The Best Editor-Approved Eye Creams To Invest In Now

It's not easy to formulate a good eye cream with proper SPF protection, which is why you don't see so many on the shelves. Medik8, however, has triumphed with this brilliantly hard-working formula: it'll prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin (caused by free radicals in the air) while delivering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Use this one in the AM and the brand's buzzy Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye at night for a serious one-two punch.

Glossier has recently made its eye-cream debut, and I'm impressed. The brand always takes a refreshingly frank approach to its skincare, promising realistic improvements rather than overnight miracles, and this gel-cream formula is no different.

It won't erase wrinkles, vanquish dark circles or make you look like a Gen Alpha overnight, but it will hydrate supremely well, with a lightweight texture that doesn't encourage the development of milia. The obligatory dose of hyaluronic acid is cleverly supercharged with polyglutamic acid, while plant extracts work to boost microcirculation, shifting puffiness and making you look bright and well-rested.

Murad's latest launch is one that made it straight into my regular rotation. The premise is similar to that of Dermalogica's – it uses a peptide to gradually tighten the skin – but there's the extra addition of a light-reflecting golden pigment that makes skin look bright and dewy instantly.

There's a bit of a knack to getting the most out of this one: use the cooling metal applicator to apply the cream around the entire orbital bone (including your eyelid). Then, tap the product in and leave it to sink in for a few minutes.

A life-saver if you suffer from stubbornly dry, crepey skin around the eyes, Dr. Jart's formula is loaded with a clever blend of ceramides, along with moisturising glycerin and squalane, all of which help heal, soothe and nourish the skin. Expect immediate relief from dryness and a stronger skin barrier over time, leading to fewer sensitivity flare-ups.

Plus, the pinky undertone instantly brightens up dark circles.

It's a big statement, but I reckon this is Sunday Riley's best product ever. Both your eye treatment and illuminator in one, the pearly, creamy formula sinks into those puffy morning-after bags to shift the excess fluid and make sallow skin look instantly brighter.

The secret is a circulation-boosting combination of caffeine and horse chestnut, which kicks a sluggish system into gear. Either worn alone or beneath concealer, the effect is impressive. (I even use it as a discreet cheekbone highlighter.)

One of the most brightening eye creams around, this potent, vitamin-packed formula has everything from peptides and cooling cucumber extract to vitamin C - all of which work to overhaul tired eyes and fade dark circles. Moisturising and smoothing, it also helps to firm the delicate skin around the eyes. No wonder it's a best-seller.

Dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting is one of the skin experts I trust the most, so it comes as little surprise to find she's mastered the potency balance in this retinol eye cream. It's gentle enough to be used on all skin types, yet contains a powerhouse blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, and granactive retinoid. Use it every other evening to start seeing serious improvements in lines and pigmentation within a month.

As skin ages, it loses the ability to hold water which, coupled with a decrease in oil production, can lead to heightened dryness. The solution often lies in richer, more emollient products – but for real skin benefits, you need something that'll go further than simply smooth over the surface. Augustinus Bader's latest launch is an extremely rich eye cream that's loaded with minerals and proteins to help keep the delicate area around your eyes hydrated, bright and, with continued use, plumper.

This stellar gel formula from Dermalogica delivers instant satisfaction when it comes to shifting puffiness. Caffeine and rosemary work together to bring down swelling on application, while a peptide complex does the really hard work, smoothing surface lines over time. Cooling and quickly absorbed, it's a real crowd-pleaser for all skin types.

Skinceuticals always piques my interest – and this eye cream is of course, no exception. Formulated with an older age bracket in mind, my mid-thirties skin has loved it.

Its primary goal is to tackle the aesthetic signs of collagen degradation: an inevitable part of the ageing process. A patented proxylane compound plumps the surface of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, while peptides play the long game, helping skin feel firmer over time. And because we all want to look better rested than we really are, there's a dose of circulation-stimulating caffeine in there too.

I've seen countless luxury skincare products packed with precious metals – and while some do warrant a firm side-eye, 111 Skin's is not one of them. This outrageously indulgent, satisfyingly effective formula uses diamond particles to enhance the delivery of the real star ingredients: inflammation-calming centella asiatica, regenerating retinol, brightening liquorice root and line-relaxing argireline. If you are under 30, you do not need this – but for anyone looking to upgrade their actives in their third decade, it'll be money well spent.

Ok, so while I admit this one isn't a top-shelf stunner, I urge you not to judge the product by its packaging: this is one case where the formula truly belies its rather fusty appearance.

Rumour has it, you'll find Antipodes' gold-infused eye cream in the kits of so many top make-up artists. After experiencing the major moisture and immediate brightening effect, I can absolutely see why. Before you drop triple-figures on a high-luxe option, give this one a go.

This one is a balm, rather than a cream, but it's such a brilliant formula it deserves a firm recommendation. Probiotic-powered skincare brand Tula has cleverly formulated this hydrating swipe-on stick to quickly cool and brighten the under-eye area: trust me, its a treat on eyes that are subjected to an unholy amount of screen time.

There's a subtle glowy tint, and the texture is light enough that you can (and should) swipe it on throughout the day.

When you have easily upset skin, putting a product around your eyes can seem especially nerve-wracking. Of course, if your peepers aren't crying out for moisture, it's perfectly fine to leave them be – but if you do want a little help in the hydration department, place your trust in La Roche-Posay. This thoughtfully formulated eye salve will simply soften and soothe delicate skin, imparting moisture that'll last all day.

This affordable yet effective option blends hyaluronic acid with caffeine to tackle two of our key bugbears: dehydration and puffiness. The applicator features a trio of cooling rollerballs – heaven on tired eyes – while the watery serum formula sinks straight in without leaving residue. Great for anyone who finds rich creams too much.