In recent months, mask-wearing has brought more focus to our eyes (and an increasing need to perfect the art of the “smize” – smiling with your eyes), however sometimes it seems even if we get our eight hours of sleep and drink our eight glasses of water, we can still wake up to puffy bags or racoon-like dark circles around our eyes, not to mention those pesky fine lines forming.
Once we hit our mid-twenties our collagen production decreases, causing our skin to become looser, and the eyes are often the first to show it. Ageing and sun damage can lead to fine lines, puffiness, sagging and stubborn dark circles (as can stress, dehydration or tiredness), and as our skin becomes thinner and darker blood vessels become more visible. But don’t panic yet, we’ve tracked down six products that actually work to help de-puff, reduce dark circles, plump out crow’s feet and lift the eye area for brighter, younger and fresher looking skin. Find your perfect fit below!
O Cosmedics Eye Fusion
O Cosmedics Eye Fusion is a two-step process uses award-winning actives which work together to plump and hydrate the skin, as well as boosting collagen and elastin production to treat signs of ageing. The eye area acts differently to the rest of the skin, and needs a lighter formulation that doesn’t weigh the skin down, and these volumising serums offer long term prevention and correction. First apply the Bio-Energy Gel over the entire eye area, followed by the Cell to Cell TX Cream at the other end, and allow to absorb.
Dp Dermaceuticals Rapid Eye Restore Mask
Give your under-eye area some hydrating TLC with these contoured eye masks, made to plump, nourish and smooth this delicate area of skin. The Dp Dermaceuticals Rapid Eye Restore Masks work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness, and are full of rich anti-ageing actives including Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and Vitamin A. Simply apply to clean skin under the eyes and leave on for 10 to 30 minutes while you watch your favourite Netflix show, then peel off to reveal nourished, youthful and hydrated skin.
GINGER&ME Quinoa Lift & Hydrate Eye Cream
If those crow’s feet (fine expression lines on the outer corner of your eyes) are bothering you, this lightweight cream gel is a worthy investment. The GINGER&ME Quinoa Lift & Hydrate Eye Cream targets loss of collagen to firm, lift and tighten the skin around the eyes, using botanical actives such as Vederine, Quinoa Seeds and a Neuro-Defence Complex along with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and nourish. Pat in each morning and evening around the eye area until absorbed for both immediate visible results and a cumulative effect to reduce wrinkles over time.
O Cosmedics Eye Correct
We totally understand that sometimes a late night or interrupted sleep can’t be avoided, whether it’s going out with friends, young kids at home or working late that keeps you up. Enter your morning under-eye saviour, O Cosmedics Eye Correct. This eye cream uses a patented, luminescent effect to lighten dark circles and smooth the delicate eye area, while powerful moisturisers and peptides help to reduce puffy eyes, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and boost firmness and elasticity. Just use the spatula applicator and apply directly to the under-eye area as the perfect base to your concealer.
Dp Dermaceuticals Rapid Eye Restore Serum Pen
This product does it all! The Rapid Eye Restore Serum by Dermapen-creators Dp Dermaceuticals combines the powers of skin rejuvenation, protective antioxidants and hydration to lift the skin, reduce puffiness and stimulate skin regeneration. Combat visible signs of skin damage from sun and ageing with the easy rollerball pen dispenser, that gently massages, cools and stimulates the delicate under-eye area while treating the skin with Vitamin A, Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid.
O Cosmedics Native Collagen Eye Mask
Unlike many traditional sheet masks which are saturated with serums, the “No Baggage” Native Collagen Eye Masks from O Cosmedics are 97% skin-identical Type 1 collagen. This makes them a “second skin” to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while hydrating, plumping and firming the delicate eye area. Perfect for party prep, simply dampen these eye masks with water to activate the ingredients, then apply them smooth-side-down for 15 to 20 minutes.