Eye creams are packed with ingredients that nourish, revive and correct the thin skin under the eyes. Editor Trudi Brewer reveals the proven heavy hitters in the war on wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.
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There is no better way to treat the skin under the eye area than with a specific and targeted eye cream. We have selected the best high-tech eye creams that marry science and magic so you can see results. From skin firming vitamin A to skin-brightening vitamin C, and some seriously good antioxidants - here's our best eye cream edit.
Wrinkles
Unfortunately, the thin skin under the eye area is the first to show signs of ageing. A good eye cream contains more emollients than regular moisturisers, which nourish this delicate skin that lacks natural oils. There are two ingredients you need to search out for wrinkle erasing. Retinol or vitamin A derivatives are essential and an SPF. Squinting in the sun and exposure to UVA rays is the reason most of us are sporting lines under the eyes. This is one product where less is more, only use a tiny pearl- size amount and never overload skin, remember it’s super thin, too much cream will cause puffiness or irritation. And if you didn't already know, the best way to apply eye cream is by tapping it on the skin, just around the eye bone, and always use the lightest touch which is best achieved by using your ring finger.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum, $115. Omegas, 3,6,9 and vitamin A smooth wrinkles and help fade darkness. Available July 31st. Shiseido Benefiance Skincare NutriPerfect Eye Serum, $103. Designed particularly for a more mature skin, this cream works to tackle the visible signs or hormonal changes as we age. Avène Physiolift Eyes, $65. While this lightweight cream will depuff and soothe, it's the retinaldehyde (vitamin A derivative), that reduces those ageing wrinkles. Prevage Anti-aging Eye Cream SPF 15, $195. Powerhouse ingredient Idebenone works to banish fine lines and wrinkles.
Dark circles
First, you need to understand why you have dark circles to erase them. Genetics play a role, pale skin can show views under the skin that will accentuate darkness. Ageing and weight loss can cause volume loss, resulting in an excessive hollowing under the eyes, which is why the shadows appear. No amount of eye cream can fix this. However, an ultra-fine hyaluronic filler injected into the ‘tear trough’ below the eyes, which fills the hollows and making the circles appear brighter. Where eye cream can help is sleep deprivation and stress seasonal allergies or late nights, rich food and too much wine. We seek out antioxidant eye creams with ingredients that can help to brighten your complexion and boost your collagen production.
collagen Trilogy Eye Contour Cream, $49. Harnessing the power of rosehip oil along with other botanical beauties, this is a powerful natural eye cream. Dr Lewinns R4 Eye Repair Cream, $80. A light-textured cream designed to improve elasticity under the eye area as well as tackle darkness. Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Age Defy Eye Cream, $37. Harnessing the healing and anti-inflammatory qualities of Manuka honey along with the collagen-boosting qualities of purified bee venom, this eye cream fights wrinkles and promotes brightness too. Lancôme Visionnaire Yeux Eye On Correction, $138. Blur technology to help diminish dark circles and colour imperfections around the eye area.
Puffiness
If you're overloading on eye cream, it could be making this problem worse. Be aware of what you are putting around the eye area, your puffiness maybe an allergy. Don't use harsh astringents and choose fragrance-free makeup remover. A lightweight eye gel or serum is a better choice over heavy eye creams. The rich creams will warm on the skin while you sleep and ultimately run into the eyes, which will make the problem worse. Puffiness always looks worse when you wake up; this is because the under eye area retains fluid. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated, to prevent fluid collecting in tissue around your eyes, and don't apply eye cream too close to the eye itself.
Avène Sensitive Skincare Soothing Eye Contour Cream, $40. This gentle and soothing eye cream is perfect for those who favour a non-fragranced, simple, soothing solution. Evolu De-Stress Soothing Eye Gel, $55. The calming and cooling botanical mix in this formula is great for tired, puffy eyes. Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Eye Gelee, $114. A fatigue -fighting eye gel which works on puffiness and darkness around the eyes. Clinique All About Eyes, $79. Designed to have a cooling effect on tired, puffy eyes, this lightweight gel-cream is a great fix.
All products available from Life Pharmacy.