12 Creams That Are Basically an Eye-Lift in a Bottle
Ever since I turned 30, I've been more aware of how getting older is changing my face. Don't get me wrong—I am not mad about or afraid of aging. I think I have a good outlook on it all. Now that I'm three years into my 30s, I'm understanding why many people told me it's better than your 20s. I feel more confident, sure of myself, and content in this decade, and I'm sure it will get better in the next decades.
It's been interesting to see how my face has evolved and become more mature. Granted, I still get carded and still get those nice "your skin looks amazing" compliments, so I think I'm doing something right when it comes to my skincare routine. But I have noticed a few extra wrinkles and lines here and there. And my eyes seem to look a little more tired and not as "tight" as they used to be.
While I'm not exactly looking to erase all signs of aging from my face, I am open to testing and trying out new ways to keep my skin looking its best. I'm not opposed to getting an in-office procedure one day, but right now, I'm a virgin in that department.
So I have been testing out those so-called anti-aging products that are supposed to lift, plump, sculpt… [insert good skincare thing here]. And lately, I've been very into trying out new eye products that can help that delicate area around my eyes and give it some oomph so my mom doesn't have to tell me I look tired every time I see her (which she does without fail).
Since I noticed my eyes were looking a little saggy and tired, I've been looking for eye creams and products that are supposed to lift and firm up that area. I've been doing my research by reading reviews and asking around for product recs, and I've made a list of things to put on my wish list. Of course, I decided to share it with all of you. Take a look at the well-reviewed products that can rejuvenate your eye area below. They're a great option if you don't want to get a procedure just yet or just want to get a little prevention in. They won't completely reverse any signs of aging, but they'll help your eyes look a little brighter and more refreshed.
This gel-cream's hero ingredient is resveratrol, which is a powerful antioxidant that can firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It's also formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid, a vegan collagen alternative, and peptides.
Clarins's highly rated eye concentrate has a smooth, balm-like texture that sinks into the skin quickly. Not only does it lift the skin, but it also targets puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.
This drugstore find works to reduce crow's-feet, plus tightens and lifts the skin. It contains a pro-retinol and antioxidant complex that's also deeply hydrating.
My mom loves Clinique's Repairwear line, especially this eye cream. It firms and lifts the skin and leaves the eye area hydrated and smooth.
Formulated with a triple-peptide complex, red and brown algae, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, this lifting eye cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles, improves elasticity and firmness, and brightens under-eye circles.
The diamond powder in this formula brightens the eye area and diffuses imperfections. The lifting and firming ingredients in the product are caffeine, peptides, and winged kelp.
You'll see some results in two minutes with this eye cream. It's enriched with hibiscus to increase elasticity, ice wine active to tighten and smooth, caffeine to reduce puffiness and brighten, botanical peptides to reduce wrinkles; green algae to firm, and stevia extract to increase hydration.
Ultra-hydrating, this cream firms and tightens while also targeting under-eye bags, fine lines, crow's-feet, and dark circles. Apply it to the area above and below your eyes.
La Prairie's eye serum is a big splurge, but judging by its many good reviews, it seems to be worth it. One reviewer wrote, "I love this product! I have hooded eyes, and I hate them. This actually lifted my eyelids! They look so much better! I had the starting of crow's-feet, and this got rid of them completely! I have no more under-eye puffiness or bags, even when I'm tired! This is amazing!"
This gel product brightens, firms, lifts, and plumps. Plus, it's formulated to help with eyelid sagging. It contains a liquid matrix of hyaluronans to keep the skin extra moisturized and firm.
Chanel's eye cream contains botanical alfalfa concentrate and a phyto-active complex to help smooth wrinkles and fine lines while also reducing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Derma E's eye treatment uses plant stem cells to protect against sun damage, and it's also formulated with copper peptides to increase firmness and kakadu plum to improve elasticity and texture. You can use it all over the eye area, even the lids.
More Eyecare Products to Check Out
I've been using this eye treatment regularly because I love that you can use it on all areas of the eye zone: brow bone, eyelid, and under-eye. The lightweight gel formula actually feels very refreshing and absorbs quickly.
The retinol in this product is a powerful anti-aging ingredient—it helps improve fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness.
In addition to retinol, Sunday Riley's eye serum is formulated with niacinamide to brighten discoloration and soften the appearance of wrinkles. It also contains a moisturizing complex of ceramides and olive oil.
If you're dealing with any dryness around the eye area, try this drugstore find that has over 38,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It provides hydration for up to 24 hours.
Shiseido's eye cream targets six (yes, six) types of eye wrinkles: crow's-feet, corner crinkling, under-eye wrinkles, lid creases, under-puff lines, and stress wrinkles between the brows.
Use this eye cream before you go to bed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and firm the skin. The hydrating cream contains high-tech goji stem cell, plant-based ceramides, vegan hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
Next: 16 At-Home Resurfacing Products That Will Give You the Smoothest Skin Ever
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.