Eye Cream: Reviews

Updated May 2011

Today's store shelves present an overwhelming array of eye creams boosting promises of reduced puffiness, diminished dark circles and erased fine lines. But do any of these products live up to their claims? To find out, the editors at ConsumerSearch sifted through reviews from both scientists, beauty experts and users to determine which eye creams are worth your hard-earned beauty dollars.

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Best eye cream

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free

*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz. Compare Prices

Most experts say consumers do not need to buy eye creams at all. That's because less expensive facial moisturizers often contain the same ingredients and can offer an equally hydrating experience -- so the best eye cream… expandis often just a really good general face cream. For example, Olay's antioxidant-packed Daily Regenerating Serum is almost identical to Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, which reviewers and consumers rave about. The main difference is in the size of the package. The eye serum only contains 0.5 ounces for the same price as the regenerating serum, which gives you three times as much product. Experts say both are perfectly suitable for any area of the face, including under the eyes and for eyelids. Consumers say that Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is lightweight and provides for smooth makeup application. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautypedia.com: Beauty expert and author Paula Begoun uses scientific research and testing to rate hundreds of products, including eye creams and facial moisturizers.

About.com: About.com beauty guide Julyne Derrick includes Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum in her list of the nine best eye creams.

Harper's Bazaar: Harper's Bazaar magazine editors offer tips for reducing the appearance of aging for different age groups.

MakeupAlley.com: Consumers at MakeupAlley.com give Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum fairly high marks overall.

Drugstore.com: Consumers at Drugstore.com rave that their skin looks better after using Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum.

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Buy from Amazon for $15.39
P&G eStore for $18.99	Target for $18.99	Amazon for $15.39

Eye cream for dark circles

Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment

*Est. $26 for 0.5 oz. Compare Prices

Though there is no documented evidence that eye creams can erase dark circles, experts say that creams containing light-diffusing pigments can at least camouflage the problem. Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment also… expandcontains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol that moisturize and provide essential nutrition to skin and may, over time, improve overall appearance. Reviewers warn that this fragrance-free formula takes some time to sink into skin, and that only a small amount is needed to be effective. In addition, it doesn't pair well with makeup if it is applied in excessive amounts. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautypedia.com: Paula Begoun gives Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment a high rating due to its concentration of beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol and vitamin E. She says the mineral pigments it contains can temporarily camouflage dark circles.

Allure: After testing hundreds of beauty products for their annual beauty awards, editors at Allure magazine name Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment the best eye cream for dark circles.

MakeupAlley.com: Although most reviewers at MakeupAlley.com say that Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment does a good job of brightening the eye area and concealing dark circles, they give it a mediocre overall rating because the formula is mostly cosmetic.

TotalBeauty.com: Reviewers at TotalBeauty.com give Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment a high overall rating saying that it offers instant brightening of the eye area and lightens dark circles over time.

Amazon.com: While several reviewers at Amazon.com say that Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment works, several others say that it doesn't do anything for their dark circles.

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Buy from Amazon for $10.51
StocknGo.co- m for $20.21	eBay for $39.74	Cleopatra's Choice for $23.94

Eye cream to reduce puffiness

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel

*Est. $13 for 0.5 oz. Compare Prices

The caffeine in Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel is supposed to diminish fluid buildup and reduce undereye puffiness. While there are no studies to back this product claim, several reviewers and… expandusers swear by this gel, saying it can effectively shrink undereye swelling. Users also say the gentle pressure of its roller-ball applicator feels soothing. They also appreciate that this product contains light-diffusing pigments like mica, ingredients that can help camouflage and conceal dark circles. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Paula Begoun says that the best part of this eye cream is the metal roller-ball applicator that glides along the curvature of the eye with ease.

Allure: Editors of Allure magazine choose Garnier Nutrtioniste Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel as the best de-puffing eye cream for their 2009 annual beauty awards.

Shape magazine: Shape magazine editors call Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel "refreshing" and claim that the caffeine it contains reduces puffiness.

MakeupAlley.com: User reviewers at MakeupAlley.com are split down the middle as to the effectiveness of Garnier's Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel.

Amazon.com: Some reviewers at Amazon.com claim to see instant de-puffing results with Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel, but nearly as many say that it does nothing for their puffy eyes and dark circles.

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