They say that the eyes are the window to your soul, but what if those eyes look puffy? Along with dark circles, under-eye bags and puffiness are a tell-tale sign of how you look and feel. And if you're tired then puffy under-eyes are a major giveaway. But what causes them? Well, the skin under your eyes is actually 40% thinner and more porous than the rest of your face and, therefore, time and specialised products are needed in order to keep the area looking and feeling hydrated.
Plus, puffy under-eyes can also be caused by genetics, your lifestyle, growing older, and even allergies. Whether it's tiredness, over-exposure to sunlight, or simply that your mum is also prone to eye bags, puffy eyes can just be luck of the draw. And whilst there is no set formula for eradicating them completely, there are ingredients and formulas that can work to drastically de-puff and brighten eye bags.
What ingredients help to de-puff tired eyes?
Two of the key ingredients to look out for in the best eye creams for under-eye bags are retinol and peptides. Apart from smoothing and improving the look of deeper set wrinkles, retinol stimulates collagen production, which plumps skin thickness. Similarly, vitamin C, with its brightening properties, makes the under-eyes look brighter and feel hydrated as the ingredient reflects light. Although retinol and vitamin C are great ingredients, it is also paramount to keep the under-eyes hydrated for optimal complexion health, so seeking out hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid is also a good call.
How to apply eye cream to under-eye bags
It is important to note that when applying your eye products, you have to be extra sensitive to the eye area. Because the skin is naturally thinner there, you want to take your time when adding an eye cream into your routine. That being said, the most important advice is to use your ring finger lightly, pat the product into your eyes and don’t pull on the skin. Start from the inner tear duct outwards and lightly press the product in until it is completely absorbed.
The best eye creams for under-eye bags and puffiness
Of course, whilst products can help with the under-eye appearance, natural remedies such as drinking plenty of water and getting a sufficient amount of sleep will help the appearance overall. However, whether you prefer a gel- or cream-based formula, this edit of the best eye creams for under-eye bags and puffiness will undoubtedly help to brighten and smooth.
1. 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream
As part of their Intensive Range, the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream harnesses an impressive delivery system that uses black diamond particles to target signs of ageing. It stimulates collagen production and plumps the skin to ensure that your under-eyes are revived and full of life. In addition, liquorice root reduces pigmentation, discolouration and darkness revealing a brighter and illuminating dark circles
2. Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Known for their targeted and powerful ingredients, Dr Dennis Gross really knows how to care for the skin with targeted skincare solutions. The eye serum, in particular, is hydrating and silky in texture. Applied both morning and evening, the eye treatment is formulated with ferulic acid and retinol to hydrate and minimise deep-set wrinkles.
3. RéVive Intensité Les Yeux Firming Eye Cream
While it is undoubtedly pricier than most eye creams, this one is powerfully hydrating and really does reduce the appearance of bags to ensure that the under-eyes appear brighter and healthier-looking. Formulated with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides, it is designed to deliver a focus of rejuvenating ingredients that will leave the eyes looking fresher in mere moments.
4. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
This lightweight and gel-based formula is as light-as-air and even more bouncy when pressed lightly into the under-eye. Containing vitamin C as its key ingredient, this helps to revive and illuminate the entire eye area and counteract any discolouration thanks to its yellow hue.
5. Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream
All-natural, lightweight and grounded in raw superfruit extracts, this eye cream is nutrient-rich in avocado oil, vitamin c and antioxidants—perfect if your under-eyes are particularly dehydrated. Avocado oil is famous for providing deep-set hydration so it's a great way to tackle puffiness too.
6. Ultrasun SPF 30+ Eye Cream
Ultrasun has formulated a lightweight, hydrating and enriching eye cream that shields the UVA & UVB rays in addition to protection against photo-ageing. Not only is it great for sensitive skin and reducing under-eye bags immediately, but it will strengthen and protect the skin ongoing for reduced changes of circles and puffiness.
7. CeraVe + Eye Repair Cream
A more budget-friendly option that doesn’t scrimp on quality, the fast-absorbing but non-greasy formula targets dark circles and puffiness all at once. Locked in with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and a marine and botanical complex, the eye cream reduces the look of bags and leaves your eyes looking brighter too.
8. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme
A part of the award-winning Advanced Night Repair Range, the supercharged eye complex is like cushioning your eyes in silk. As your skin repairs at night, this complex eye cream works specifically at recharging and rejuvenating your under-eyes. Not only reducing the look of puffiness and dryness, but the ingredients also include hyaluronic acid, caffeine and fruit extract to moisturise. These will leave eyes illuminated, revived and brighter by morning.
9. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
This restorative eye treatment repairs damaged under-eyes and simultaneously brightens the skin under and around the eyes. Infused with cucumber extract for cooling and de-puffing qualities, vitamin C for brightening and a powerful blend of eight peptides to support and strenghten the delicate eye area.
10. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Alcohol-free, oil-free, gluten-free and cruelty-free, The Ordinary know to create quality products for a fraction of the price. The light texture serum is expertly formulated with 5% concentrated caffeine supplemented with EGCG from green tea leaves. Applied topically on the skin, caffeine can help to alleviate puffiness and this does exactly that.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.
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