Our Go-To Eye Creams For Dark Circles, Puffiness, and More!

Our team of beauty editors is certainly not immune to the long list of eye contour skin concerns that can plague the masses around the holiday season: hello dark circles, what’s up puffy-looking eyes, good bye bright-eyed and bushy-tailed appearance. Thankfully, we have access to a few complimentary samples from some of our favorite skin care brands right here in the office to help us tackle these woes and report back to you on what works! Below, we share our three go-to eye creams to help tackle dark circles, puffiness, and more!

KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY EYE

“When it comes to an eye cream—or, in this case, a serum—that can reduce the appearance of my chronic puffy, tired-looking eyes, I reach for Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye. Formulated with a blend of essential oils and botanicals, the under-eye serum can help relieve tired-looking eyes and promote a more youthful-looking eye contour. Since Thanksgiving I’ve been on the go, going back and forth from New York City to Toronto back to NYC and then over to California to see friends and family. Naturally I needed an eye cream or serum that could tackle my uber-tired-looking peepers. I’m pleased to report that this eye serum from Kiehl’s helped me appear well rested during all my holiday travels, even when I felt anything but.” – Jessie Quinn, Junior Editor

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye, $37

VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL EYE BALM 

“Since dehydrated skin can exacerbate the appearance of fatigued peepers, I reach for eye care formulas that can first and foremost provide long-lasting hydration. Aqualia Thermal Eye Balm is one of my go-to products because it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid—a hydration powerhouse!—and boasts advanced dynamic hydration technology to help distribute and lock water to the eye contour area for a refreshed look. For me, the holiday season means lots of late nights out with friends—and lots of early mornings for work to meet deadlines! Knowing this winter routine, I reached for an eye cream—er…--balm that would help reduce that puffy, swollen, I-did-not-sleep-at-all look. Thankfully, my under-eye area not only feels soothed but hydrated too! My puffy, tired-looking eyes are a thing of the past.” – Jessica Khorsandi, Junior Editor

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye Balm, $29

GARNIER CLEARLY BRIGHTER ANTI-DARK CIRCLE EYE ROLLER

“Whenever I have a ton on my plate I end up waking up naturally around 3 or 4am—and over the holiday season, things can start to feel particularly stressful. Since I already have chronic dark circles, they only get worse with this new “sleeping” schedule. I reached for this affordable Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller from Garnier and can honestly say no one was the wiser! Formulated with antioxidant vitamin C, caffeine, and tinted mineral pigments it helps to make the eye contour appear more radiant and brighter over time. I like to keep mine in the fridge so it’s extra refreshing when I use it in the morning.” – Jackie Burns Brisman, Editor in Chief 

Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, $12.99 MSRP 

Note: While eye creams may be helpful in faking a good night’s rest, they should never be a substitute for actual sleep. Sleeping is not only important for your body’s overall wellbeing, but also for the health of your skin. 

Curious to know what those all-too-frequent late nights can do to your skin? We share some scary side effects of too few hours of shut-eye, here!