Staff tested: Eye creams

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Moisturizing Eye Cream

Botanical extracts, glycerine and a vitamin E derivative hydrate skin and maintain its optimal moisture balance.

The rich formula provided a generous coat of moisture from just a tiny bit of product-so you get your money’s worth. I used it before bed to fade my dark circles and also in the morning before applying my makeup; it kept my eye area hydrated. It also kept the concealer and powder under my eyes from looking dry and flaky. I love that it’s fragrance-free. -Lily Yan, Beauty & Fashion Intern

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Moisturizing Eye Cream ($41, 15 mL)

Dermalogica UltraCalming Ultrasmoothing Eye Serum

Vitamin C and an amino acid-rich yeast derivative in this serum help to improve elasticity and reduce fine lines.

My skin has always been sensitive, so I was happy to try an eye cream with “UltraCalming” in its name. This one is actually a serum. Upon the first application I had no irritation, and after applying morning and night for four days I noticed that my eyes were not quite as puffy in the morning. And the fine lines around my eyes, while of course not erased, do seem softened. -Josephine Woertman, Acting Art Director

Dermalogica UltraCalming Ultrasmoothing Eye Serum ($65, 15 mL)

RoC Retin-ox Correxion Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

Retinol’s wrinkle-fighting power gets a boost with biopeptides. Hyaluronic acid is there to plump and moisturize.

I applied this super-light cream under my eyes and to my lids by tapping it on gently, as per the package instructions. It sank right in. It’s non-greasy and is great under makeup. The morning after I first applied it, my eyes looked rested. Since then I’ve used it a.m. and p.m.; it keeps the skin around my eyes hydrated and brighter. -Jennifer Walker, Deputy Editor

RoC Retin-ox Correxion Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream ($36, 15 mL)

Yes To Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream

Grapefruit extract aims to fade age spots, while licorice extract combats uneven skin tone and improves luminosity.

I tested this in the summer-no matter how diligent I am with sunscreen (and I am very diligent), freckles just beneath my eyes always seem to come out after a bit of sun. I spread an extra dab on the bridge of my nose to fight pesky freckles there, too. The silky formula has a subtle citrusy scent, and takes a couple of minutes to sink in. After a week’s use, the spots had actually started to fade. -Jennifer Masseau, Associate Editor, Beauty & Fashion

Yes To Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream ($18, 15 mL)

Live Clean Fresh Face De-puffing Roller Eye Treatment

This cooling serum is infused with orchid extract, antioxidant vitamin C and green tea caffeine to reduce under-eye bags.

As per the instructions, I shook the product and gently rolled it underneath my eyes, from the inner corners to the outer corners. The metallic applicator felt cool to the touch, leaving my eye area refreshed and hydrated. I noticed a reduction in the puffiness around my eyes when I applied the product in the morning, though I haven’t seen a reduction in my under-eye circles-yet. -Joana Lourenço, Associate Editor

Live Clean Fresh Face De-puffing Roller Eye Treatment ($20, 15 mL)

Éminence Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream

A “stem-cell complex” is targeted to smooth wrinkles and improve skin density.

This is such a beautiful treat, I’m tempted to use it all over my face (after all, this container has twice the volume of most eye creams). But I won’t; the airless pump dispenses just enough of the silky cream to moisturize the eye area. I love the sound of the healthy ingredients-primrose oil, shea butter, calendula. And the lavender scent is mild, not cloying. -Rhonda Rovan, Editor-at-Large, Beauty & Fashion

Éminence Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream ($70, 30 mL)

Lancôme Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate

This serum illuminates the eye area, and treats circles, wrinkles and puffiness.

The unique metal oval applicator is cooling on the skin, and a pleasure to apply…like a massage for the eye area. (You have to first run it around the inside of the jar’s mouth so you don’t put on too much.) I sometimes notice puffy circles under my eyes when I wake up, but they were significantly reduced on the days I used this. -Bonnie Munday, Editor-in-Chief

Lancôme Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate ($85, 20 mL)

NeoStrata AquaYouth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

Focusing on the first signs of aging, this gel is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and wrinkle-reducing peptides.

I’m only 26, but planning my recent wedding has left my eyes looking more tired than usual. I’m also seeing crinkles at the outer corners. This formula is hydrating and skin softening. My new husband jokes I now have the eyes of a 20-year-old. Cue the laughter (and the resulting laugh lines!). -Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

NeoStrata AquaYouth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream ($34, 15 mL)

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes

Along with rhamnose to fight wrinkles and illuminators to brighten skin, this has cera­mides that nourish and fortify eyelashes.

You apply this to your closed eyes, even over your lashes, and it doesn’t cause irritation. After applying the serum using my index finger, I noticed that the skin of my eyelids, and all around my eyes, felt soft. The serum had a curling effect on my lashes if I swept them upward after applying the serum. -Melissa Greer, Content Producer

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes ($45, 15 mL)

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