When building a complete skincare routine, eye creams often get overlooked—but they can make a noticeable difference when targeting puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. While not as crucial as daily SPF, eye creams are great for refining your skincare results and helping your under-eye area look its best.

To make things easier, eye creams generally fall into two categories: rich, creamy formulas and lighter, gel-like textures. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one based on your specific concerns:

💧 Cream-Based Eye Creams

1. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue – $65

Best for: dark circles, loss of elasticity, fine lines

This luxurious, creamy gel formula melts into the skin and works best as part of a nighttime routine. It’s ideal for anyone needing an intense boost in hydration and firmness under the eyes. While it's on the pricier side, the potent ingredients make it worth the splurge for visible results.

2. Herbivore Super Nova Vitamin C Eye Cream – $48

Best for: morning puffiness, dark circles

With a rich yet smooth texture, this eye cream refreshes tired eyes and brings life back to dull under-eyes. It’s a favorite for AM use thanks to its brightening effect. However, those with sensitive skin should patch test first due to the Vitamin C content.

🌿 Lightweight Gel Eye Creams

1. Byoma De-Puff Brightening Eye Gel – $13.99

Best for: under-eye puffiness, early dark circles

This budget-friendly gel is cool to the touch and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings. It leaves the skin feeling energized without any heaviness, and the pump packaging is a bonus for hygiene and ease of use.

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum – $71

Best for: signs of aging, dryness, crepey skin

Designed as a thin gel-serum, this option is ideal for mature skin or anyone concerned with early aging. It absorbs swiftly and is gentle enough for use around the entire eye area, including the eyelids—something many products can't offer.

Final Tip: Apply your eye cream after serums and before moisturizer. You can even alternate between a richer formula at night and a lighter one during the day to address different concerns.

Choosing an eye cream tailored to your skin’s specific needs can give your skincare routine that extra touch of care—and leave your eyes looking brighter, firmer, and more awake!