It’s one of the most hotly debated topics in the world – at least among skincare experts.
Is it really necessary to use an eye cream or serum, or is it simply a “clever marketing scam” to make us buy more products?
Search “is eye cream necessary?” on Google and you’ll bring up more than 150 million results from people split on the topic.
Naomi McCullum, cosmetic doctor and founder of skincare brand Dr Naomi Skin and The Manse Clinic, believes the debate on eye creams could be down to the fact that “there’s a spectrum of effectiveness and quality in eye creams”.
This is something I personally can attest to, both as someone who trials beauty products for a living and as a lover of skincare.
The results from the majority of eye creams I’ve tried over the years have mostly varied from meh to just OK, but definitely not good enough to warrant repurchasing.
But don’t despair, I promise there are good eye creams out there.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every eye cream out there. To help you find the best one we tested a range of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best eye cream from premium to budget to help you find the right one for your skin.
In this article
OUR TOP PICKS
Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
BEST EYE CREAM: EDITOR’S PICKS
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $19.99, Chemist Warehouse
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
I’ve been religiously using CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream on and off for about three years. It’s my holy grail eye cream for when the temperature drops because it does a fantastic job at hydrating the skin and keeping it smooth and soft.
Like most of us, dry skin is a super annoying issue for me come winter time, and for some reason, I suffer it worst on my eyelids.
To combat the dry, flaky and sometimes painful skin, I use the Eye Repair Cream every night and all my problems are resolved.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the sort of eye cream that’s going to magically brighten dark circles and firm fine lines and wrinkles. It does exactly what it says it’s going to do – which is to hydrate the delicate under eye area.
It’s suitable for all skin types and formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
The eye cream is super lightweight and fast absorbing. I especially like the price tag sitting at just under $20, because I’m not looking to spend loads of cash on a simple eye cream.
Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream, from $89, Dr Naomi Skin
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
OK, full disclosure: I was very sceptical about whether eye creams really worked until I tried this eye cream from Dr Naomi. I bought it after seeing multiple beauty influencers rave about it on Instagram and can definitely say it lives up to the hype and actually works.
“When we formulated our eye cream, Catfish, we had two main purposes, the first was to create an immediate blurring effect, so users could see results from the first application,” Dr McCullum said.
“We also wanted the secondary benefit of improvement of the skin in the longer term, improving dark circles, fine lines and skin texture. We also formulated it to be a good makeup primer.”
In the last few years I’ve developed fine lines under my eyes and while I know that ageing is normal (and a privilege) it’s something I’ve felt self-conscious about at times, as my makeup now doesn’t sit quite as well as it used to.
Catfish Blurring Eye Cream not only smooths out your lines instantly thanks to its balm texture (making it a great under-eye makeup primer), but with consistent use I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of my fine lines in general.
The only downside is the price, $119 for 15ml (or $89 for 10ml). It is at the more expensive end, but a little really goes a long way – you really only need the tiniest amount.
It’s also the best performing eye cream for targeting fine lines that I’ve used and I’ve tried a lot. So if it’s a concern of yours and within your budget, I can’t recommend it enough.
Caffeine Eye Cream, $16.99, The Inkey List
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
Trialling the Caffeine Eye Cream I was blown away by how well it worked – not only is it really hydrating but it’s also lightweight, making it ideal for layering under other skincare and makeup.
The caffeine helps to combat under-eye puffiness (great for making you look more awake when you’re definitely not) while the addition of Matrixyl 3000 peptide helps to combat fine lines.
The best bit? You really only have to use the tiniest amount, meaning one tube lasts ages.
BEST BUDGET EYE CREAMS
Bondi Sands Eye Spy Vitamin C Eye Cream, $17.99, Myer
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
This TikTok famous eye cream often gets compared to Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Creme.
While it’s not as creamy and nourishing as the Ole Henriksen version, it definitely offers the same brightening effect. It’s packed with these tiny illuminating particles that look super lovely and brightening on the skin.
This is a complete must-have in your morning skincare routine, especially if you’re shopping on a budget.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum 15ml, $39.50, Myer
What You Need To Know
This might be at the more expensive end for The Ordinary but I can guarantee you’re getting great value for money. This eye serum was the first product to come out of the company’s O-Lab, an in-house incubator that sets out to deliver the latest science innovations in skincare. The peptides promise to help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet while niacinamide and ash bark work to reduce dark under-eye circles.
“I love how smooth this goes on, a tiny bit goes a long way. It’s super moisturising and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin around my eyes,” one five star review reads.
“It has smoothed out the skin around my eyes too. I love this brand and am really enjoying the eye serum.”
BEST HYDRATING EYE CREAMS
Fenty Beauty Flash Nap Instant Revival Priming Eye Gel-Cream, $52, Sephora
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
This is another eye cream where I found I got better results by using less and it really helped to hydrate the area thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, horse chestnut to combat puffiness and Persian silk tree for helping with signs of ageing.
Each tube comes with a metal roller that helps you massage the product in and is super relaxing.
If you’re wanting a more luxe experience you can even put the roller in the fridge beforehand to take application to the next level.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $62, Kiehl’s
Tried and Tested by Dani Maher, previous Shopping Writer
For me, the main priority when it comes to eye cream is hydration. Each morning I pack on a whole lot of concealer to cover the dark circles under my eyes, and if that skin isn’t smooth and moisturised, then I end up with a patchy job that’s settled into the fine lines and creases by lunch.
The Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment is the only eye cream that I’ve found to be up to the task.
Each night I dab a tiny amount onto my ring finger and then along the contours of my under eye area and eyelid, and in the morning I wake up with smooth, hydrated skin that’s prepped for all that concealer.
BEST BRIGHTENING EYE CREAMS
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, $63, THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème has icon status for good reason.
The yellow undertones of the eye cream promise to counteract darkness under the eyes, and that’s exactly what it does.
After immediate application, my under eye looks brighter and more illuminated. I also love how hydrating and nourishing the formulation is, it really does a great job at prepping my under eye before makeup.
Youth To The People Dream Eye Cream, $78, Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Editorial Coordinator
To start off with some context, I am a 24-year-old with thankfully no visible fine lines or wrinkles that I am currently worried about.
I was still keen to try the Youth to the People eye cream as I do have quite puffy under eyes and sometimes have dark circles that I wouldn’t mind sorting out.
The first thing I noticed when I popped the cream on was how rich it was. It felt super restorative and hydrating.
BEST EYE CREAM FOR FIRMING AND FINE LINES
Beauté Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel, $99, Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
Don’t be fooled by the basic packaging, this Danish skincare brand is a favourite of many a beauty editor and is stocked at some of the best facialists in Australia, so you know it’s good. I’ve been dying to try out the range and I can now safely say their Puffy Eyes Gel did not disappoint. There’s not many eye creams that could make me stray from my beloved Catfish, but Beaute Pacifique’s formula did exactly what it promised. It smoothed out lines and dehydration under my eyes and my under eye area looked less puffy with continued use. It works just as well as coffee at waking me up in the morning!
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel, $96, Oz Hair & Beauty
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
First up, I love Dermalogica and have used it for years.
I was keen to try the Awaken Peptide Eye Gel, as I get a bit of puffiness around my eye area. And so far, so good. It’s easy to apply and feels so refreshing and calming on my skin – and I feel like it’s helping to soothe the puffiness.
I find eye creams sometimes get in my eyes during the night, but I haven’t had that problem with this one. Definitely going to keep using it to see how it goes!
Vida Glow Age Defiance Rapid Renewal Serum, $104 (down from $130), Myer
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
I’m a big fan of Vida Glow’s supplements range as they have such good scientific research behind their products. So it’s probably no surprise that I was excited to try Vida Glow’s Age Defiance range which includes this eye serum.
First of all the packaging is stunning and I love that it comes with a little applicator spoon — not only did it feel super soothing and cool on my skin, but it also really helped to get the serum into those difficult to reach under eye areas. Containing a trademarked formula of anti-agieging biomarine actives I really noticed this kept my under-eye area from getting dehydrated, which is a huge problem for me. At $130 it is at the more expensive end, but in my opinion it’s a great product to invest in if you want something to target under eye lines.
BEST MAKEUP HYBRID EYE CREAMS
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
OK yes, this is technically more of a concealer than an eye cream, but its super nourishing ingredients will leave your under eye area feeling better than they did before applying. I really struggle to find an eye concealer that doesn’t crease or dry out my under eye area and this provides a lovely subtle amount of coverage, while ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid keep your under eye area happy.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick, $48, Sephora
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
This is Ole Henriksen’s latest addition to its best-selling vitamin C infused Banana Bright range. Available in an inclusive shade range the stick acts as an intensive eye treatment and colour corrector.
At first I was worried that the chapstick-like product would be too drying for my under eye area but I was pleasantly surprised to find it was both hydrating and blurring. The stick helped mellow out my dark under eye area and sat well under my foundation and powder.
HOW TO APPLY EYE CREAM
“Twice daily is ideal. For blurring eye creams, they’re great to apply in the morning, as users want the blurring effect all day, rather than during sleep,” Dr McCullum said.
“For skincare order, we recommend to cleanse and use serums and then apply eye cream.
“For our eye cream application we recommend dotting it under the eye on the lower lid and gently across the brow bone.”
As well as applying eye cream in the right order and time of day, it’s also crucial to use the right amount.
“One thing I’ve noticed on social media when I see people posting their application of our eye cream is they’re using way too much product,” Dr McCullum said.
“Some are using about three times the amount required or more.”
WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR EYE CREAMS?
“Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are fantastic. Brightening ingredients like niacinamide are important for this area to help improve dark circles,” Dr McCullum said.
“Wrinkle smoothing ingredients are popular of course, for crow’s feet and under-eye crepiness.
“Some of the anti wrinkle ingredients that we chose (for Dr Naomi Catfish) were Kangaroo Paw Flower extract and Hexapeptide 8.
“Soothing and conditioning of this delicate eye area is vital, so we use ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E for that purpose.”
WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU AVOID NEAR YOUR EYES?
“Fragrances and perfumes can cause problems to the eye area. We love actives, but care is needed when using them on the delicate and fine skin near the eyes,” Dr McCullum said.
It’s also important to only use skincare products for their “designed purpose”, she added.
More Coverage
“If a skincare product is not designed to be used around the eyes then don’t use it there,” Dr McCullum said.
To make sure you get the best deal on every purchase, stop by news.com.au Coupons – there, you’ll find a huge range of discounts on top beauty retailers.
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Originally published as Our guide to the best eye creams, serums
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