I will forever be searching for that magic elixir that will eliminate my dark under eye circles. To that end, I have tried quite a few products and consulted more than a few professionals. Most of the eye creams and serums that I like best have a few ingredients in common: collagen, niacinamide, and retinol. These three anti-aging components pack a powerful punch when it comes to wrinkles, dark circles and loss of elasticity. I currently alternate between a few products, since I am always trying out new purchases. Below is a breakdown of a few of my favorite eye creams and serums, with some alternates as well. Brands in the product slider, like Kiehl’s, Mario Badescu, Kate Somerville, and Joanna Vargas are proven heavy hitters in the skincare game too. If you have an eye cream that works wonders, please comment below and share your eye elixir secret!
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $85: This has been my go-to for over 2 years. I like how the gel-like consistency soaks in quickly and smooths over eye area easily. I need the retinol component since it’s the best for visibly minimizes lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. Unique ingredients like swertia flower extract and marine kelp complex help to increase skin’s firmness and elasticity as well as visibly brighten dark circles.
Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream, $48: I purchased this one for my morning routine, giving the retinol a rest. Of course, I heard about this product from my trusted Youtube skincare expert, Renée Chow or Gothamista (see my blog post about her here). She recommends using this product as an alternative to more retinol in the morning. So far, I have had no irritation and love the application. What it does: What it is: a moisturizer that restores the levels of moisture lipid ceramides, improving barrier functions and skin’s own natural repair.” Plant extracts help to “keep skin naturally hydrated, and revitalize the skin around the eye area, minimizing puffiness and tiredness.” Loving it.
Amore Pacific Eye Serum, $95: “This targeted eye treatment is an essential first step of your antiaging eye regimen, delivering instant brightening, lifting, and depuffing effects. It can also be applied throughout the day to revive tired eyes. Water hyacinth extract and caffeine help reduce puffiness while caffeine further works to brighten the under-eye area.” Yes, yes, yes. This rollerball applicator is also so cooling and refreshing. The ingredients: Asian botanicals, fermented green tea, and water hyacinth extract. It is a bit of an investment, but it hits all 3 areas of eye concern: circles, wrinkles, and dullness. ”
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, $9.99: My latest addition! I am hopeful for the powerful caffeine to do its job and soothe puffy eyes and dull circles. This brand boasts a “collection of 15 hero products formulated by a crack team of experts and scientists. The products contain as few ingredients as possible, all of the highest quality and at ‘give-it-a-go’ prices.”
Pestle & Mortar Recover Eye Cream, $52: A Gothamista favorite, formulated with “palmitoyl tripeptide-5 which serves to diminish fine lines, improve skin texture, reduce puffiness and reduce dark circles around the eye area. Recover is a brightening, nourishing and hydrating eye-cream which is easily absorbed into the skin.” This brand is new to me but I am already a fan after reading their philosophy: A perfect synergy of pH, concentration, and texture to suit all skin types. They boast high-performance active ingredients blended with natural extracts with nothing harmful. See more options below:
