It’s fair to say that I have made no secret of my scepticism about eye creams. They are usually eye-wateringly expensive when you look at the cost per millilitre and come with a whole host of unwarranted promises about their ability to reverse wrinkles and eradicate eye bags. In fact, until I discovered The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution I basically didn’t use eye cream at all. This one really only changed my mind because it’s pleasingly affordable at just £10 and didn’t make any ludicrous claims that it then failed to deliver on. Fast-forward four years, however, and how times have changed. I am now in my early thirties with a toddler, and contending with dark circles and under-eye puffiness has become a daily challenge. If an eye cream lands on my desk these days? Trust me—I’m trying it.
Thankfully, I have since discovered a whole array of brilliant eye creams that help to minimise dark circles and allow me to fake an uninterrupted night's sleep. Having said that, whilst I am so grateful to be able to test out some of the best eye creams in the beauty industry as part of my job, I am still totally not on board with the fact that basically every eye cream I get sent is ridiculously expensive. In my opinion, diminishing puffiness and brightening shadowy under-eyes shouldn’t set you back £100+.
It's good news, then, that more and more skincare brands are coming out with affordable eye creams that are brimming with ingredients that actually work—and have the customer reviews to prove it. Even if you’re already loyal to a premium eye cream, I think you just might be converted once you try these.
Ahead are 13 of the best affordable eye creams that actually work.
13 of the Best Affordable Eye Creams:
1. Best eye cream for first signs of ageing
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Tata Harper's formulas are adored by editors and celebrities alike. This formula is designed to help address the early signs of ageing around the eyes—think dehydration and fine lines.
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This more affordable Templespa eye cream helps boost moisture and plump fine lines while helping to brighten dark circles, making it a great all-rounder if you want to target multiple skin concerns. The additions of echinacea, eyebright, cucumber and edelweiss make it a soothing and cooling experience, which makes the eye area look and feel well-rested.
2. Best eye cream for lines
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You only have to glance at this eye cream's ingredients list to know it's going to deliver results. Yes, at £120 it is expensive, but it has glowing 5-star reviews.
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Dehydration is often the culprit behind fine lines, so looking for a hydrating eye cream can help to plump their appearance for a smoother under-eye area. Beauty Pie's is formulated with three forms of hyaluronic which help to plump through all layers of the skin, helping the eye area to look plumped, hydrated and smooth. For deeper fine lines, use this in tandem with the Super Retinol Eye Cream for best results on dynamic wrinkles such as crow's feet.
3. Best eye cream for de-puffing
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This eye cream boasts a long list of benefits, including depuffing eyes, firming and addressing lines and dark circles. However it also boasts an eye-watering price tag. That said, reviewers say it really works.
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Beauty editors rave about both of these eye creams for their ability to reduce puffiness and inflammation thanks to a healthy dose of caffeine. Admittedly, The Inkey List's purse-friendly version feels more lightweight than Sisley's ultra-luxurious serum, but it's to be expected with the huge difference in price.
4. Best eye cream for sensitive eyes
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I'm actually a big fan of this SkinCeuticals eye cream, and this brand is highly regarded by dermatologists, editors and celebrities.
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CeraVe's eye cream has a similar texture that hydrates the eye area, at just a fraction of the price.
5. Best retinol eye cream
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Retinol is one of the few skincare ingredients actually proven to slow down signs of skin ageing, like fine lines. Retinol can be irritating when you first use it, however Murad's sophisticated formula has slow-release retinol and hydrating ingredients to help reduce irritation.
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Both of these hardworking eye creams contain retinol in abundance to leave the skin under your eyes feeling firmer and looking smoother. L'Oréal Paris offers purse-friendly prices on its products, so this retinol eye cream won't break the bank.
6. Best eye cream for brightening
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Much like retinol, vitamin C is an ingredient that skin experts recommend for its efficacy. It works to minimise discolouration and reduce dark circles. It's worth pointing out that Omorovicza's brilliant formula also contains retinol.
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Byoma's hybrid gel-serum formula contains both vitamin C and Root Extract which both have brightening effects on the delicate skin around the eyes.
7. Best eye cream for hydration
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If you're looking to target fine lines or that crepey skin appearance under your eyes, then hyaluronic acid–based eye creams will do a solid job of nourishing and toning. However, it's the cooling metal applicator which really makes it a treat to use—providing a mini massage to revive sleepy eyes.
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Naturium is highly respected for its effective yet reasonably priced skincare. This eye cream contains nourishing squalene and plumping peptides in a nourishing cream formula that helps flood the skin with hydration, leaving skin bouncy and plump.
8. Best lightweight eye cream
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I have to admit, La Mer's Eye Concentrate is one of the most luxurious eye creams I've had the pleasure of using, and my skin always drinks it up when I've applied it. It has a lightweight texture that sinks in well and won't leave skin greasy. However, it's extortionately expensive.
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If you're looking for something to leave your eyes with a similarly refreshed appearance, then this gel from Q+A also uses seaweed to hydrate and brighten.
9. Best eye cream for an immediate boost
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Luxury pricepoint aside, Givenchy's Le Soin Noir is possibly one of the best skincare products I have tried. The rich formula instantly brings new life to my eyes and acts as the ultimate base for long-lasting concealer.
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One of the newest offerings from the beloved skincare brand with a pure hyaluronic acid and niacinamide kick that is sure to create an instant boost. Perfect for placing under everyday makeup looks.
10. Best travel eye cream
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This travel-friendly option from internationally-acclaimed aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm is a wonderful combination of her signature formulation of powerful natural compounds alongside medical grade actives. The rich cream of course is also packed full of purslane, the key ‘super plant’ used across Dr. Sturm’s range.
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Are you in need of a carry-on friendly eye cream option that is equally brightening and affordable without compromising on a balanced formula of natural compounds and gentle actives? In that case, Caudalie's Viniferine complex is possibly one of the best options on the market.
11. Best eye cream for dark circles
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Dark circles are largely genetic which means that treating them topically is actually quite difficult. The next best thing? An eye cream that contains brightening pigments to neutralise cool tones and reduce the appearance of dark circles. This Ole Henriksen one is a cult classic for good reason.
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With results that are every bit as good as the above, this affordable eye cream also makes light work of concealing dark circles. Plus, it works well on all skin tones.
12. Best eye cream for dry skin
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Ask any brand fan and you'll hear just how special Japanese skincare brand Tatcha is. Renowned for efficacious, luxurious, sensorial products, there's little not to love. Besides, perhaps, the price tag. This beautiful eye cream contains white peony, silk and whey protein to melt moisture into the skin.
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Avocado oil is the hero ingredient in this eye cream, helping to imbue intense hydration into the delicate under-eye area. If it feels too rich for day-to-day use, swipe on before bed as an overnight treatment mask, instead.
13. Best eye cream for tired eyes
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Inspired by Summer Friday's cult Jet Lag mask, this eye serum is exactly what sleepy eyes need. Thanks to a cocktail of retinol, glycerin, squalane, and liquorice root extract, it works to simultaneously brighten, hydrate, and depuff.
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For mornings when you didn’t manage to get your full eight hours sleep the night before, this affordable eye cream will help your eyes to both look and feel more awake. Calendula extract, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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