These 13 Eye Creams Make You Look Well Rested (Even If You're Not)

This cult-favorite eye cream has a loyal following and if you try it once, you'll soon be part of it. Inspired by banana powder, the brightening eye cream addresses signs of aging and reduces the look of pesky dark circles by color-correcting the eye area. It's powered by vitamin C and collagen, feels incredibly lightweight and blends easily for a smooth, well-rested canvas upon which to apply subsequent concealer.

Whether you’re venturing into eye care for the first time or want an effective product without dropping too much cash, this popular cream delivers. With the help of retinol, a smoothing Vitamin A derivative, this affordable product plumps up the surrounding skin and evens out dark circles. Reviewers said it even wears well under makeup, so no pilling occurs if you layer concealer on top.

If you’ve never used retinol or retinoids before, the low amount of retinol in this cream serves as a good introduction. Still, start out with a tiny amount once every other day to test your tolerance. If you don’t experience irritation, build up to using this cream daily, both morning and night.

Whether you woke up late, slept facedown all night, or barely made it to bed before sunrise, two key ingredients in this eye cream will help you cover up the evidence: coffee beans and skin-brightening ginseng, all in a cheerful orange jar. Reviewers said they looked more well-rested, thanks to the caffeine reducing undereye bags and overall puffiness. The fragrance is minimal, and the product absorbs quickly. The peach-colored cream also leaves a slight, pretty shimmer underneath the eyes for extra luminosity that isn’t glaringly obvious. On no makeup days, use this refreshing cream instead of concealer and pair with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream to let your skin breathe.

Housed in an apothecary-style dropper, this solution’s watery consistency leans closer to serum than a true eye cream. Nevertheless, the high concentration of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG)—an antioxidant that comes from green tea leaves—does an impressive job of depuffing the skin around the eyes.

If you’re plagued with dry under eyes, then you know how much of a pain it is to keep the area hydrated. Not only do you suffer from pesky flakes and uncomfortable dry patches but applying makeup over the area can be a total pain. If this sounds unfortunately familiar, then this classic drugstore eye cream from CeraVe will be your saving grace.

Featuring an uber-hydrating blend of antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, this creamy formula sinks into the skin leaving the area feeling moisturized, not parched. This is also a great option if you have sensitive skin as it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores).

Perfect for existing signs of aging like sallowness and wrinkles, this affordable find comes in an unassuming blue tube. Despite the humble packaging, it contains noteworthy ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid, which stimulate collagen production and hydrate for plumper skin. This, in turn, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and even crow’s feet, according to reviewers who saw improvement in as little as a few days. Like with any other retinol product, exercise caution when starting out and let your skin adjust before adding higher amounts to your skincare routine.

This gel-based eye treatment by Mario Badescu is specifically designed to have a cooling effect that works to de-puff the eyes. It helps the under-eye area lock in moisture and also helps to smooth out the delicate surface. Reviewers noted that it was especially helpful for puffiness after a night of little sleep.

K-Beauty fans may already be familiar with another offering from this brand—the cult favorite Moisturizing Eye Bomb. This product, however, focuses more on fighting signs of aging and fatigue. Peat extract, the main ingredient, is rich in antioxidants and hydrates, plumps, and aids in skin turnover, while the anti-inflammatory properties soothe and nourish the eye area. Reviewers were pleased with how quickly the cream absorbed into the skin with a light tap. Plus, you get a generous amount of product in the jar. Luckily, the product also pairs well with concealer, making it appropriate for your morning routine, no matter how rushed.

Online reviewers consider this Borghese eye cream a beauty must-have thanks to its effectiveness. The cream is light and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. It also doesn’t irritate the delicate under-eye area and works to de-puff the eyes quickly.

This gel-meets-serum formula is made with brightening vitamin C, refreshing mint, and de-puffing caffeine to immediately cool and refresh your under-eye area. The micro-stimulating roll-on applicator is made with a cooling metal which helps de-puff and reduces the appearance of under-eye bags. If you want even more of a cooling-sensation, pop the eye cream in the fridge before use. You’ll look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed even if you're running on just a few hours of sleep. Both morning and night, gently roll the product under the eye from the inner corner to the outer corner, then pat in excess.

For fans of natural cosmetics, this option from 100% Pure is a great one. The inclusion of coffee bean and green tea in this cream’s ingredient list are promising if your concerns are mostly swelling and signs of fatigue, but what’s equally interesting is what it leaves out: fragrances, dyes, and chemicals that aren’t derived from plants. It’s also vegan. Even with a pared-down ingredient list, this caffeine-heavy eye cream brings reliable results. It depuffs, brightens, and comforts tired eyes. The light cappuccino scent, housed in a compact tube, is a bonus, especially for coffee lovers.

Sunscreen meets eye cream in this mineral formula. With 100% zinc oxide and SPF 40, this eye cream protects the delicate eye contour from the harmful effects of UV rays and blue light, all while brightening the reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness thanks to a blend of probiotics, pomegranate extract, and caffeine.