Top 5 Beauty Editor-Approved Eye Treatments 

When it comes to eye treatments, you’re either a firm believer who applies creams and serums religiously throughout the day and night, or you have zero faith that they have any effect whatsoever, but still think maybe hand cream may not be the best choice for the delicate area around your eyes. No matter which side of the eye treatment spectrum you’re on, you’re in luck—I tested out a never-ending list of eye treatments to find my favorites, saving you time, effort and a ton of cash. As someone struggling with dry under eye skin, dark circles and some fine lines, here are my top five eye treatments that actually work to brighten, hydrate and smooth the under eye area from within—no makeup required.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue , $60

Ready to wake up to a whole new set of eyes? Apply this rich eye cream before bed, and you’ll notice the lasting benefits from the time of application well into the next morning. The cream gives an instant-yet-lasting, radiant glow to the under eye, reanegating dark circles. Plus, its deeply moisturizing formula fills in fine lines for plump, hydrated skin. After applying at night, I was surprised to see a radiant glow the next morning. My under eye area felt smoother, and I didn’t feel the need to reapply the eye cream in the morning. A little bit goes a long way with this one. There’s also a subtle, fresh scent, and the luxurious packaging doesn’t hurt, either.

Farmacy Dew it All Total Eye Cream , $38

Didn’t get your eight hours? No worries, just slather on some of this eye cream, and you’ll instantly look more awake. A bit unexpected, this eye cream has a green tint from the formula’s Echinacea GreenEnvy™—a unique variant of echinacea purpurea which supports natural collagen and combats uneven skin tone. Right after applying, I immediately noticed a natural, subtle radiance. Made to apply both AM and PM, the eye cream is light, hydrating without being greasy, and works well under makeup. Packed with natural ingredients, this is a clear choice for anyone who’s trying to clean up their skincare and beauty routine, like me.

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Eye Patches with Soothing Cornflower , $24

Like a mask, but specifically formulated for the extra sensitive skin around the eyes. You can use it once a week or when you need it eye or apply consecutively for seven days to reap its full, long-lasting benefits. Either way, all you have to do is apply to the under eye area for twenty minutes. Since the formula isn’t very liquidy, it stays in place. Hello, multitasking! This is perfect to throw on while taking a bath, doing laundry, binging Netflix, on the plane, the list goes on. I opted to try these on a nice, relaxing Sunday afternoon. The gel-like patches were easy to apply to and remove from skin without any sticky discomfort. As promised, I instantly noticed how puffiness was reduced and fine lines were soothed. The result? Softer, smoother skin. Pro tip: refrigerate before use for an added cooling effect.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream , $38

When testing this out, the first thing I noticed was this eye cream’s unusual apricot tint, made to color-correct and brighten the under eye area. While my dark circles didn’t disappear instantly, results may come over time with consistent use. The texture, however, was a game changer for me—it’s much thicker than most other eye creams on the market. It absorbed into the skin instantly and effortlessly, making it the perfect eye cream to apply in the morning before my usual makeup routine. Although not the most luminous, it prepped my skin and provided a smooth, crease-free palette for concealer. Developed with plastic surgeons, the eye cream features the same anti-aging benefits as the IT Cosmetics sought-after Confidence in a Cream Moisturizer.

Skin Inc Supplement Bar My Daily Dose for Bright Eyes , $75

The apple of your eyes, literally! Infused with Apple Stem Cell, this eye cream is made to stimulate human skin stem cells and is clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles. The cream’s whipped texture sank into my skin right away without feeling heavy or greasy. Loaded with vitamins, botanical extracts and peptides, the serum-infused cream left my under eye area looking and feeling tighter, smoother and more youthful. After applying in the morning, I felt like I was ready to take on the day—with or without makeup.