Your Guide To Refreshing Eye Creams To Pep Up A Tired Face

Let’s face it—sometimes our eyes are the first to reveal the fatigue we feel after a long day or a restless night. That’s because the delicate skin around our eyes is extra prone to puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, leaving us yearning for a solution to refresh and rejuvenate our tired faces come morning. Thankfully, this is where refreshing eye creams come to the rescue. Beauty Daily took some advice from Clarins Retail Trainer Jason Roberts to find out exactly what we need to look for when choosing the perfect one. 

The benefits of refreshing eye cream 

Eye creams are specifically formulated to address common concerns around the eye area. Their lightweight texture and targeted ingredients make them a powerful ally in your skincare arsenal – but what exactly can a refreshing eye cream do for you? 

Minimise puffiness 

The gentle massage of applying an eye cream can help reduce puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage. Look for creams with ingredients like caffeine, known for their stimulating effect on the microcirculation around the eyes. 

Diminish dark circles  

Refreshing eye creams can work wonders on those pesky dark circles. They help improve the appearance of under-eye discolouration caused by poor circulation or lack of sleep. For hereditary darkness, try a concealer infused with caffeine for an instant perk-up. 

Smooth fine lines and wrinkles  

The skin around the eyes is prone to premature ageing and the formation of fine lines. Regular use of eye creams can help hydrate, plump, and smooth out those delicate lines, leaving your eyes looking youthful and refreshed. 

Hydrate and nourish  

The thin skin around the eyes also requires extra moisture and nourishment. Eye creams are formulated with hydrating ingredients that replenish moisture and keep the skin supple.  

What to look for in an eye cream 

Choosing the right eye cream can seem daunting with the countless available options. Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection: 

Ingredients that work 

“Look for ingredients in eye creams that work harder, such as caffeine, which stimulates the microcirculation around the eye area,” Roberts says. “This will help to perk up tired eyes and give an instantly refreshed look.” 

Other powerful ingredients include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and antioxidants. These ingredients can also effectively target concerns such as dullness, fatigue and dryness around the eye area. 

Texture 

“If you’re looking for something more refreshing – perhaps if you’re someone that has spent a lot of time on devices or hasn’t slept well – opt for light gels as opposed to balms or creams,” Roberts explains. “These are naturally more tightening and more invigorating than other textures.” 

Use cold applicators 

“There is a lot to be said for using a cold applicator around the eye area to de-puff and revive,” Roberts adds. “You can also consider using an eye mask that can drop the temperature around the eye area and give you that perked-up zingy feeling. Alternatively, take a teaspoon, pop it in the fridge at night, and in the morning, use the back of the teaspoon against your eye to instantly cool the area and decrease puffiness,” Roberts advises. 

Expert tip: Soak two cotton pads in Clarins Gentle Eye Make-up Remover, £23, and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. You can use then use them as DIY cold compresses for the eyes. The make-up remover contains ingredients such as cornflower and chamomile which naturally soothe and revive lacklustre skin. 

Best eye creams for refreshing tired eyes 

Clarins Double Serum Eye, £58 

This innovative eye cream combines the tightening effect of a gel with the comfort of a cream. Packed with caffeine and other nourishing ingredients, it provides an invigorating and refreshing experience. 

Clarins Total Eye Contour Gel, £37 

With its cooling and soothing properties, this gel-based eye cream is perfect for those looking to awaken tired eyes. Infused with ginseng, it energises and revitalises the delicate eye area. 

Clarins Total Eye Revive, £38 

This eye cream features a cryo metal applicator, delivering an instantly cooling and refreshing sensation. The lightweight formula, coupled with its hydrating properties, makes it a go-to for tired and puffy eyes. 

ClarinsMen Energising Eye Gel, £31 

A key ingredient in this eye gel is ginseng, which is known for its revitalising and invigorating effect on the skin. 

Do eye creams work? 

The effectiveness of eye creams can vary based on individual needs and product formulation. However, when used consistently and combined with a healthy lifestyle, they can significantly improve the appearance of tired eyes. 

Can eye cream reduce dark circles? 

While refreshing eye creams can help reduce dark circles caused by poor circulation or lack of sleep, it’s essential to differentiate between hereditary darkness and temporary discolouration. “There is a difference when it comes to hereditary darkness around the eye area,” Roberts says. “When the pigment around the eye Is more of a brown shade, this means that your dark circles are more likely to be hereditary. If it’s blue, it’s due to the microcirculation around the eyes not working effectively. If you don’t get enough sleep, you can see it when you look in the mirror, so eye cream will help to combat this. If it’s hereditary – try the instant concealer that also contains caffeine to give an instant perk up.” 

Read next: Suffering From Dark Circles? This Is Your Action Plan 

When should I start using eye cream? 

Prevention is key when it comes to skincare, and the same goes for eye creams; it’s never too early to start incorporating them into your routine. As a general guideline, consider introducing eye cream in your mid to late twenties to maintain the youthful appearance of the eye area and prevent premature signs of ageing. 

How to apply eye cream 

To maximise the benefits of your refreshing eye cream, Roberts recommends following these simple steps: 

Step one: Cleanse 

Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying eye cream, as this ensures a clean canvas for the product to work its magic. It’s always best to apply eye cream before applying serum, as this will create a protective barrier around the eye area. 

Use a pea-sized amount  

Warm a small amount of eye product – about the size of a boiled grain of rice – between your ring fingers. 

Step three: Tap into skin  

Apply cream using a tapping motion, starting from the centre and working outwards towards your temples. Ensure that you avoid dragging the skin, as the skin on the face is attached to muscles, so if you continuously push it outwards, it will naturally start to crepe and wrinkle over time.  

Step four: Work above the eye  

Do the same for above the eye – all of the Clarins eye creams are safe to apply on the lid – and don’t forget to apply the product between the eyes in the centre area.  

Best eye cream application tips 

• Press the cream into the skin for three seconds on each area to promote absorption. 
• Follow the natural lymphatic flow by working the cream towards your temples, where lymph glands are located. 
• If you wear makeup, opt for a lighter-textured eye cream to ensure a seamless application. 

• For an extra refreshing boost, try cooling your eye cream in the fridge or using a cold spoon against your eyes to decrease puffiness. 

Read: How To Apply Eye Cream Correctly 

How often should you apply eye cream? 

You should apply eye cream in the morning and night for round-the-clock care. 

Next read: Make Your  Under Eye Creams Work Harder With These Expert Tips