Skip to main content

Review: The Best Cream for Dark Circles.

8/29/2024

Andrea Machajdik

7-minute read

Do you want to say goodbye to tired eyes, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles? Simply add the right eye care product to your beauty routine to make light work of all of these issues. We tried the creams, serums and masks that really work.

Unsightly dark circles under the eyes are nothing out of the ordinary. There are many reasons why they occur. A poor lifestyle often shows up around our eyes, where the skin is extremely thin. 

But they can also be caused by allergies, stress, dehydration, iron deficiency, and, of course, genetic factors. If you’ve been suffering from dark circles under the eyes for a while, it’s time to deal with that. And of course, to start treating your eye area properly. 

Still haven’t found the best cream for the dark circles under your eyes? We’ve done the hard work for you. You’re sure to find what you need among our star-studded quintet!

How to get rid of dark circles under your eyes

While you’re waiting for your new eye cream to start working properly, try a couple of tried-and-tested tips in the comfort of your own home. 

  • For dark circles and unpleasant puffiness, you can use a cold compress (ice wrapped in a cloth or some chilled used tea bags), 
  • a lymphatic massage using a gua sha tool or face roller
  • getting some quality sleep, 
  • or concealer as a short-term but reliable solution.

Quick help with dark circles

The Best Cream for Dark Circles. Our review reveals all! We tried both masks and serums

Vichy Minéral 89

What I liked most: A strengthening and re-plumping hyaluronic booster for the eye area, Vichy Minéral 89 comes in a small bottle (15 ml), so you can take it anywhere. I took it on a plane, where I was able to refresh the tired skin around my eyes quickly during the flight. Since I wear contact lenses pretty much all the time, I particularly liked the fact that the cream is hypoallergenic. 

When I’m at home, I leave it in the fridge. That cooling sensation in the morning is heavenly! After I’d been using it for more than a month, the dark circles under my eyes faded and the skin around my eyes was noticeably more supple. 

Pros: Its instant effect that soothes and refreshes the eye area. It absorbs quickly, so you can move on to your makeup after a couple of seconds. And although it only comes in a small size, it lasts a really long time. You just need a little drop for each eye. And I mustn’t forget that this eye gel is free of fragrance, colourants, silicones and ethanol. A thumbs-up from me. 

Cons: I couldn’t find any. Basically, Vichy Minéral 89 is great in all respects.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler

What I liked most: I must admit that I was sceptical about the special applicator, because I much prefer when I can apply a product to my skin using my fingers and massage it in. But this L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler brightening serum with hyaluronic acid pleasantly surprised me in the end.

The cooling applicator has three little built-in balls which pleasantly massage the eye area. However, after each massage I also tapped the product in with my fingers; I just can’t help myself. The serum helped with the bags under my eyes, which appeared as a result of a lack of sleep. 

Pros: I think the biggest upside is the hyaluronic acid content. I’ve been a believer in its miraculous effects for many years. After long-term use, my eye area was left truly brightened, my wrinkles slightly reduced and my skin nicely lifted. If you leave the serum in the fridge, it makes it even nicer to apply. 

Cons: One tiny downside is that the serum was a little sticky on my skin after application. So I mainly see it as a night treatment. 

What’s best for under-eye circles?

Neutrogena Retinol Boost

What I liked most: The Neutrogena Retinol Boost eye cream contains a relatively large amount of retinol, so you have to start carefully with it. So it might not suit everyone. I initially used the eye cream 3 times per week as part of my skincare routine. After roughly a month, I started using it every morning. 

I’m convinced that the results are truly visible. I feel as though the crow’s feet around my eyes are softened and I don’t have to worry about puffiness or dark circles under my eyes. Just be careful when heading out into the sun. Retinol increases our skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to moisturise the area around your eyes with a face cream with SPF.

Pros: I was impressed by the visible results after just one month. Not to mention the cream’s light consistency, which gets absorbed quickly into my skin and doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling.

Cons: It can happen in the beginning that the skin around your eyes will burn or tingle, go slightly red or even start to peel. Our skin needs to get used to retinol. If these problems persist, it’s definitely a good idea to stop using it. 

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Serum Ginseng + Retinal

What I liked most: The Beauty Of Joseon Revive Serum Ginseng + Retinal Korean serum with a light creamy-oily consistency is ‘love at first drop’. It is absorbed nicely into my skin and leaves it perfectly smooth after the first use. I use it on my forehead and the fine wrinkles around my mouth and can’t praise it enough. After it’s been applied, it creates a kind of invisible film on your skin, which is really pleasant. What’s more, it also make foundation application easier. If it’s just fine wrinkles that are troubling you, then it will make light work of them. You just need to use it regularly.

Pros: It’s perfect for all skin types. Its gentle formula is free of fragrance and essential oils and is also suitable for sensitive skin. Korean skincare really does work miracles!

Cons: Only that the miracle is a little short-lived on deeper wrinkles. But that is to be expected.

Jayjun Eye Gel Patch Green Tea

What I liked most: Hydrogel eye masks are one of the best modern beauty inventions. And if you try out the Jayjun Eye Gel Patch Green Tea hydrogel mask for brightening and hydration, it will certainly back me up. Another great product from the deservedly praised world of Korean skin care, one that you just have to have. 

Whenever you feel as though your eye area looks tired or grey, or you’re noticing new wrinkles, stick these hydrogel pads with green tea under your eyes and leave them for around 20 minutes. You’ll be delighted with the results when you take them off. 

Pros: I liked how quickly they work, which I take advantage of on those mornings when I have slightly puffy eyes. My skin is then left beautifully hydrated, fresh and lifted all day long, without any signs of tiredness. 

Cons: The excess emulsion sometimes creates small lumps under the eyes, which need to be gently wiped away with a cotton pad. 

You now know the best products for circles under your eyes. Say good riddance to them once and for all. It’s a piece of cake with these amazing beauty products. You and your eyes will shine again! 

Eye products that you’ll love