Say goodbye to dark under-eyes with these 5 brightening eye creams
The only bags we want are designer
When opting for a fresh-faced look, dark under-eye circles are less than desirable. The common and frustrating beauty woe can often make people look more tired than they feel, creating a sense of hearty expectation for one’s full-coverage concealer. And, sure, while concealer can give us the appearance of ‘faking it ‘til you make it’, is it too much to ask to wake up bright-eyed and ready to seize the day?
This is where eye cream comes in. Formulated with dark circles in mind, we’ve collated a list of the best under-eye creams to tackle those pesky bags.
Whether you're dealing with occasional darkness under your eyes or looking for a long-term solution, we’ve got a product for you.
2024’s top 3 eye creams
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $65, Kiehls
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGG, $14, Priceline
Ole Henrikson Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, $63, Sephora
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This cult classic cream is a known wonder for dark under-eye circles. The ultra-hydrating formula works to moisturise and brighten the eye area with inclusions of avocado oil, beta-carotene and shea butter. Apply as an under-eye mask for 10 minutes for a quick brightening burst.
Key features:
- 14g size
- Key ingredients of avocado oil. beta -carotene and shea butter
Available at:
- $65 from Kiehls
- $62 from MECCA
FaceTheory Ocuwake Eye Cream
Like the name of this product suggests, your eye area will look a whole lot more awake with regular application of this cream. The potent blend of actives are gentle enough for your under-eye area but hard-hitting enough to actually hydrate and brighten.
Key features:
- Infused with vitamin C, ferulic acid, licorice and chamomile
- 30mL size
Available at:
- $42 from FaceTheory
Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream
This concentrated eye cream was specifically developed with dark under-eyes in mind. A concentrated 5 per cent of vitamin C targets discolouration and dullness while peptides work on maintaining skin health.
Key features:
- 15mL size
- 5 per cent vitamin C
Available at:
- $44 from Paula’s Choice
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGG
You can’t go wrong with caffeine for tiredness - and this applies to the under-eyes too. As their most popular product, The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution works to ease the appearance of non-genetic dark circles.
Key features:
- Serum formula
- 5 per cent concentration of vitamin C
- 30mL size
Available at:
- $14.60 from Adore Beauty
- $14 from Priceline
- $14.60 from The Ordinary
- $15 from Sephora
- $28.60 (for two) from Look Fantastic
- $14.60 from Myer
Ole Henrikson Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
This eye cream has achieved icon status - and for good reason. The Ole Henrikson Banana Bright cream will be your skin care staple, working to brighten the area overtime and providing the perfect base for makeup to sit on top.
Key features:
- Key ingredients of vitamin C, shea butter and light-reflecting pigments
- 15mL size
Available at:
- $63 from Sephora
- $63 from Adore Beauty
- $63 from THE ICONIC
What to look for in an eye cream for dark circles
When targeting dark circles, brightening is going to be your main focus. As such, ingredients like vitamin C are going to be your go-to. Alongside this staple, much like it wakes your body up, caffeine is a great topical to apply under the eyes thanks to its ability to reduce pigmentation and puffiness.
A great way to find out if you eye cream is targeted to dark circles is if it includes the words 'brightening', 'cooling' or 'luminising'. Avocado is also a great ingredient to look out for when seeking these effects.
Related articles:
- The best retinol for sensitive skin according to a Beauty Editor"
- What causes dark circles under eyes?
- How to get rid of dark circles
Main image credit:@shaninamshaik
Olga is BEAUTYcrew's Content Producer. When she's not writing about beauty, she's probably watching endless TikTok videos about the topic. Her extra one per cent of brain space is reserved for her two poodles. She can be easily bribed with a good blush or lip tint (take notes, please).