Eye cream recommendations

Jul 5, 2017

Tina K.

Hello Beauties!

Could you be so kind as to recommend a reasonably priced eye cream? I used to use the Algenist Complete Eye Balm, however it's a bit too pricey for me these days. In addition, I don't believe it's doing much as far as reducing my dark circles.

Sooo...I'm 48 years old and while I'm blessed not to have "crow's feet" like most of my friends, I am starting to form a couple of lines under my eyes and of course my lids are no longer perfectly smooth and taut.

I do have dark circles that are worse, but rarely have "bags". I need a hydrating formula which addresses these concerns, is pro-active in the anti-aging department AND plays well under makeup/concealer/correctors.

I know... I know...I want a miracle in a jar. Lol!

I've been working really hard at my commitment to start taking better care of my skin and am seeing positive results.

What would you ladies suggest that won't send me to the poor-house. P.S. (I've already tried both versions of Clinique's All About Eyes and they did little for me.)

Please and thank you!.Xo

Jul 5, 2017

Tina K.

*Dark circles that are worsening! ;-)

Jul 5, 2017

Leuca S.

Dark circles unfortunately cannot be treated by your eye cream, or really by any topically applied product. Your best bet is to use a good formula consistently and to make sure you are wearing spf everyday, because sun damage can increase pigmentation which will result in dark circles looking darker even though their root cause is simply thin skin.

That being said, totally recommend layering products under your eyes just like you would your face. What does your whole routine look like?

Jul 6, 2017

Roz X.

I have hereditary dark circles and I do find that topical products have made a dramatic difference. Vitamin C, among other things, naturally brighten and even skin tone, especially in the eye area. Also, keeping the eye and the body as a whole hydrated helps eyes look their best. You can elevate your head a bit more when sleeping, which should also help.

You may also be seeing hyper-pigmentation, which is common for many and can certainly increase with the passing of time. Often it occurs at the very tops of the cheeks and extends into the eye area, exaggerating darkness and creating additional discoloration. The thinning of skin with natural aging does also plays a significant role as veins grow to be more visible for many people, as Leuca noted. Eyes also lose volume as collagen breaks down, creating a bit of a hollow, which brings a shadow. Some people have their eyes set in such a fashion (myself included) that creates a natural shadow and so you need to examine if this something new and what color the circles are...if they are an extension of increased pigmentation, loss of volume, diet, etc. That said, there is a path to brightening and reviving eyes to look their best, within realistic expectation and dedicated diligence.

I would recommend Timeless Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid to stimulate collagen in the eye area as well as the entire face and Lac-Hydrin 5 (I get mine at CVS) which is a very gentle 5% lactic acid that is much better than Sunday Riley in my view, and a big bottle is about $15. This will moisturize gently and also stimulate collagen while providing hydrating, gentle exfoliation of the eye. Again, you can use it on the entire face, but start with a pea size to a dime size amount for the entire face. I cannot stress that proper dosage of such an effective product is what keeps things gentle. http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/skin-care/body/lac-hydrin-five-lotion-fragrance-free-8-oz-prodid-1130364

For your lids, CeraVe PM with Ceramides will hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier with cell communicate ingredients, including Niacinamide. That's at most drugstores and there's a coupon on the CeraVe website to help. If you have Ulta Points or CVS extra bucks, you can get it for even less. It's a great anti-aging all-over face moisturizer.

I'd use my C in the morning on the entire face, using caution to not get it on the lids or in the eye, and that has a bonus of boosting your sun protection. At night, I would apply CeraVe PM all over the face, including the lids. Every 3rd day, to start, I'd use Lac Hydrin 5 all over my face and neck (a dime size amount does the whole face), including the undereye area, but not the lids. That exfoliation will help shed dead cells and the bring a glow so it's a lovely bonus, but I cannot stress enough how crucial great broad spectrum sun protection is, especially using such prodcuts.

Grab some Alpha Arbutin from The Ordinary, which does indeed, brighten skin. I use it in my own eye area and on my entire face. You can apply it after washing, as a serum. It is derived from the bearberry plant and naturally inhibits pigmentation and lightens skin tone/discoloration; that's solid science. Most Derms use topical hydroquinone,within their practice, even providing peels with the ingredient, but not everyone is comfortable with using it directly (and it's costly), so The Ordinary really is a lovely, affordable, less irritating option in smart packaging. It pairs well with Vitamin C. But I cannot stress enough, you have to be diligent with this product. You may want to make an index card and tape it up where you write down your AM and PM routine for when you're tired or you create a regimen...and I"d stick to that regimen. 3 months is a good amount of time to see if many products are helping; some sooner..but these, some will be immediate while others will take some time as you need to build collagen.

I'm a big believer in approaching something from all angles. So I'd drink green tea which is loaded with free-radical fighting antioxidants and naturally reduces inflammation. The used tea bags are a nice treat for the eyes when cooled. You'll benefit from the topical antioxidants/reduction in any puffiness so you're improving skin and body health from both the inside and the out.

Eye darkness is also a side effect in some instances of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as Iron or Vitamin D. You can always amp up the fruits and veggies, seeds and nuts in your diet as well as fortified D and be sure to get a little sun now and again, with protection. Always test patch any new products.

Timeless with any youtube promo code for 5 off is $20 (I store mine in the fridge)
Lac-Hydrin 5 $15
CeraVe PM (with web coupon) about $12 - CVS often has buy one get one 50% off.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin just under $9

You're treating your entire face and neck/chest, including the eyes, for about $55 total....BUT the Lac Hydrin will last you a good year. The CeraVe, Arbutrin and the C, a you're looking at a month to 2 months, depending on use. You can take the C down the neck and onto the upper chest as well as the Lac-Hydrin, but use a light hand. You're treating a large area while stimulating collagen and brightening your skin while strengthening it and actively lightening the darkness while bringing a youthful glow/softness to your entire complexion for less than you were paying for the tiny jar of balm. It may initially not seem like a huge savings, but it's outperforming anything Algenist could ever do and it will last much longer, making it incredibly cost effective.

I don't know if you use Retinol, but The Ordinary is a good place to start that's affordable for your anti-aging concerns if you want to bring that into your routine. Hope that helps.

Psst.... Alba Botanica Very Emollient/Fragrance Free SPF is inexpensive, mineral based and fantastic under make-up. SO hydrating. Depending on where you get it, the product runs $8-12 on average. It's also water-resistant & perspiration resistant with green tea, aloe, and chamomile. Bonus is E, which boosts sun protection and is great for your skin health.  :)

Jul 7, 2017

Sandra R.

Almond oil and vaseline mosture cream always work for me.

Jul 8, 2017

Tina K.

Thank you for such detailed and helpful responses. I'll reply more later, but have been incommunicado for a few days and am just reconnecting now.

Jul 9, 2017

Tamara F.

I'm using Farmacy's eye cream. My dark circles are hereditary, however I consulted a few doctors and found that my allergies are the main cause. I can't remember exactly what they said but basically some of the capillaries break and cause the skin to darken due to environmental allergies. So I take Claritin and Singular on top of using Farmacy. I keep my eye cream in the fridge, drink loads of water, and eat well. Might be worth it to see a doctor.

Jul 10, 2017

Phynn R.

Hi there. I'm 51 and have dry skin. If I could only offer one piece of advice on this site, it's this - I swear by the One Love Vitamin E Eye Balm. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing has hydrated my under eye area, ever! It's the best $49 US (we Canadians pay about $65) you'll ever spend!