These Eye Creams Are the Answer to Your Pesky Dark Circles

We’ll be the first to admit that the dark under-eye circle makeup trend was one of the most bizarre fads to hit social media — and we loved every second of it. When you naturally have dark circles under your eyes, it’s nice to see people not only embrace the look, but actually want to mimic it because this is hardly ever the case. But, like most TikTok trends, its popularity faded as quickly as it peaked, leaving those of us with natural under-eye circles back in search of a product to conceal them.  

While makeup plays a big role, eye cream is a must-have if dark circles are playing defense against your skin care goals. Those tiny jars and tubes may not seem that much different than moisturizer, but eye creams are actually formulated to help address skin concerns that are specific to your delicate eye area. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best eye creams for dark circles to add to your skin care routine. 

Do Eye Creams for Dark Circles Really Work?

Eye creams with effective ingredients aimed to target discoloration and other causes of dark circles can help to diminish the look of your dark under-eyes, plus eye bags and puffiness. But, if you want to get the most out of your eye cream, you have to apply it correctly. Since the skin under your eyes is extremely delicate, it’s best to lightly pat the cream on with your ring finger because that finger has the lightest touch. 

Also, ensure that you’re applying your eye cream (and all skin care products) in the correct order (based on consistency). If you have a water-based eye serum, apply it before your thicker facial serums and moisturizers, and vice versa.

Which Cream Is Best for Dark Circles Under Eye?

Remember that minimizing dark circles with eye cream is a marathon, not a sprint — your concerns are not going to just disappear overnight. As nice as that would be, the best way to see results is to apply your eye cream the right way (without tugging) and consistently, every day. 

The upside is that some of the best eye creams for dark circles can often help minimize the look of puffy eyes, under-eye bags and crow’s feet, too, so check out our favorites below.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid +1% Caffeine Eye Serum

Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and re-energizing caffeine, this eye serum visibly reduces the look of fine lines and crow’s feet and puffiness under the eyes, while brightening dark circles (with continued use). Dip the rollerball applicator into the serum and massage it over the contours of the eye area all the way up to the temples and eyelids. The cooling metal will feel like a nice treat on your delicate under-eyes, especially after a long night. Use your ring finger to gently tap in the excess serum before continuing with the rest of your skin care routine. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment

This anti-aging treatment targets five signs of aging, including dark circles, puffiness, under-eye bags, crepey lids and crow’s feet. Made with anti-inflammatory vitamin E and a patented antioxidant recovery complex, it boosts the cell renewal process, making the skin around the eye area appear more youthful and bright. Dot it around the eye and gently tap it in using your ring finger until it’s fully absorbed. Apply it as part of your morning and evening skin care routines.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment

This powerful and luxurious serum is formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to repair wrinkles, reduce bags and lift the eye area. Morning and night, apply in small dots around your clean eye area and use your ring finger to gently smooth it until it’s thoroughly absorbed.

Editor’s tip: Eye cream and serum are key for long-term benefits, but you can also cover dark circles with makeup, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid. This makeup and skin care hybrid instantly covers dark circles, making your eyes appear more awake, brighter and younger immediately — just like a concealer. The dose of hyaluronic acid moisturizes like an eye cream, and makes your eye area naturally brighter over time.  

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener

This anti-aging eye cream has a unique whipped texture that instantly blurs the skin to visibly correct dark circles. Formulated with imperial peony, it gives the skin a rosy tint to reduce the look of dark circles, visibly brighten skin around the eye area and provide an overall healthier, younger-looking complexion. Also noteworthy, the formula is paraben-free, mineral oil-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Every morning, pat it around the eye area and gently smooth in the remainder until it’s absorbed. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

Formulated with pro-retinol, this eye cream works to firm the skin around the eyes and diminish the appearance of dark circles with continued use. It also contains a patented retinol complex, which serves to reduce the “morning puffy look,” while boosting hydration. Use this firming eye cream in the morning and at night before applying moisturizer.

L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment

This eye treatment may be formulated for the 55 and older crowd, but everyone who wants to add some moisture to their eye area can benefit from using it. It’s formulated with calcium which is known to strengthen thinning skin and improve smoothness. This eye cream also works to target signs of aging, like crow's feet, dryness and dull skin texture. Every morning and night, dot it around the eye area and gently tap it into the skin using your fingertips. 

Next: This Is How You Should Be Applying Eye Cream

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Model: London Knight