Staff tested: The best eye creams (with a twist)

Isomers One 3000 for Eyes

A cocktail of anti-aging ingredients targets the entire eye contour while cosmetic ‘lipolight’ aims to instantly improve the under-eye area. $60, 30 mL.

“With its eyedropper-type applicator, this seems like serious stuff. You apply the drops directly to the skin around the eye. I used it sparingly as the coverage is good. It’s milky in appearance, silky in texture.”
–Bonnie Munday, editor

Clinique Moisture Surge Refreshing Eye Mask

Pre-moistened sheets contain an oil-free lotion with aloe leaf water and antioxidants such as caffeine and green tea. $32, 10-packet carton.

“I found these masks, which you place on the under-eye area, a novel way to hydrate and a good excuse to lie on the couch with your eyes closed. My usually parched winter skin was soft and moisturized.”
–Kat Tancock, web editor

Olay Professional ProX Eye Restoration Complex

Part of a new skincare line developed by a team of dermatologists and beauty scientists, it hydrates with caffeine, niacinamide and palmitoyl-peptides. $55, 15 mL.

“Using this light cream morning and night made the skin around my eyes feel smoother and hydrated. Massaging it in until absorbed-as suggested-also helped reduce puffiness.”
–Margaret Nearing, senior editor

RoC CompleteLift Pen for Eyelids and Bags

Uniquely, this firm-lift treatment is for the lid as well as under the eye. It features a bevelled silicone tip for precise application. RoC says it takes several weeks to see an improvement. $34, 1.8 mL.

“I found the matte gel a good base for eyeshadow. A tingling sensation indicates that it’s working. Turning the base of the ‘pen’ releases just the right amount for one eye.”
–Catherine Korman, researcher

Bioré Renew Cooling Eye Gel

An oil-free gel for dark circles and puffiness, this contains natural ingredients, including cooling cucumber extract, and the mineral mica. $14, 15 mL.

“When I looked closely, I could see this gel actually has tiny shimmery particles in it that work to deflect light to help reduce the look of dark circles. It’s a bit sticky at first, but it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue.”
–Lisa Hannam, associate editor

Dermaglow Radiance Rx Under-Eye Brightener

This one combines vitamin C and peptides as well as light-diffusing spheres. $60, 15 mL.

“My skin verges on translucent in the thin-skinned under-eye area, so dark circles show. The sponge wand applicator made it easy to apply this cream right where I need it-it holds true to its promise of ‘instantly diminishing the look of dark circles.'”
–Jennifer Masseau, assistant editor

Nuyu Eye Cream

This treatment for wrinkles and dark circules lists a patented anti-aging ingredient (Linefactor), and vitamins E and B3. $13, 15 mL.

“Confession: I have sensitive skin, and because eye creams typically contain no perfume (as this one doesn’t), I sometimes dab them on the rest of my face. As for a ‘Nu Me,’ the verdict is still out, but my under-eye felt smoother and more hydrated-and you can’t beat the price.”
–Rhonda Rovan, beauty editor

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Formulated with caffeine and pro-vitamin B5, this is designed to massage the under-eye area. $19, 15 mL.

“The stainless-steel roller ball is cool to the touch-especially welcome for those early mornings when my eyes aren’t quite open. The gel creates a firming feeling, and my under-eye makeup went on really smoothly over it.”
–Jennifer Walker, senior content editor

What eye creams or treatments do you swear by? Share them in the comments.