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Eye cream is one of those categories where everything on the shelf says the same thing. Firming. Brightening. Depuffing. The packaging doesn’t tell you much, which makes it hard to know what you’re actually buying.
What I’ve figured out after testing a lot of them is that the right eye cream depends on what your skin needs and when you’re using it. A rich formula that’s perfect for winter can be too heavy under makeup. A retinol product that works beautifully for one person might be completely wrong if you have sensitive skin or you’re pregnant.
So instead of a ranked list, this is more of a guide to help you decide which eye cream is for you.
For Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream
This is my winter eye cream. When the skin around my eyes needs more than just hydration, this is what I reach for. It’s richer than most eye creams I’ve used, and you can feel the difference under your eyes the next morning.
This eye cream is quite emollient and a little goes a long way. To make application easier, I use my fingers to warm it before gently tapping it into my eye area. Since this is so rich and emollient, I only reach for this at night. Layering SPF and makeup on top would be too much for my skin, even in the winter.
For Under Makeup: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream
Where the Kiehl’s is rich and creamy, the Sunday Riley Auto Correct is much lighter. It’s thicker than a serum but much lighter than a typical eye cream. It absorbs quickly, making it great for layering under other skincare products or makeup.
While you can totally use this eye cream at night, this eye cream brightens, which matters more in the morning than at night.
Formulated Without Retinol: Clarins Total Eye Lift
Not everyone can use retinol around their eyes, and if that’s you, the options that specifically target signs of aging can feel limited. The Clarins Total Eye Lift is worth knowing about because that’s exactly what it’s designed to do. It addresses firming, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles without retinol being part of the formula at all.
If you’ve been hesitant about anti-aging eye creams because retinol doesn’t agree with your skin, this is a great eye cream to try.
For a Retinol Eye Serum That Doesn’t Irritate: Sunday Riley 5 Stars
I have sensitive skin and the thought of having a reaction under my eyes is enough to make me hesitant about any retinol product around my eyes. However, I had pretty good experiences testing Sunday Riley, so I was only slightly hesitant when testing this one.
I know that this product is technically called a serum, but I use it like an eye cream, so I am including it in this post. The texture is thinner than a typical eye cream, but it is thicker than most serums. On nights I use it, I apply it under my eyes and along the sides, never on the lid. I don’t put anything over it, but you can if you want.
Since this is a retinol product, I don’t use it every night, just a few times a week.
How to Actually Choose an Eye Cream
The right eye cream depends on your skin and how you use it. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If your skin runs dry or needs extra hydration, the Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream is where I’d start.
If you wear makeup and need something that works underneath it, go with the Sunday Riley Auto Correct.
If you need to avoid retinol, the Clarins Total Eye Lift is specifically formulated to address signs of aging without it.
If you want a retinol option but your skin is sensitive, the Sunday Riley 5 Stars is the one I’d try.
