It’s fair to say that I have made no secret of my scepticism about eye cream. They are usually eye-wateringly expensive when you look at the cost per millitre and come with a whole host of unwarranted promises about their ability to reverse wrinkles and eradicate eye bags. In fact, until I discovered The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution back at the start of 2019, I basically didn’t use eye cream at all. This one really only changed my mind because it’s pleasingly affordable at just £6 and didn’t make any ludicrous claims that it then failed to deliver on. Fast-forward two years, however, and how times have changed. I am now in my early 30s with a 1-year-old baby, and contending with dark circles and under-eye puffiness has become a daily challenge. If an eye cream lands on my desk these days? Trust me—I’m trying it.
Thankfully, I have since discovered a whole array of brilliant eye creams that help to minimise dark circles and allow me to fake an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Having said that, whilst I am so grateful to be able to test out some of the best eye creams in the beauty industry as part of my job, I am still totally not on board with the fact that basically every eye cream I get sent is ridiculously expensive. In my opinion, diminishing puffiness and brightening shadowy under-eyes shouldn’t set you back £100+.
It’s good news, then, that more and more skincare brands are coming out with affordable eye creams that are brimming with ingredients that actually work—and have the customer reviews to prove it. Even if you’re already loyal to a premium eye cream, I think you just might be converted once you try these.
Ahead are 10 of the best affordable eye creams that actually work.
Tata Harper’s formulas are adored by editors and celebrities alike. This formula is designed to help address the early signs of ageing around the eyes—think dehydration and fine lines.
This affordable Boots eye cream helps boost moisture and protect the skin against damage from pollutants. It’s perfect if you’re after a morning eye cream that provides an instant pick-me-up.
You only have to glance at this eye cream’s ingredients list to know it’s going to deliver results. Yes, at £120 it is expensive, but it has glowing 5-star reviews.
Kate Somerville’s peptide blend might be a little more advanced than AHC’s, but both do a brilliant job of smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and plumping dried-out skin for dewy, hydrated under-eyes.
This eye cream boasts a long list of benefits, including depuffing eyes, firming and addressing lines and dark circles. However it also boasts an eye-watering price tag. That said, reviewers say it really works.
Beauty editors rave about both of these eye creams for their ability to reduce puffiness and inflammation thanks to a healthy dose of caffeine. Admittedly, The Inkey List’s purse-friendly version feels more lightweight than Sisley’s ultra-luxurious serum, but it’s to be expected with the huge difference in price.
I’m actually a big fan of this SkinCeuticals eye cream thanks to its skin-brightening abilities, and this brand is highly regarded by dermatologists, editors and celebrities.
CeraVe’s eye cream has a similar texture that hydrates the eye area, at just a fraction of the price.
Retinol is one of the few skincare ingredients actually proven to slow down signs of skin ageing, like fine lines. Retinol can be irritating when you first use it, however Murad’s sophisticated formula has slow-release retinol and hydrating ingredients to help reduce irritation.
Price shown is member’s cost. Both of these hardworking eye creams contain retinol in abundance, along with revitalising peptides to leave the skin under your eyes feeling firmer and looking smoother. Beauty Pie offers factory prices on its products, so this retinol eye cream is equivalent to one worth £60.
Much like retinol, vitamin C is an ingredient that skin experts recommend for its efficacy. It works to minimise discolouration and reduce dark circles. It’s worth pointing out that Omorovicza’s brilliant formula also contains retinol for an extra dose of anti-ageing power.
Byoma’s hybrid gel-serum formula contains both vitamin C and Root Extract which both have brightening effects on the delicate skin around the eyes.
If you’re looking to target fine lines or that crepey skin appearance under your eyes, then hyaluronic acid–based eye creams will do a solid job of nourishing and toning. However, it’s the cooling metal applicator which really makes it a treat to use—providing a mini massage to revive sleepy eyes.
No7 is highly respected for its effective yet affordable skincare. This eye cream also has a cooling applicator to soothe tired eyes and hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump lines, It has even been proven to reduce dark circles by 30%. Not bad for £25.
I have to admit, La Mer’s Eye Concentrate is one of the most luxurious eye creams I’ve had the pleasure of using, and my skin always drinks it up when I’ve applied it. It has a lightweight texture that sinks in well and won’t leave skin greasy. However, it’s extortionately expensive.
If you’re looking for something to leave your eyes with a similarly refreshed appearance, then this gel from Q+A also uses seaweed to hydrate and brighten.
Luxury pricepoint aside, Givenchy’s Le Soin Noir is possibly one of the best skincare products I have tried. The rich formula instantly brings new life to my eyes and acts as the ultimate base for long-lasting concealer.
One of the newest offerings from the beloved skincare brand with a pure hyaluronic acid and niacinamide kick that is sure to create an instant boost. Perfect for placing under everyday makeup looks.
This travel-friendly option from internationally-acclaimed aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm is a wonderful combination of her signature formulation of powerful natural compounds alongside medical grade actives. The rich cream of course is also packed full of purslane, the key ‘super plant’ used across Dr. Sturm’s range.
Are in need of a carry-on friendly eye cream option that is equally brightening and affordable without compromising on a balanced formula of natural compounds and gentle actives? In that case, Caudalie’s Viniferine complex s possibly one of the best options on the market.
