your eye area and considering injectables or surgery, then give this a try first. It is seriously expensive, but it is one of the cleverest handheld devices I have ever seen. It has six functions, lift, redness, eye, brightening, purity and repair so you may buy it to target your eye area but it can actually be used to fight wrinkles, acne, rosecea and overall dullness. If you've been on the fence about botox and fillers, then this is a great investment as it is a similar cost to one or two rounds of injectables.
Using LED technology, you add a specifically target serum capsule (sold separately) into the machine depending on your needs. If you're focusing on your eyes, this would be the Eye Programme (£357) which contains four capsules, each capsule has the exact amount of serum for seven days use. The machine detects which serum you've used and then adjusts the light accordingly. It will then use the exact LED lights, and massage technique, you need for it to be most effective for three minutes, beeping every 15 seconds so you know when to move it to the next area. It is like having an expert in your own home.
Best Natural Eye Product
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Roll On [15] (£39.20)
If you prefer a natural alternative then this is for you. Using jojoba, avocado and sunflower seed oil you simply roll it around the eye area. These super-hydrating ingredients help to repair the damaged, thin skin and the cooling ball visibly reduces any puffiness. I find it is great after a long day, or particularly bad night's sleep.
Best Eye Product For Puffy Eyes
Skin W1 London I-Shine Eye Cream (£75) [16]
Want your eye cream to work harder? Then this mini device is for you. It contains a dermatologist-created eye serum in a vibrating applicator that not only helps you apply the ingredients to this delicate area, the micro currents help lightly massage the area, whilst the cooling metal head reduces puffiness. I found the serum can sometimes leave a bit of a residue afterwards so avoid putting makeup on until it absorbs completely, or use at night.
Best Vitamin C Eye Cream
Avon Anew Radiance Dark Circle Correct Eye Cream [17] (£13)
Vitamin C is not only great for combatting environmental factors like UVA and UVB rays, it is also deeply hydrating and very well-tolerated. This cream, with its slated applicator, is great as it ensures you don't overload the area with too much product, it also stops you pulling and tugging at the skin too much. It is a great eye cream for combating dark circles and can make them visibly lighter after one use. I really like the texture and the slight illumination it gives to this area, especially if, like me, dark cirlces is your main concern.
Best Eye Cream SPF
Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral Eye Crea SPF 50 [18] (£18)
If you've not purchased a separate SPF for under your eyes this is your sign to do so. I always struggle with regular SPF around the delicate eye area as it can cause irritation and I often find my eyes watering and sensitive as the day goes on. This mineral-based product is suitable for this area and provides high protection to prevent burning. I always struggle with squinting in the sun and leaving crows feet tan lines – not a good look – and this prevents this from happening.
Best Repairing Eye Cream
Skin Proud Secure The Barrier Eye Cream [19] (£14.95)
Packed full of squalane, ceramides and caffeine this is like a drink for your eyes. It is ideal if dry, crepey skin is your main concern as it really pumps the area full of hydrating ingredients designed to repair and boost this thin area. I would recommend using under makeup if you find this area can sometimes separate or you want your concealer to last longer, as it provides a thin layer that works as a barrier to prevent the product from moving.
Best Eye Cream For Sensitive Eyes
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Eye Cream for Very Dry, Itchy Skin Prone to Eczema [20] (£13.60)
If you struggle with very dry skin around the eye area this needs to be your next purchase. It instantly soothes away any redness or dry patches, without causing further irritation. I also like to use it on dry patches in other sensitive areas like around the nose. It acts like a bit of a barrier to environmental factors such as pollution too, so is ideal if you find this can irritate your eyes.
Lauren Ezekiel [21] is an associate editor at POPSUGAR UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years' experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.