The Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles

Where would I be without my beloved eye creams? Looking like I only got 4 hours sleep, that's where.

Eye creams can feel superfluous when you're already rubbing a day moisturiser, a night moisturiser, four different serums and a tonic into your face. But a formula specifically designed to target the eye area that's packed with anti-ageing powerhouses like retinol or Vitamin C can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing fine lines.

And if you don't believe us, trust Dublin-based skincare specialist Ciara Darcy:

Yes, 100% no doubt about it, eye cream is a necessity!

"The skin around your eyes is ten times finer than on the rest of your face. The muscles in this area are the most active muscles in your body, so from your late twenties, it's worth investing in an eye cream. A separate product is needed because it will treat the area without causing irritation, puffiness or milia (whiteheads)." More on that here.

Eye creams in small pots packed with big promises - and often, even bigger price tags. If, like me, you believe eyes are the windows to the soul, you probably don't wish for those theoretical window frames to appear neglected and unloved. Which is why an eye cream, like the 6 listed below, can help take those neglected window frames from unloved to adored.

The Cup of Coffee for Your Face

If your goal is to awaken and brighten the eye area - which mine most definitely is - try Origins's GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, which uses coffee beans, ginseng and magnolia extract to revitalise and refresh. Use it in the morning for an instant wake-up call and store in the fridge for an extra boost.

Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff, €29, Origins @ Boots

The Millennial Friendly

It has the consistency of avocado pudding, and that, is exactly why I love it. Slathered under the eye, it deeply hydrates and plumps without sliding its way into your eyes. Whether it's your eyes, skin or soul that's sensitive, this eye cream won't hurt you.

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, €28, Kiehl's

The Best Seller

Wouldn't be like me to jump on the bandwagon, this eye cream sells every three seconds so naturally, I had to try it. Inspired by the yellow hue of baking powders, this banana eye cream blends a mix of anti-age ingredients with optical trickery to brighten eyes not only instantly but long term too.

Banana Bright Eye Crème, €39, Ole Henriksen @ Boots

The 2-in-1

While the serum is not specifically designed to target the eye area, it does just that - effectively too. Coffee contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powders which when blended into a serum reduces puffiness, prevents skin damage and minimises the appearance of dark circles. As caffeine is a diuretic, it can also help to relieve water retention which tends to be the main culprit for puffiness under the eyes.

Caffeine Serum, €11.99, The Inkey List

The Boujee

You'll be glad to hear that a little goes a long way with this product meaning you'll get value for your money - and then some. Use a tiny dab in the morning and night to help improve elasticity around the eye area. Warning: you may be tempted to slap it all over your face when you see how much younger your eyes look after just one use.

Hydra Beauty Mico Eye Gel YEUX, €59, Chanel

The Budget Friendly

A common misconception when it comes to eye creams is that you have to spend a bomb to see results. News flash: that's wrong and this eye cream by CeraVe proves it. Developed by dermatologists, this fast-absorbing, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of dark circles, brightens and smoothens skin.