Our eyes tell others so much about us. By looking at a person’s eyes you can tell the emotion they are feeling; if they are happy, sad, or tired. Our eyes can also show our age and that may not always be a good thing. Because we are constantly using the muscles around our eyes to smile, squint or widen in surprise, they get a pretty rigorous workout. This, along with the lose of collagen as we age, can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, or crows feet as some may call them. To help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing it is best to be gentle and take special care of the delicate skin around our eyes.
Now, you may be reading this thinking “I don’t have wrinkles” or “surely I’m too young to use eye cream.” But, it is best to start using an eye cream before you really need one. It is much easier to prevent wrinkles than to get rid of them once they appear, especially if they are deep set. We use lotions and moisturizers on our face and body, so why would you not moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes as well?
The best way to help decrease early signs of aging around your eyes is to moisturize and protect them from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The skin around our eyes is thin and lacks many active oil glands making this area more prone to becoming dry, so look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These ingredients help draw moisture to the surface of your skin which helps your skin appear fuller and more plump. Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine but the eye area is commonly missed during this step. Ultraviolet light is a big contributor to wrinkles and skin damage, so look for products that include SPF.
When applying product around your eyes it is best to use the pad of your ring finger, because it has the lightest touch and gently pat in the product. Be sure not to vigorously rub your eyes as this can cause stretching and/or irritation. You can also use a jade roller to apply serums and a beauty blender to apply concealer. Both are gentle enough to use on the skin around your eyes. I especially like to use a jade roller to decrease puffiness or under-eye bags.
*This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Eye creams
- Farmacy Dew It All eye cream* – This eye cream is very lightweight but still packs a punch and leaves a silky feeling when applied. When I used the Farmacy Dew It All eye cream, the biggest difference I noticed was in hydration around my eye area. I have combination skin, meaning I have an oily t-zone but I do develop dry spots. My skin gets especially dry and sensitive during the winter and this eye cream really helped alleviate that. It contains hyaluronic acid so that is where the moisturizing comes in. It also uses chamomile, aloe, calendula extracts, algae, rose hip, and baobab fruit oil to help smooth skin and minimize signs of fatigue. It can be used AM and PM. It is $38 and my jar lasted about 4 to 5 months. I would say the price is worth it considering how long it lasted and the results I saw. I also love that it comes in a jar so I know I can get every last bit of product out.
- Indie Lee I-Waken eye serum* – This says it is a serum but I would say it is more of a combination of a serum and cream. When I think of a serum I think of a more liquid consistency and this is slightly thicker. I was a bit hesitant to purchase the Indie Lee I-Waken serum because of the price, $48, but I went ahead and I am not sure I want to use any other eye serum again. The biggest difference I notice is in fine lines and firming. A little goes a long way so I use about half a pea size amount split between both eyes.
- Korres Black Pine 3D Eye-Lift Super Serum*- I only tried this serum as a sample because I couldn’t bring myself to spend $59 on a product. But if price isn’t a deal breaker and you want quick results then you should try the Korres Black Pine 3D Eye-Lift serum. I have started getting bags under my eyes and this product really helped to diminish them. I didn’t actually think a cream or serum would make much of a difference with undereye bags or puffiness, but in the two weeks this sample lasted I really did notice my skin firming and the bags starting to look smaller.
- Versed Vacation Eyes Brightening Gel* – I have not yet tried this eye gel but I have read some great reviews and the price is awesome, $18. From what I can tell it is more for plumping and brightening and less for hydration, so it would probably be best for AM or used with another eye cream for maximum effect.
Concealers
- Color Science Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy* – I have not yet used this concealer because it is expensive, $69, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews. People say this product not only brightens your eyes and reduces puffiness and dark circles, but it also protects against UVA/UVB rays which can contribute to premature aging. The skin around our eyes is very thin and delicate and not many eye products protect the eye area from the sun.
- Bobby Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer* – What I love most about this concealer is it also treats dark under-eye skin at the same time as covering it up. So if you use this along with an eye cream or serum, you are getting double treatment. This concealer does give good coverage without being too thick and it doesn’t settle into fine lines like some other concealers do. Bobby Brown is a little bit pricey, $45, so I started looking for more affordable products that had similar results.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser* – I have been using this concealer for a couple of years now and really like it. It is more of a light coverage which is what I like because I wear very minimal makeup. It is definitely budget friendly at $10 but if you want to cover up darker circles under your eyes this concealer might be too shear for you.
Eye mask treatments
- Grace & Stella Collagen Eye Mask* – I occasionally like to apply an eye mask to really help my eyes look brighter. I came across the gold eye masks and I was impressed with the results. My skin seems to hold more moisture and appear less puffy for the next couple of days. I also really liked that for only $21 I got 12 masks. With how I use them, that should last me at least 3 months.
- Gel Mask – This gel mask has been a saving grace for my puffy eyes, especially after a night of drinking or if the latest episode of This Is Us had me in tears. Honestly, $7.80 is a steal considering it should last for years. I keep mine in the refrigerator and typically put it on in the mornings before I get ready, anywhere from 15-30 minutes, to help wake up my eyes. I like that one side has a cloth covering so it feels more comfortable against my skin.
If you are not currently using an eye cream in your skincare routine, what’s stopping you? Now that we are all wearing masks out in public the appearance of our eyes matters now more than ever. I think eye creams are great for everyone, no matter what their age is. If you are lucky enough to not yet worry about getting rid of wrinkles, you can still use an eye cream to help keep the thin, delicate skin around your eyes moisturized. And, when your skin is properly moisturized you will also notice your makeup applies more evenly. So, give an eye cream a try and let me know how it goes.
tulhoma & co. 