Eye Cream Isn't Just for Old People! Here's Why It's a Good Idea to Start Now
1/16We all know the adage, whether it was on Pinterest, Instagram, or in English class: "The eyes are the window of the soul." Years later, it still holds true. Maybe that's why we're obsessed with mascaras and eyeliners—they add drama to our most important feature. But many of us are neglecting to actually care for them. Sure, we rub them vigorously with a dual-phase remover until the makeup is all scrubbed off, but shouldn't we be getting to the heart of the issue?
"An eye cream is a particular product that you'll be glad you started early with," says all-natural skin guru Tata Harper, who made a little DIY cameo on our YouTube channel. "The skin around the eyes is a super delicate area that really benefits from lots of extra love and attention, so daily moisturizing early on is a great idea. It will help keep your eyes looking bright and awake, reduce dark shadows, and minimize any early morning puffiness."
Beyond that, maintaining the thin, fragile under eye area is kind of like applying a daily SPF: You can't see the sun's damaging side effects now, but you will notice them later on. It's always best to get a head start on a healthy routine!
But choosing an eye cream that's made for you and not your mother can be difficult. Here, our favorite "starter" products and exactly why we love them. Click through to read more!
2/16H20+ Eye Oasis Instant Hydrating Stick
For instant hydration and super-fast depuffing (hello, finals week!), pop on this oil-free stick to soften skin. Ingredients like wakame, sea lettuce, and fennel make it super moisturizing, while the cool applicator quells inflammation. Although the product itself appears blue, it goes on clear, which makes it perfect for on-the-go touch ups. Talk about a quick fix!
3/16Olay Fresh Effects Eye Awakening Cream
This oil-free formula actually comes with a tri-roller ball that deposits a light amount of product, while the cool applicator reduces puffiness. Plus, white tea and honeysuckle will actually brighten dark circles over time!
4/16Nuxe-Crème Prodigieuses Anti-fatigue Moisturizing Eye Cream
Tired eyes meet their match in this plant caffeine-infused French cream. It hydrates, revives, helps you fake a good night’s sleep, and looks chic in a medicine cabinet. What’s not to like?
5/16Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Dark circles? Puffy skin? The all-nighter effects are real. With a cooling applicator and peptide-filled oil-free formula, this cute little cream puts hydration and brightness back into your skin. Plus, it feels great on your eyes after a long night of studying but makes you look like you slept a full eight hours instead. Finally, you can ace your test and look good, too.
6/16Kiehl's Eye Alert
Experiencing under-eye fatigue? Look no further than this cute little blue tube that we totally borrowed from the boys. It directly combats puffiness and dark circles and leaves behind a refreshing tingling sensation. A mix of cucumber and Vitamin E energizes, hydrates, and heals.
7/16Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Eye
If you’re a fan of Philosophy’s cult-favorite moisturizer Hope in a Jar, you won’t be disappointed by its under-eye counterpart. Dark circles, puffiness, and lines, be gone.
clbphoto.com 732-670-12588/16Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
This gel-cream features hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin and perfect for oily and acne-prone people. An added bonus? It absorbs quickly into the skin so you can apply makeup right on top.
9/16Fresh Lotus Eye Gel
We all know and love Fresh's insanely amazing Sugar Lip Treatment, but this brand has also got it going on when it comes to skin care. This particular formula is packed with fast-acting caffeine and a light cucumber scent. Just one pump of the super lightweight texture makes for a quick-to-absorb application that's not greasy at all. "You should always apply an eye cream as the last step of the skin routine," says Dangene Enterprise, founder of New York City's Institute of Skinovation. "Do so very gently on damp skin for optimal results.”
10/16Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff
"Some teenagers with oily skin will need to be careful when choosing an eye cream because heavier products can cause clogging around the eyes," says New York City dermatologist Dr. Lisa Airan. This light-reflecting formula is lightweight and fragrance-free, plus it has a hit of caffeine to improve circulation. Make sure to always use your ring finger (it's the most delicate on your hand!) to apply, and start by tapping the product on the outer corner, slowly moving inwards.
11/16Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
This roller ball serum (infused with caffeine extract) immediately soothes and refreshes tired skin, while its bright color and purse-friendly size make applying eye cream feel like fun.
12/16Burt’s Bees Eye Cream Intense Hydration
This Burt’s Bees formula is the perfect introduction if you’re new to eye cream. It’s super light (but delivers serious moisture), has an awesome sage smell, and is paraben-, phthalate-, and petrolatum-free.
13/16e.l.f. Illuminating Eye Cream
We all know that “effortless” glowy skin look isn’t so effortless. But with this lightweight, antioxidant-rich cream, you’ll be well on your way.
14/16Honest Beauty The Younger Eye Cream
We were drawn to this cream by its super ingredients — think hyaluronic acid, barbary fig, and chamomile— but the pearly pink package had us totally sold.
15/16First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm
If dry skin is your problem, this overnight balm is the one for you. With shea butter, sunflower seed wax, and super rich flower extracts, this cream locks in moisture and hydrates while you sleep.
