Gels and creams to fight dark circles, puffiness and aging
When it come to your face, the one place everyone looks at and notices is your eyes. If you want to look vibrant, youthful and well-rested, you'll want to take care of the delicate skin around your eyes. Did you know, the skin around your eyes can be as much as ten times thinner than the rest of your face? And, unfortunately, this area is the first to show all the stress we put ourselves under.
According to Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, guys rarely complain about “looking old.” They worry about looking tired and dull. And nothing makes you look as unhealthy or rundown as dark, puffy or saggy eyes. Obviously, a healthy lifestyle (along with regular sunscreen and some dark sunglasses) goes a long way in preventing damage to your skin. But consistent use of a proper eye cream—products specifically formulated for the skin around the eyes—will ensure you stay looking your best. We've tested a myriad of tubes and tiny jars to bring you the best ones for your needs (and budget).
Best for
This Vitamin-C-spiked eye cream brightens dullness and darkness around the eyes, while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet. Antioxidant-rich Arjun tree extract feeds skin and a micro-algae blend locks in moisture. Since it hydrates and helps skin regenerate, it's best to apply both in the morning and before bed.
Biolumin-C eye serum,
$69 by Dermalogica
Best for
This balm was engineered to deflate the puffiness that results from late nights and too much alcohol. Niacinamide, a potent B vitamin, strengthens a weakened skin surface and brings back a healthy, hydrated texture. Soothing cucumber and green tea reduce the inflammation that causes the bags in the first place.
Eye-Puff Deflator,
$12 by Lumin
Best for
If you're looking to wake up bleary eyes or simply desire an easy solution, you want a roller serum instead of a cream. This lightweight, cooling gel feels particularly refreshing when stored in the refrigerator. Formulated with pure hyaluronic acid and caffeine, it restores rough looking eyes with just a few swipes. The icy sensation feels good and helps constrict the skin, but offers a light lymphatic massage to help physically drain fluid that can build up under the eye. The triple roller applicator not only feels good but the serum plumps skin and softens lines almost instantly.
Revitalift eye serum,
$25.99 by L'Oreal Paris
Advertisement
Best for
If you've been noticing deeper lines forming around your eyes and want to visibly reduce their appearance, you'll want to kickstart the cell turnover process in the area. Retinol is a powerful form of vitamin A that's been shown to boost collagen production, even out discoloration and smooth fine lines. But it degrades in light, so you should only use a retinol at night. Dot this on before bed and you're good to go.
Retinol Correxion cream,
$19.97 by RoC
Best for
If you're just starting out with eye creams, this all-in-one product is a favorite of our team. It works both in the moment and in the long run. Packed with potent marine botanicals, it smoothes and brightens the skin while restoring firmness and elasticity to the skin. In less than a month, you'll start to see lasting improvements.
Marine Layer Recovery gel,
$42 by Port Products
After cleansing, before a moisturizer. Apply before bed to let it sink in and get to work. Start under the inner corner of your eye and massage outward around the eye, up to your eyebrow.
The Daily Valet. is your cheat sheet to what's happening, what's cool and what's making headlines. It's your secret to being the most interesting man in the room.
