The skin around the eyes is the most delicate on our face so it needs a little extra attention. It’s also the first place you’ll see the signs of ageing, whether that’s a loss of firmness, dullness or fine lines.
Targeting your specific concerns makes good sense, but what eye cream is right for you? Whether it’s dark circles, puffiness or wrinkles, there’s an eye cream out to match your needs. Plus, incorporating an eye cream into your skincare regime could be the simplest, but most effective, step you make...
For dark circlesPuffiness and dark circles are two of the biggest skincare complaints among women. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%, £6, uses a potent dose of caffeine and green tea extract to treat both. Simply tap in a few drops mornings and evenings for brighter eyes.
Alternatively, if you're after a creamier formula then Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream, £34, is a great choice for keeping the under eye area hydrated, nourished and protected. In addition to tackling fine lines and wrinkles the rich and natural formula also reduces those hard-to-cover dark circles and stimulates circulation to help prevent the build-up of puffiness.
For early signs of agingOver nine years of research has gone into the potent tube of Vichy Slow Age Eye Cream, £25. With the aim of producing visible results when used on the eye area it packs a powerful anti-ageing punch while also delivering 24 hours of moisturisation.
For signs of stressThe first ever 2in1 eye masque and treatment cream from Dermaologica comes in the form of Stress Positive Eye Lift, £53. The high performance gel/cream formula energises the skin to help reduce any signs of stress, while minimising puffiness. Caudalie VineActiv Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream, £27.50, also works to combat signs of stress (dark circles, we're looking at you) by gently soothing the eye contours for a more energised look.
For sensitive skinRose water lies at the heart of Oskia's incredibly gentle, but effective, Eye Wonder Serum, £48, making it an ideal choice if you have sensitive skin or sensitivity around the eyes. This also contains Vitamin P to reduce dark circles, Vitamin E to deliver deep-down nourishment and it's instantly cooling effect on the skin will give immediate relief to puffy eyes.
An overnight treatment The original Advanced Night Repair Serum is a beauty icon and the latest addition, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, £49, takes the anti-ageing benefits to the next level with a formula that gives a cushioning, plumping effect to the skin around the eye. It also features a specially designed applicator that doubles as a massage tool to soothe and calm the skin.
The anti-ager Zelens Triple Action Advanced Eye Cream, £75, is a triple threat that simultaneously tightens, depuffs and reduces dark circles. Hyaluronic acid provides the intense nourishment and hydration the delicate eye area needs as well as the peptides and proteins needed to disperse discoloration and inflammation. It may be a pretty big investment, but this is by far one of the best eye creams we've EVER used.
For dry skin If the skin under your eyes is prone to dryness then Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream, £30, could be just the thing to keep it feeling soft and supple. The rich formula contains a powerful combination of antioxidants and moisturising ingredients including Bearberry extract, Beta-Glucan and Shea Butter to offer complete protection. Eve Lom Eye Cream, £45, works to promote long-lasting hydration while nourishing the skin, so it's ideal for keeping any dry patches at bay.
You might love it on toast, with some poached eggs or drizzled with chilli oil, but avocado is always a powerful skincare ingredient thanks to its intensely moisturising properties. It’s particularly effective as part of eye care regime as that’s the skin that’s going to become dehydrated, dry and show the first signs of ageing before any other. Despite being intensely moisturising, Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, £20.25, won’t slip and slide into your eyes, ophthalmologists have confirmed, so you can be guaranteed it’s staying in place and working where you want it to.
For protection against sun damageSun damaged skin is no joke and Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream, £59, contains ferulic acid, which is known to protect against the ravages of sun exposure, while retinol is an effective anti-ager - the combination means skin is protected while intense anti-agers get to work. There’s also a smart combination of antioxidants such as meadowfoam oil, anti-inflammatories including Evening Primrose Oil and Chia Seed Oil as well as Gallic Oil to banish dark circles.
