Though guys may not be conditioned to fret over every fine line or wrinkle that makes its way onto the planes of our face, the phrase “you look tired” is a universally dreaded one. The continual feeling of uncertainty and unease over the past year or so coupled with constant exposure to external pollutants as well as screens large and small is a surefire recipe for puffy, tired looking undereyes. The skin under and around your eyes is up to ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, making it more susceptible to the effects of sun exposure, pollution, and other stressors. That means it’s the first place your mates and acquaintances will be able to spot the telltale signs of an all-nighter or guess you’re afflicted with a constant sense of existential despair.
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Naturally, a good skincare routine, overall healthy lifestyle, and daily application of sunscreen goes a long way to support skin health and safeguard against damage. However, incorporating a dedicated eye cream for men can work wonders to re-energize weary eyes and even stave off a wrinkle or two. The best eye creams for men are designed specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes and work to brighten dullness and discolouration, smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles, and rectify puffiness while keeping the area hydrated and comfortable.
With something for every need and budget, we’ve put together the best eye creams for men.
The best eye creams for men in 2023
1. Best eye product for puffiness: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
A generously-sized efficacious formula that lasts for aeons, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG harnesses the power of caffeine to reduce puffiness and EGCG (an antioxidant found in green tea) to address dark circles. Though for some people, dark circles are genetic and hence won’t be mitigated by any eye product, this formula works well on puffiness and dark circles caused by general lifestyle factors.
Price: $12.70 AUD
2. Best eye cream for reducing wrinkles & fine lines: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Essential for reducing wrinkles and dark circles, retinol – a vitamin A derivative – works to speed up skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production to prevent loss of volume, and even out discolouration. The Best eye cream for men to reducing wrinkles & fine lines: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a hardworking nighttime eye cream for men, addressing the three key signs of ageing by shifting puffiness, brightening dark circles, and smoothening out wrinkles.
Price: $24.39 AUD
3. Best eye cream for dark circles: Dr. Naomi Skin Catfish
Going far beyond treating dark circles alone, the Dr. Naomi Skin Catfish provides an instant brightening and blurring effect, instantly filling in wrinkles and lines with hyaluronic acid. Meanwhile, peptides and the brand’s signature brightening cocktail work to brighten dark circles, and organic kangaroo paw extract (don’t worry, it’s a plant!) promotes collagen and elastin synthesis to tighten and firm the skin in the long term.
Price: $89
4. Best eye cream for dry skin: HydroSkin Eye Cream
This ultra-rich, hydrating eye cream combines a slew of active ingredients in a nourishing base, working to address indicators of ageing and stress while providing moisture to the eye area. Hyaluronic acid, retinoate (a vitamin A derivative), niacinamide, and vitamin B5 get to work targeting puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, and dullness, while manuka honey and cucumber extract draw moisture in and keep even the driest and most sensitive skin types comfortable and free from irritation.
Price: $120 AUD
5. Best eye cream for sensitive eyes: Clarins Total Eye Lift
Though they’re (obviously) designed with the eye area in mind, guys with particularly sensitive skin may experience a little irritation with certain eye creams. However, the Clarins Total Eye Lift nullifies that possibility. Created for use over the entire eye area (including over the eyes and across to the temples), it boasts a soft, easy-to-spread emulsion texture, making it comfortable to apply and wear throughout the day and at night. A botanical blend featuring albizia, horse chestnut, and guarana works to energise the eye area, tighten skin, smoothen texture, and reduce bags and puffiness.
Price: $100 AUD
6. Best eye cream for firming: Paula’s Choice Ceramide Enriched Firming Eye Cream
The hero ingredient in this eye cream is ceramides, the lipids that comprise half of the upper layers of our skin, keeping it soft, strong, and moisturised. The Paula’s Choice Ceramide Enriched Firming Eye Cream combines ceramides with vitamin, retinol, peptides, and plant extracts to brighten dull skin, restore firmness, and smoothen wrinkles and fine lines.
Price: $65 AUD
7. Best hydrating eye cream: Youth to The People Superberry Dream Eye Cream
Ideal for guys with fine lines and dry skin. The Youth to The People Superberry Dream Eye Cream uses antioxidant-rich goji berry stem cells to smoothen the appearance of light wrinkles and lines. Vitamin C provides a gentle brightening effect over time, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump the undereye area. A lightweight formula, it sinks into the skin quickly without leaving any residue behind.
Price: $78 AUD
8. Best brightening eye cream: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream
Targeting all types of dark circles, from black and brown (indicative of hyperpigmentation) to blue and purple (caused by poor microcirculation and exacerbated by lack of sleep), the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream harnesses the power of viniferine, caffeine, and niacinamide to de-puff and brighten the eye contour.
Price: $67
9. The best eye cream to look more alive: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye Fuel
Want an all-rounder that just makes you look more…alive? Designed with men’s skin in mind, the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye Fuel contains niacinamide and caffeine which tackle dark circles and puffiness quickly—easily doing away with telltale signs of a big night out.
Price: $43
10. Best eye product for mature skin: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
Laced with caffeine and peptides, this lightweight eye gel instantly hydrates and de-puffs the undereye area while reducing dark circles and fine lines with consistent use. The gel formula is perfect for those with oily or combination skin types.
Price: $100
Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Nathaniel Goldberg for Esquire
