Eight Saints is a small business that specializes in skincare products. 

Promising review: “I’m a huge fan of all things Eight Saints. I have sensitive skin, and this is the first skincare line that I have seen results in my skin texture and fine lines while not triggering my eczema. When I saw they added this neck cream to their product line, I knew I had to try it. At 39 years old, I’ve noticed some loss in firmness of my skin on my neck, and when I wake up in the morning, I have wrinkles on my decolletage from side sleeping. I started using this about a week ago, and I’ve already noticed improvements in the fine lines on my neck, plus when I wake up in the morning, no more wrinkles on my chest! It’s so smooth, thick, and creamy, but rubs into your skin with ease, and it’s so hydrating. Top quality product again from Eight Saints!” —Ms Leach 

Get it from Amazon for $34. 

The best eye-tightening creams have become viral sensations, racking up millions of views (and buys) due to their visibly firming results. Undereyes seemingly go from puffy to smooth in the blink of an eye—albeit temporarily. Although they may seem gimmicky, many eye-tightening creams come highly recommended by board-certified dermatologists. Sure, their effects are short-lived, but they work. They even benefit the delicate, ultra-thin skin around your eyes over time with the help of collagen-boosting ingredients, like peptides, says Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Our Top Eye-Tightening Creams

Of course, these eye-tightening creams are not bottled-up versions of IPL treatments or a blepharoplasty (eye lift), but they truly do the trick to help tighten, plump, and firm the skin around your eyes in a pain-free pinch. If one of your skin-care goals is to minimize the appearance of dark circles, offset sagging, smooth eye wrinkles, or all of the above, an eye cream—especially one with firming benefits—should be the first thing you add for undereyes that look more awake, and an overall more energized complexion.

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye

Why it’s worth it: Allure’s best eye cream lists consistently include the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye because it’s a past Best of Beauty winner, and many dermatologists swear by it. According to Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, this eye treatment combines immediate visible improvements with long-term benefits by addressing the advanced glycation end-products (a.k.a. A.G.E.), which naturally develop and build up in our bodies as we age and cause our skin to sag. A.G.E. Advanced Eye’s potent blend of peptides, in particular, helps reverse them by improving firmness, tightness, and elasticity.

This undereye-tightening cream is also spiked with proxylane, blueberry extract, and flavonoids to help decrease the appearance of crow’s feet, as Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, has told Allure. “With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes,” she added.

Best Firming: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Loretta’s Tightening Eye Gel earned its Best of Beauty seal in 2019 for its highly effective, ultra-versatile formula that takes a literal 360 approach to rejuvenating the eye area. Tap it around the circumference of each eye, including your upper eyelid, to harness the benefits of tetrapeptide-5 and antioxidant-rich nannochloropsis oculata extract (a form of microalgae). Both help deflate puffiness, restore tautness, and kick-start collagen production for a smoother, more resilient eye area.

Best Overnight: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask

Why it’s worth it: Soothe puffy undereyes and fine lines while you snooze with the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask. This overnight mask enhances your beauty sleep with a max-strength combination of caffeine and niacinamide to brighten tone and soothe undereye puffiness, while antioxidant-rich peony extract and peptides create a firmer, plumper feel. Since it’s free of harsh active ingredients and fragrances, its formula is suitable for those with sensitive skin as well.

Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream targets lines, dark circles, and puffiness without making a huge dent in your bank account. “I love this one as it provides so many benefits of pricier products at a fraction of the cost,” Dr. Malik says. He points to its inclusion of gentle retinol, which helps promote collagen production, boost firmness, and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. (Just be sure to wear sunscreen to avoid irritation, as retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.) It also allows this incredibly lightweight formula to help diminish discoloration over time, adds David Li, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.

More eye-tightening creams we love:

Best Fast-Acting: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye

Peter Thomas Roth

Instant Firmx Eye

Why it’s worth it: The Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye deserves all the TikTok hype, according to Dr. Zubritsky and board-certified dermatologist Mona Mislankar, MD. It functions like a transparent clay mask, thanks to silicates extracted from natural clays. As it dries down, the gel formula absorbs moisture and gently pulls the delicate skin in the undereye area, making it feel tight—just like your favorite rinse-off mask—and instantly appear firmer, as cosmetic chemist Javon Ford previously shared with Allure. Dr. Zubritsky loves that Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Firmx Eye is also formulated with peptides to help depuff undereye bags and smooth wrinkles with long-term use.

Best Tinted: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Colorescience

Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Why it’s worth it: The Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 covers all of our bases for daytime skin care, which is why Donna Hart, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, swears by it. “It really checks multiple boxes: SPF coverage, concealing properties, fluid reduction, and fine line-reducing ingredients all in one,” she says. As it guards skin against UV rays with mineral-based sun blockers and provides creaseless complexion coverage, this hydrating mix of glycerin and panthenol also smooths sagging skin and boosts brightness for a more awake look, even when you’ve skimped on sleep.

Best for Hooded Eyes: Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream

Revision Skincare

DEJ Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: If you have hooded eyes (i.e., your lids slightly droop over your eyes), consider this eye-tightening cream recommendation from Dr. Malik. Specifically formulated for your eye shape, the Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream delivers a nourishing formula through a pump or a flat metal applicator. (The choice is up to you at checkout.) “It contains antioxidants, peptides, and other actives that address the multiple signs of aging around the delicate under-eye area,” Dr. Malik says. You can also count on them to help lift the drooping skin around your eyes and improve its firmness and elasticity.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes

Eau Thermale Avène

Retrinal Eyes Advanced 3-In-1 Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, approves of Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes for sensitive, reactive skin. “This formula uses retinaldehyde (a gentle vitamin A derivative) to smooth fine lines while soothing with thermal spring water,” she says, referring to it as “a silk robe for your undereyes.” If you’re not yet clued into retinaldehyde (or retinal for short), allow Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, to explain further. “Retinal and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives, but retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid—the active form your skin uses. That means it works faster and is typically more potent than retinol,” Dr. Levit previously told us. TL;DR If you’re looking for a fast-acting eye cream that address fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness with minimal side effects, this drugstore find should be on your radar—and hopefully in your cart.

Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream

Caudalíe

Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream

Why it’s worth it: This dreamy gel-cream puts resveratrol, an antioxidant, center stage to fight the loss of elasticity and fine lines along your under-eye area. Extracted from grapevine shoots, antioxidant-rich resveratrol helps visibly firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting collagen production, says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. Studies have also found that it helps accelerate wound healing and skin regeneration. Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream also contains intensely hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, quinoa extract, and sunflower seed oil, to help plump the fragile skin under your eyes, she adds.

Best for Dark Circles: Isdin K-Ox Eyes

Why it’s worth it: Vitamin C may be popular, but Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas, says the Isdin K-Ox Eyes treatment includes a heavily underutilized antioxidant, vitamin K. The ingredient increases circulation while hyaluronic acid, the other primary ingredient in Isdin’s treatment, hydrates skin, creating a plumper, more supple appearance while diminishing dark circles and inflammation at the same time. “This is an excellent eye cream to reduce puffiness, and safe to use on eyelids as well,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eye-tightening cream work?

Surprisingly, yes, but some have temporary skin-smoothing effects while others minimize the look of fine lines, sagging, and wrinkles over time with consistent use. Certain skin-care ingredients, like silicates, can have an instantly tightening effect on the under-eye area, as Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, mentions to Allure. Another way they work their magic is by adding hydration to the eye area. “When the skin is more visibly hydrated, it looks tighter,” Dr. Lolis explains.

Collagen-stimulating ingredients, such as peptides, retinol, and vitamin C, help firm and tighten the delicate skin around your eyes, too, with consistent use. Keep in mind that eye-tightening creams won’t give you the same undereyes you had the day you were born, though. They can, however, effectively help diminish the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness under your eyes.

How to apply eye cream

Dermatologists typically recommend gently tapping eye cream onto your eye area with your ring finger. It places the least amount of pressure on the delicate skin and is less likely to tug at it. Dr. Gohara says to “Apply along the orbital bone, not too close to the lash line.” You can also “use a chilled roller or gua sha [with your eye cream] for a spa-like boost,” she suggests as an optional upgrade.

Do you use eye cream or serum first?

Serum should be applied before eye cream. A general guideline experts suggest: Layer your skin-care products from thinnest to thickest consistency.

When to apply eye cream

Firming eye cream can be a part of your morning and nighttime skin-care routines. The only caveat: Eye creams formulated with retinol should only be used at night. (In the morning, you can reach for an eye cream with SPF.)

What in-office treatments are available for more intensive eye tightening?

We’ll let the pros take it from here: Dr. Gohara recommends radiofrequency microneedling (like Morpheus8), which is her “go-to for boosting collagen and elastin deep in the dermis.” If you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment (microneedling is considered minimally invasive, by the way), “Ultrasound-based devices like Ultherapy precisely target deeper layers to contour and tighten for a more lifted look,” Dr. Gohara adds. But, even with professional treatments, you shouldn’t negate your topicals. The strongest, most results-driven combination is always in-office treatments coupled with consistent at-home care.

Meet the experts

• Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
• Mona Mislankar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Javon Ford, a cosmetic chemist in Los Angeles
• Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in NYC
• Donna Hart, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin
• Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston
• David Li, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston
• Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, Connecticut

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

Are fine lines and creases around your lids crinkling your eye makeup look? The best eye primers for mature skin can smooth them out. These nifty eyelid primers create an even base layer for your cream, liquid, and powder eye shadows to ensure they stay put without creasing, smudging, or settling into wrinkles.

There are many eye shadow primers out there, but makeup artists swear by the following formulas for creating level canvases and seamless looks on the delicate, wrinkle-prone skin around the eye area. Plus, they’re helpful for gripping your shadows and eyeliners all day long, no matter how intricate your eye-makeup routine may be. (As a bonus, many of them also contain skin-firming ingredients—hey, peptides—so these formulas pay off both instantly and in the long run.) Take a look at the best eyeshadow primers for smoothing fine lines and creases, below:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging

Urban Decay

Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging

Why it’s worth it: Urban Decay’s original Primer Potion kicked off the eye shadow primer revolution back in the early 2000s, and now the beige-tinted formula is available in an Anti-Aging rendition made especially for those with fine lines and creping skin. “Formulated with mature skin in mind, this primer lengthens the life of eye shadow without settling into fine lines or being too thick in texture,” says Natalie Dresher, a Miami-based makeup artist. This eye shadow primer ensures pigments are locked in place for a full 24 hours while its key ingredients, dermaxyl (a ceramide-peptide complex) and kalpariane (an antioxidant-rich algae extract) provide much-needed moisture for wrinkled, dry skin to look and feel smoother over time.

Best Shade Range: Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Nudes

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Colorfix Nudes

Why it’s worth it: Yes, we know that the Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Nudes are traditionally a cream eye shadow—but their formulas live up to their no-crease, no-budge promises so well that Kasey Spickard, a New York City-based makeup artist, says they can be worn alone and as a base for your other shadows and liners. Spickard notes how impressive the Colorfix’s entire vibrant, fade-proof collection is, but shouts out the Nudes in particular for their 12 color options. “The Nudes collection has a shade that will match all skin tones, guaranteed,” he says. Usually, that’s an eyebrow-raising claim to us, but considering the Danessa Myricks brand is known for its inclusive shade ranges across all its cosmetics products, we have to agree.

Best Longwear: MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow in Painterly

MAC

Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow in Painterly

Why it’s worth it: MAC’s Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadows were created to act as a two-in-one primer and cream shadow, but Drescher notes that Painterly, a pink-beige matte color, is an ideal base for all of your makeup options. “This little pot is technically a cream shadow, but has been used as an eyeshadow primer for decades by all makeup artists,” she says. It’s a pro MUA staple for its opaque, vibrancy-enhancing shade and intensive 24-hour wear that seriously won’t budge once it’s settled.

Best for Dry Skin: Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Nars

Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Why it’s worth it: Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base goes on clear and dries down invisibly as if it were a second skin. “This long-wearing, ultra-lightweight eye makeup base has been my go-to for decades,” says New York City-based makeup artist Nick Barose. It’s formulated with a unique blend of polymers and mineral powders that are especially great for dry skin to create a smooth, crease-resistant canvas that keeps eyeshadow locked in place all day. “I love that it grips without feeling heavy or interfering with any shadow I layer on top. It just lets the color shine,” he says. Antioxidant-rich rice extract and sea whip extract to hydrate the delicate eye area, so you can consider it skin care for your lids.

Best Lightweight: Hourglass Veil Eye Primer

Why it’s worth it: If you can’t stand the feeling of heavy makeup on your lids, Hourglass Veil Eye Primer is a weightless go-to. It has a featherlight texture that disappears into skin while keeping your eyeshadow crease-free and vibrant. “I like this eyeshadow primer because it’s lightweight, has vitamins E and C, and glides on smoothly—it’s fantastic for dry lids and helps prevent creasing,” says Carl Ray, a makeup artist based in Washington, D.C. A universal, soft tint helps even out skin tone without dulling your shadow’s color payoff. Plus, it creates a smooth, softly blurred canvas that makes blending textured shadows (like ones with shimmer) more seamless.

Best for Dark Circles: Glo Skin Beauty Essential Eye Base

Glo Skin Beauty

Essential Eye Base

Why it’s worth it: Sometimes eyes look tired even after a full night’s sleep (unfair, we know). Glo Skin Beauty Essential Eye Base is a creamy, tinted eye makeup primer that doubles as a concealer, instantly brightening the entire eye area by blurring redness and discoloration for a more refreshed, wide-awake look in seconds. “It applies smoothly, evens out skin tone, doesn’t crease, and stays put all day,” says Ray. Infused with caffeine to reduce puffiness, plus aloe and cucumber extract to hydrate and calm dry lids, it has major skin-care benefits in addition to extending your eye makeup look. Wear it alone for an even-toned finish or under makeup to improve eyeshadow application, grip, and color payoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an eye shadow primer?

Simply put, an eyeshadow primer’s job is to secure your eye makeup in place—no creasing, smudging, or fading as the day goes on. Think of it like face primer, but formulated specifically for the delicate, often finicky eye area. “They also absorb oil and increase the longevity of your eyeshadow,” adds Spickard. Many formulas are infused with hydrating, moisturizing, and oil-controlling ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and kaolin clay) to target concerns like dryness or excess shine. And when it comes to smoother, more even makeup application, a good primer isn’t just helpful, it’s a game-changer.

What should mature skin types keep in mind when looking for an eye shadow primer?

If you’re in the market for a fine line-smoothing primer for your eye shadow, Spickard recommends finding a formula that fully dries down (so, wait for it to set before you move onto eye shadow!) and locks in place to create a smooth, seamless base. “Also, you’re going to want something with pigment as mature eyes often have more discoloration and you want to even out the lid before going in with your eyeshadow for an even application,” he adds.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best eye primers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Good skin is always in! Skincare experts Lisa Garcia and Natalia Guzman are known for providing natural results to their clients through treatments including microneedling, wrinkle relaxers, skin boosters, peels, lasers, and more at the Atelier Aesthetix studio in Beverly Hills, California.

The two pride themselves on providing personalized, expert care, while steering clear of beauty fads.

“I like to preserve what makes you uniquely you and enhance rather than alter. … I will say no to requests for overly aggressive or trendy work that doesn’t age well or compromises safety, like too much filler, unrealistic proportions, or unnecessary treatments,” Garcia tells ET.

“So many of my patients want to look refreshed and more confident without looking like they’ve had work done and that’s the sweet spot I love to work in. …  I’m not a fan of DIY skincare trends that float around on social media or using products that promise miracles,” Guzman adds.

What they are into: Staying consistent with sunscreen. 

“It sounds simple, but sunscreen every single day is the foundation of everything I do. Protecting your investment is the best way to keep your skin healthy, youthful, and glowing,” Garcia says.

“If I had to pick one thing, daily SPF is the best anti-aging product out there,” Guzman continues.

Other must-haves according to the pair? 

“Using high-quality, evidence-based skincare will help prolong results. … I always recommend patients think of in-office treatments and home care as a partnership that works best together,” Garcia explains.

“I recommend antioxidants, a gentle retinoid if appropriate, and consistent hydration. … I’m also obsessed with exosomes and growth factor-based serums, especially post-procedure, to help speed up healing and make your results even better,” Guzman shares.

The aesthetic nurse provider and practitioner also stick to healthy habits to maintain their glowy complexions.

“Avoid smoking and try to manage stress as well as possible,” Garcia suggests. 

“Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, will impact your skin,” Guzman spills. 

RELATED CONTENT:

As board-certified dermatologist Anar Mikailov, M.D., explained in a podcast episode: “Fundamentally, there are biological processes that lead to skin, muscle, joint, and bone aging. In terms of bone, most people have heard of the term osteoporosis. Well, for skin there’s a new term called dermatoporosis1 that’s basically the same concept, which is chronic cutaneous insufficiency or fragility,” he explains. “About 40% of individuals in their 60s and over will have some manifestation of this, and these manifestations can be both visual and functional.” 

Throughout most of my life, the idea of applying sunscreen only ever occured to me right before hitting the pool or beach for the day. But now, it’s a part of my everyday routine—whatever the weather, no matter the season. Yep, you’ll even catch me applying sunscreen on the days that I’m sitting at my desk and staring at my computer all day.

Why? Because whether we’re sitting in traffic as part of our daily commute, getting a quick workout in or heading to a post-work happy hour, chances are we’re still being exposed to UV rays during the in-betweens in the car, short walks from building to building, through windows—you get the gist.

Of course, you can’t avoid aging altogether, but when applied regularly, sunscreen can reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and overall redness for healthier skin through the years. More than just fighting sunburns or skin cancer, sunscreen can help improve your skin’s overall appearance, including its tone and texture.

Preventative measures now will prove to be much easier and cheaper than trying to get rid of existing wrinkles or fine lines down the line (think Botox or plastic surgery). But remember, when it comes to sunscreen application, consistency really is key. Apply at least once every day to reap the maximum anti-aging benefits.

It’s never too late to start. No matter your age, slather on some sunscreen for smoother, more youthful, radiant skin! For starters, here are some of our current favorites.

For dry skin

Beautylish recommends:

For oily skin

Beautylish recommends:

For tinted coverage

Beautylish recommends:

For a radiant glow

Beautylish recommends:

For a blurring finish

Beautylish recommends:

For an invisible finish

Beautylish recommends: