The Best Eye Creams To Fake A Good Night’s Rest

• Best For: deep hydration
• Active Ingredients: omega lipids, macadamia nut oil, vitamin E

German skincare guru Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Collection has become a cult favorite for good reason. From the wrinkle-reducing serum to the rich, moisturizing face cream, every product in the line works to visibly firm skin and reduce signs of aging, while adding a dewy, glowing appearance both overnight and over time—which is why we were so pumped when she added an eye cream to the collection. This deeply hydrating, plumping formula is the richest of rich, adding instant hydration and luster to dry, dull and tired under-eyes via a concentrated formula packed with hyaluronic acid. It’s a total treat to apply while you’re sipping your morning coffee and the ultimate luxury to add to your nighttime routine.

• Best For: illumination of the under eye area
• Active Ingredients: La Prairie’s Lumidose molecule, a potent radiance booster

Is this inexpensive? Not at all. Is this worth every penny? Absolutely. La Prairie’s innovative formula is the Lamborghini of eye creams, boasting a powerful recipe of radiance boosting, ultra-moisturizing ingredients to fight typical signs of aging—and then some. Let’s not forget about the luxe packaging and application process that turns any morning regimen into a 5-star experience.

• Best For: dark circles and puffiness
• Active Ingredients: cornflower water

Some mornings call for additional reinforcement. A cooling ceramic applicator coupled with a super moisturizing, puffiness-eliminating gel formula make this eye product akin to gliding an ice cube around the orbital area—sans the dripping mess and self-administered cryotherapy session.

• Best For: dark circles and fine lines
• Active Ingredients: La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth, Lime Tea Concentrate

The secret sauce in this star formula is the brand’s signature Miracle Broth—a concoction of powerful antioxidants (including soothing green tea) that work to deeply moisturize the skin, specifically targeting those pesky dark circles that pop up when they’re definitely not invited to the party. And although many eye creams can take a while to absorb into the delicate under-eye area, La Mer’s Eye Concentrate sinks in quickly, meaning you’ll waste no time waiting around for it to soak in before applying concealer.

• Best For: hydrating, smoothing, depuffing
• Active Ingredients: hylaronic acid, cucumber, peptides

Renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel has amassed a cult following for his in-office procedures within the walls of Sobel Skin, but for those clients outside the NYC area, he’s created his namesake product line to offer the youth-encapsulating benefits of a trip to the derm sans the plane ticket. One of the best products in the line? His peptide-rich cream, which instantly hydrates, smoothes and de-puffs while working longterm to offset those pesky fine lines around the delicate eye area.

• Best For: anti-aging, fine lines and wrinkles
• Active Ingredients: Pitera—a bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation packed with over 50 micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids

A cocktail of supercharged ingredients backed by many years of scientific research is the secret behind this Japanese brand’s rich and rejuvenating formula. Daily stressors like environmental factors that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles stand no chance against this deeply hydrating eye cream.

• Best For: fine lines, dryness, dark circles
• Active Ingredients: Contains over 30 natural ingredients including lavender, algae and green tea

This naturally based eye cream packs three dozen botanical ingredients into one superstar formula to depuff, tighten and plump the skin. It’s no wonder it remains one of the brand’s best selling products year after year.

• Best For: brightening, firming
• Active Ingredients: vitamin C, peptides, cucumber extract

You’ll definitely reap the firming and brightening benefits of this eye cream, thanks to five forms of Vitamin C that are packed into this rich and creamy formula. What’s more, the delicate and often dehydrated under eye area will feel supple and smooth over time—you can credit the antioxidant benefits of cucumber extract, coupled with the added benefit of a wrinkle-reducing peptide blend.

• Best For: illuminating, soothing and brightening
• Active Ingredients: shea & cocoa butter, sweet potato, antioxidants

Leave it to skincare guru Joanna Vargas to whip up a multi-tasking eye cream that acts as the fountain of youth against aging. Unique ingredients including sweet potato (yes, really!) hydrate delicate skin beneath the eye, leaving a glowing and depuffing effect instantly, while working long term to reduce fine lines and increase elasticity. “Oddly enough, sweet potato as an ingredient is really amazing,” says Vargas. “It has Vitamin A for cell renewal, Vitamin B to tone and soothe the skin, Vitamin C for collagen production, Beta-Carotene for healing and anthocyanin for puffiness.”