The Active Edit

5 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 30 Nov, 2023

We all know too well that no matter how much sleep you get, those pesky dark circles and the puffiness just won't quit. These dark circles can be caused by any number of things, from allergies to fluid retention or genetics, but the end result is just as unflattering, uncomfortable, and frustrating. The best eye cream for dark circles won't just brighten the skin but will actually work full-circle to resolve the underlying issue and help you reclaim your youngest, healthiest skin.

Unfortunately, the skin around your eyes is especially delicate and prone to expression lines, wrinkles, and a papery thin look that you might not love. Eye creams can absolutely help you improve this, but you have to use them regularly and consistently to see any kind of lasting results.

These five favourite creams will help you find the best eye cream for dark circles, puffiness, and deliver anti-ageing benefits, but they all have their own unique twist for you to choose from. Whether you want a primer, a roller, or something to help turn back the clock, you'll adore any one of these creams and start seeing results that you'll want to show off. Go ahead and flash them your peepers; these windows to the soul aren't giving away any secrets.

The Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles

1. Medik8 Illuminating Eye Balm

When you want an eye cream that will do it all, grab the Medik8 Illuminating Eye Balm. This multitasking eye balm is just the ticket for dark circles as it instantly brightens under the eyes and refreshes the entire eye area. Enriched with Hyaluronic acid, the addition of caffeine helps stimulate pooled and stagnant blood whilst lactic acid and cooling cucumber help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. We said it was a good one! Furthermore, light-reflecting mineral pigments help to instantly brighten the eye area leaving your entire face appearing more awakened and refreshed making this dark circle eye cream a must in your daily skincare routine.

How to Apply: Apply this eye treatment in the morning after washing your face to dry skin. Gently pat into the eye area avoiding the delicate eye lid as this skin is super delicate!

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2. Thalgo Spiruline Boost Energising Eye Gel 

When you want effective de-puffing and fast, your best bet is cooling, metal rollers that help massage away the puffiness and swelling. The Thalgo Spiruline Boost Energising Eye Gel is a fabulous, luxe option that not only freshens eyes and reduces puffiness quickly, but also comes with a rich concentrate that uses potent ingredients to smooth skin and reduce dark circles. You'll not only look more refreshed and awake, but actually feel more alert thanks to the stimulating effects of the roller balls and that's life-changing on a Monday morning. Plus, the metal rollers are super effective at helping the skin absorb the fluid formula, so that you're not left with a sticky residue that makes makeup impossible.

How to Apply: Use this amazing roller twice a day if needed, on fresh, clean skin. Tap the product onto your under eyes and then roll in using soft, sweeping motions. Give it a few minutes to absorb fully before applying makeup. To make this roller even more effective, store it in the fridge for a refreshing, cool blast every morning that will seriously de-puff no matter how many times you’ve tossed and turned.

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3. Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

Dermalogica is known for its skin care products, and their eye creams are no exception. This generous and powerful tube not only lifts and firms the delicate skin, but protects it from future damage. The cool metal applicator expertly de-puffs the eyes as this versatile eye cream is also an eye mask, all-in-one. Created to brighten, the refreshing gel-cream formula visibly reduces signs of stress around the eyes including dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. The skin illuminating formula also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier function whilst the oh so cool massage tip leaves the skin 

How to Apply: Because this double-duty dark circle eye treatment is also a mask, apply it generously to clean, dry skin. Allow the cool applicator tip to massage the product before allowing it to work magic for 3-5 minutes. Pat excess into the skin and repeat each morning and night.

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4. Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

A professional strength treatment, the Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector harnesses pure L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to firm with micro minerals to reflect the light as an instant and lasting brightener for dark circles. With the addition of soothing cucumber to de-puff the eye area, this double-duty eye cream leaves the eyes looking refreshed, awakened and revitalised for lasting results you will love.

How to Apply: After cleansing, gently pat under and around the eye area. Can be applied both day and night for accelerated results.

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5. Hydropeptide Eye Authority

Not one, not two, but thirteen peptides are infused into this eye cream for the firmest skin around your eyes yet. The Hydropeptide Eye Authority does a little bit of everything and is the best eye cream for dark circles for every age and skin type. The peptides help boost skin elasticity to get rid of that "crepey" skin look under your eyes, while giving skin a bright pop, not to mention fighting water accumulation and fine lines. This luxe cream also uses crushed pearl for detoxification and the added white tea boosts circulation and protects the delicate skin from damage. When you want the whole package, this is the right eye cream for you.

How to Apply: Use this cream twice a day for dramatic results. All you need is a small amount, and you can dab it gently under your eyes and around the eyelid crease for a multi-use eye cream that will quickly become your favourite.

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