Eye cream extravaganza – just can’t live without it, and nor should you

I don’t know many people who don’t use an eye cream, but if you are someone who doesn’t then you need to start now. Eye creams are as important as SPF, in my opinion.

Why use an eye cream

Now, I am not sure how much they do to reverse wrinkles but I can vouch for them being instrumental in keeping fine lines and wrinkles from forming until absolutely necessary. I think it is because they keep skin hydrated and supple – two results I always look for with any skincare product. Hydrated and supple skin looks healthy, and youthful, and any fine lines look less obvious. That’s my theory anyway.

Eye creams have been a part of my routine since my early 20s, and I haven’t really graduated to a much stronger one since. I have tried stronger eye creams and they have ended up irritating my skin – I think because they contain retinol which is meant to be the best ingredient for ageing skin. I’ve been sticking with gel-like lighter creams that I know hydrate the area, and then I leave mother nature to do the rest.

My favourites

My favourites have been from Decléor and Darphin. Both brands are suitable for my sensitive skin, do not sting my eyes, don’t sit heavy on my skin, and are reasonably priced at £27.50 and £29, respectively. They are easily absorbed because of their gel-like consistency, and only a tiny drop is needed. I’m currently using the Darphin one, but it is coming to an end after nearly a year. Although I am not very adventurous when it comes to eye creams, I feel like I need to upgrade now that I am in my 40s.

The hunt is on

I am genetically predisposed to having dark circles, so I always look out for ones that claim to help with this issue, although I am not entirely convinced that a cream is going to fix that! Here goes anyway.

Carita’s ideal hydration lagoon eye contour looks worth a try. This is an expensive Spanish brand that resides in Paris. I love all French brands because they are so effective. Plus this feels like a step up from Decléor and Darphin, who I have been loyal to for years. It claims to hydrate, prevent wrinkles, fade dark circles and reduce puffiness. The key ingredient is polynesian lagoon water – calcium and magnesium boosts cellular energy (not sure what that means, but sounds good!). It’s not cheap at £49.50 for 15ml. My only hesitation is that it is recommended for those starting to show signs of ageing, and I am beyond that now.

Decléor’s aroma lisse 2-in-1 dark circle and eye wrinkle eraser also looks worth a try. At £32 it’s not much dearer than what I am spending now. This is a new one in their range, containing mandarin essential oil (protects and repairs cells), blended with extracts of galanga, yeast and ruscus (plump skin, reduce puffiness and dark circles). It also contains gold pigments which illuminate the eye area, neutralising dark circles. All sounds good to me, my only hesitation being that it is recommended for those showing the first signs of ageing, and I am probably showing the second, third and fourth signs.

Aurelia probiotic’s eye revitalising duo is the one I really have my eye on right now (no pun intended). I’ve used their revitalise & glow serum, and absolutely loved it. It actually did exactly what they claimed it would, so I have high hopes for their eye cream. Only it is not a cream. The duo/set contains a roll on revitalise & brighten eye dew for the morning and illuminate & puff reduction eye cream for night time. Key ingredients for the eye dew are jujube and olive extracts, and for the night cream are arnica, centella asiatica and butcher’s broom (!). The eye dew is supposed to brighten and firm the eye area, knoocking off 5 years in 28 days (yes please!) and the night cream is supposed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles (yes please!). At £90 for the set, this is a real investment, and one I think is worth making.

Anyway, I am undecided as to which one I will eventually go for, so watch this space for updates. Are there any eye creams you would recommend?