Some might see the words eye cream and think “God, I can’t really be old enough for that, right?” — but, thanks to my mother teaching me right in my early years, I’ve always understood that taking care of the eye area should be a normal part of one’s skin care routine, regardless of age. The skin around the eyes is simply thinner, more delicate, and more prone to dryness, sun damage, and premature aging. Since eye cream takes all of two seconds to apply, why not show your delicate peepers the love that they deserve? (Think of it this way: you apply lip balm religiously, right? It’s an extra step that’s worth it.)
Once you’ve decided to get on board with eye cream, the next step is to decide what your specific eye-area needs are. If you have drier skin, anti-aging ingredients and humectants might be best for you. If you’re battling signs of fatigue and puffiness (I’m in this camp, and I always have been), soothing and brightening ingredients will perk you right up. To help you navigate the wide world of eye treatments, I’ve separated my selections into “day” and “night” — either choose the treatment that addresses your specific concern, or choose one from each category for major skin care brownie points that you’ll be reaping for years to come.
featured image via huffington post
Daytime: Fast Fix for Puffy Eyes by Alba Botanica
If you’re a natural-skincare-ophile like me, you’ll love this soothing and cooling eye gel from Alba Botanica that uses cucumber and green tea to quickly depuff eyes. (Word to the wise: stash this stuff in the fridge for an even more rejuvenating fix.)
Daytime: Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector with SPF 30 by Kiehl’s
If dark circles are bumming you out, add this SPF-packed pick to your morning routine. It includes Activated C and licorice root to diminish dark circles and fight fine lines (and it’s paraben- and fragrance-free, to boot).
Daytime: Physical Eye Defense SPF 50 by SkinCeuticals
If you’re heading out into serious sun, SPF 50 all over is a no-brainer — but, since I’m prone to developing tiny sun spots around my eyes in the summer, I take no chances and apply (and reapply) this gentle eye cream throughout the day in the summer. It’s specifically designed to be gentle around the eye area, and won’t sting if it runs (a total godsend on sweaty days).
Daytime: Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower by Klorane
Recovering from jet lag (or a particularly vigorous night out)? Do yourself a favor and take 20 minutes to get horizontal and let this magical soothing patches, which hydrate, depuff and brighten like nobody’s business.
Nighttime: Eye Balm by One Love Organics
For extra-dry skin, you can’t do better than this eye balm from One Love Organics. Packed with super-nourishing ingredients (vitamin E, shea butter, and pomegranate), this luxurious potion will keep your eye are plumped and hydrated like nobody’s business.
Nighttime: Eye Repair Serum by Earth tu Face
If anti-aging concerns have started to appear (hey, no shame in that!), this little potion is about to become your best friend. A potent combination of antioxidants and nourishing oils (organic olive, sea buckthorn, and vitamin E) encourage cell turnover and collagen production to effectively turn back the clock on stressed-out eyes.
Nighttime: Renewal Smoothing Eye Cream by Burt’s Bees
If you’re looking to firm up the skin around your eyes, fillers need not be the answer — simply search out firming ingredients, like the Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex in the latest treatment by Burts Bee’s, which have been clinically proven to improve eye area concerns in as little as four weeks.
Anytime: Shaba Complex Eye Serum from Drunk Elephant
If all of this eye-cream-info has your head spinning, I have a solution: this superstar serum by Drunk Elephant. It’s paraben-free, non-toxic, and filled with seriously effective ingredients that fight fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and age spots. Slather it on morning, night, or both — conundrum solved!
