Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
The best eye-tightening creams take the thinnest, most delicate skin from puffy to smooth—albeit temporarily. Although they may seem gimmicky, many eye-tightening creams come highly recommended by board-certified dermatologists. While their tightening effects are short-lived, collagen-boosting ingredients like peptides have serious long-term benefits, says Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Of course, these creams aren’t bottled-up versions of IPL treatments or a blepharoplasty (eye lift), but they truly help tighten, plump, and firm your undereyes in a pain-free pinch.
Our Top Eye-Tightening Creams
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye, $125
- Best Lightweight: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel, $65
- Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment, $60
- Best for Puffiness: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream, $65
- Best for Brightening: Neocutis Lumière Firm, $114
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Does eye-tightening cream work?
- How do you apply eye cream?
- Do you use eye cream or serum first?
- When do you apply eye cream?
- What in-office treatments are available for more intensive eye tightening?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
If your skin-care goals include minimizing the appearance of dark circles, offsetting sagging, smoothing eye wrinkles, or all of the above, an eye cream—especially one with firming benefits—should be the first thing you add to your virtual cart. With that, dive into our favorites below.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
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SkinCeuticals
A.G.E Advanced Eye
Bluemercury
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Shanna Shipin
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: We continually come back to 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 advanced glycation end-products (a.k.a. A.G.E.), which naturally develop and build up in our bodies as we age, causing our skin to sag. A.G.E. Advanced Eye’s potent blend of peptides, in particular, helps slow down this process 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, told Allure. "With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes,” she added.
Pai before applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have really deep crow’s feet when I smile—the downside of having an expressive face—but this stuff has helped soften their look and keep them from getting further etched in when my face is at rest. It feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, and I appreciate that it hasn’t seemed to exacerbate the milia around my eyes.” —Deanna Pai, contributing editor
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"Thanks to genetics and my big cheeks, I've had crow's feet since grade school. The larger smile-induced lines have never bothered me before, but as I've gotten older, there's been a proliferation of fine lines around my eyes, along with overall thinning and loss of suppleness in that area. Lifelong eyelid eczema—and rubbing at said eczema (naturally!)—have not only contributed to premature aging but have also made it very difficult for me to find an eye cream that doesn't irritate my skin. Thankfully, SkinCeuticals' A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream does exactly what I need: it hydrates the area while making it appear tighter and more plump overall without causing irritation. While I haven't seen the darkness under my eyes corrected just yet, I have noticed a plumper, more alive, look to my eyes."—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: everyone
- Key ingredients: caffeine, peptides, proxylane, flavonoids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lightweight: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
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Dr. Loretta
Tightening Eye Gel
Amazon
Dermstore
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: Over years of testing, we’ve found that many tightening creams feel heavy or thick under the eyes. But Dr. Loretta’s Tightening Eye Gel earned a Best of Beauty Award for the opposite reason—its lightweight, cooling formula takes a literal 360-degree approach to rejuvenating the eye area. Tap it around the circumference of each eye, including your upper eyelid, to harness the soothing, hydrating, and firmness-enhancing benefits of tetrapeptide-5, a common peptide, antioxidant-rich nannochloropsis oculata extract (a form of microalgae), and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Together, they help restore tautness, add a burst of moisture, and kick start collagen production for a smoother eye area.
Once applied, it immediately soaks into the skin without any tacky residue, so you can apply makeup right on top (if you want) without worrying about it pilling or looking cakey.
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after applying the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“I’ve heard a lot of depuffing promises in my day—this clear gel actually makes good on them. I tap it all the way around my eyes (yes, even the lids) to get everything looking a little more taut before I go in with concealer. It also contains peptides and antioxidants that make my eye area smoother when I use it consistently for a couple of months.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
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- Who it’s best for: everyone
- Key ingredients: tetrapeptide-5, algae extract, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Puffiness: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream
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Caudalíe
Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Revolve
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream
Alessandra Foresto
Why it’s worth it: If you’re sick of waking up with puffy undereyes, give Caudalie’s Reservatrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream a go. The cooling metal applicator feels especially indulgent as a refreshing morning burst, helping to drain any stagnant fluid. Once applied, gently tap in any excess with your fingertips for a dewy, well-rested glow.
Key ingredients include quinoa extract to hydrate and improve elasticity, smoothing peptides, and the brand’s signature resveratrol (derived from grapevine leaves) to help soften the look of fine lines. Add in vegan collagen 1, a lab-crafted substitute for the skin’s own collagen, for a visibly firmer look, plus a dose of hyaluronic acid for that plump finish.
Foresto before applying the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“Before this eye cream, I was not very good at keeping up with applying eye cream. But the combination of this cream's light formula, its ability to depuff, and its refreshing applicator made me reach for it night after night until it became an unmissable step in my routine. I use it at the end of my routine after a moisturizing serum. My undereyes have become both less puffy and smoother after using a couple of tubes of this eye cream.
I like that the tip has a dispenser on one side and a cooling tip on the other, so you don't have to use your fingers on the delicate area around the eyes. It's also fragrance-free, which is key for my easily irritable skin.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: those with puffy undereyes and fine lines
- Key ingredients: quinoa extract, peptides, resveratrol, vegan collagen 1
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment
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Kiehl's Since 1851
Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: Some eye treatments can be too thick and greasy for those with oily lids—if that’s you, we recommend Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment. The light, cushiony formula melts in quickly, allowing the fine-line-busting niacinamide and plumping collagen peptides inside to get to work improving firmness and evening out skin tone, says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
And, it’s not just for your undereyes. “This cream targets all around the eyes—brow bone, eyelid, crow’s feet, and undereye included—which makes it especially helpful for multiple concerns like dark circles and sagging above or below the eyes,” Dr. Spearman adds. If you’re looking for brightening and lifting in a single step, this formula works hard on all fronts.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m a recent eye cream convert, thanks to Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment. I don’t need a mirror to apply it or worry about a greasy film—it sinks in instantly and feels almost weightless. It’s still early days for dramatic results, but a few weeks in, the puffiness under my eyes definitely looks more tamped down.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: people with dark circles, puffiness, or crow’s feet
- Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, collagen peptides, caffeine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Circles: Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment
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Alastin Skincare
Restorative Eye Treatment
Amazon
Alastin
Why it’s worth it: No eye cream will erase dark circles or puffiness overnight (if only), but with consistent use, Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment will show up for your skin. This rich, nourishing formula tackles all the usual suspects: uneven tone, fine lines, and undereye bags. “It targets discoloration and dullness with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants and smooths fine lines while making the skin look more radiant and refreshed,” says Dr. Spearman.
Green tea extract helps minimize the look of dark circles, while the brand’s proprietary TriHex Technology, a blend of peptides and botanical ingredients, supports the production of new, healthy collagen. But don’t just take our word for it—derms use it themselves: “I often use this in the morning for a subtle brightening effect that layers nicely under makeup,” Dr. Spearman adds.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“When I look for an eye cream, I want it to do it all: depuff, smooth out texture, and brighten. I won't pretend as if I remember to use eye cream every day, but I try to at least every other day. I usually reach for a retinol eye cream at night, but Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment has been great for the daytime. There's antioxidant protection à la niacinamide and tons of peptides (my fave) to help support collagen and elastin production—two processes I'm slowly losing as I creep towards my mid-30s. I could still work on getting better/more sleep, but my undereyes certainly look brighter after each application—over time, I've seen some improvement in firmness, but nothing dramatic at my age. And I love a mess-free pump situation.
I've never had any issues with Alastin products and can see why the no-nonsense brand is such a hit with dermatologists. The formulas simply work! The only downside is that I probably wouldn't purchase it myself in a world in which I wasn't a beauty editor and receiving samples to test. But, especially for people with mature skin who may have more funds to spare, I'd definitely recommend.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: people with dark undereye circles or puffiness
- Key ingredients: TriHex Technology, green tea extract, niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
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Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve experienced the efficacy of Estée Lauder’s best-selling Advanced Night Repair Serum, you’ll love the Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream. It takes all of the serum’s smoothing benefits and brings it straight to the eye area. This bouncy cream floods the skin with the brand’s proprietary Night Peptide to support nighttime repair, along with caffeine to make tired-looking eyes look brighter.
There’s also 2HA Volume Filler, made from two forms of hyaluronic acid that help plump the look of fine lines, and ferments (like Bifida ferment lysate) that support smoother, firmer-looking undereyes, lids, crow’s feet, and inner corners overnight, so you wake up looking smoother and noticeably more refreshed.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“I used to think eye cream was a scam. Isn't it just moisturizer by another name? Then, I turned 35. It was then that I decided my dark circles needed special care. I was attracted to this line because I know the power of the best-selling Advanced Night Repair serum. This is a souped-up version customized for eyes. It has a similar lightweight texture but has two types of hyaluronic acid to help plump the area instantly. That minimizes the look of lines, which I appreciate before applying any type of concealer.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: those with dry undereyes and fine lines
- Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, Bifida ferment lysate, caffeine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Brightening: Neocutis Lumière Firm
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Neocutis
Lumière Firm
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: The ingredient list for Neocutis Lumière Firm reads like a who’s who of skin-care heavy hitters: growth factors for collagen support and cell renewal, proprietary peptides for firmness, caffeine to depuff, and brightening vitamin C for antioxidant protection. “The skin around the eyes is delicate, thin, and prone to milia, which is why I often recommend eye creams like this one that are lightweight, oil-free, and clinically proven to firm, hydrate, and brighten without clogging pores,” says Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and Calabasas, California. She uses it herself in the mornings to give her eyelids a subtly lifted look throughout the day.
With a silky, quick-absorbing texture that smooths and nourishes without any heaviness, undereyes look brighter, tighter, and more than ready for the next step in your skin-care routine: moisturizers and sunscreen!
Allure editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel applying the Neocutis Lumière Firm
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the Neocutis Lumière Firm
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from Cruel
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“This eye cream is one that I use every morning and evening. I use a few dabs under my eyes, then rub in circles from under my eyes to under my brow bone. It feels thick at first, but once it melts in, you feel instant effects. It almost feels like this cream is scaffolding, holding puffiness at bay. You aren't going to see instant results, but for me, I feel more awake. That instant tightening feeling comes from the caffeine in this formula.
There are also plenty of other actives—peptides, growth factors, and vitamin C—to help long-term smoothing under the eyes. It's a pricey eye cream, but that's in part due to the growth factors. This formula is from the same company that brings you Xeomin, so it's got the science behind the price tag.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: people with loss of firmness around the eyes and/or dark circles
- Key ingredients: human growth factors (cutaneous lysate), peptides, caffeine, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sunken Eyes: Fig. 1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
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Fig. 1
Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD, is a fan of Fig. 1’s Pro Retinol Eye Cream because it “helps boost collagen with retinyl palmitate (also known as pro-retinol) and peptides, while humectants and emollients plump and smooth the skin.” Where collagen and peptides provide bounce, retinyl palmitate (a gentler, slower-absorbing derivative of vitamin A that’s more suitable for those with sensitive skin) smooths out texture for smooth, soft undereyes. Like all of Fig.1’s products, this cream also features the brand’s signature seed oil blend, which features ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: those with sensitive skin who want smooth, plump undereyes
- Key ingredients: retinyl palmitate, peptides, seed oil blend (ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Hooded Eyes: Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream
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Revision Skincare
DEJ Eye Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: If you have hooded eyes (i.e., your lids slightly droop over your eyes), Revision Skincare’s DEJ Eye Cream is highly recommended by Dr. Malik. Specifically formulated for your eye shape and made to target the layer between the epidermis and dermis called the dermal-epidermal junction (hence the DEJ in the name), it delivers a nourishing formula through a pump or a flat metal applicator. (The choice is up to you at checkout.)
This velvety cream “contains antioxidants, peptides, and other actives [like pre and postbiotics, as well as algae] that address the multiple signs of aging around the delicate undereye area,” Dr. Malik says. You can also count on this lineup to help lift the drooping skin around your eyes, improving firmness and elasticity.
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- Who it’s best for: everyone, especially those with dry skin
- Key ingredients: prebiotics, postbiotics, bioactive peptides, algae extracts, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline (amino acid)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Budget: Eau Thermale Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Action Eye Cream
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Eau Thermale Avène
Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Action Eye Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If Eau Thermale Avène's Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Action Eye Cream could talk, it would remind you that texture matters just as much as ingredients, especially around the eyes. “While gels can feel refreshing, a true cream like this one delivers long-lasting hydration and structure-supporting actives without greasiness or heaviness,” says Dr. Luftman. Niacinamide, adenosine, and hyaluronic acid work together to firm, smooth, and plump the delicate eye area, while dextran sulfate helps deflate puffiness. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and nourishing safflower seed oil to boost radiance and support the barrier.
And of course, there’s the brand’s signature base: “Avène’s unique thermal spring water is long recognized for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties,” she adds. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this cream is a reliable choice for visible tightening and lasting suppleness.
More to know
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- Who it’s best for: people with dry, crepey skin around the eyes
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, adenosine, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
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 undereye area, as Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells Allure. Another way they work is by adding hydration to the eye area. “When the skin is more visibly hydrated, it looks tighter,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Collagen-stimulating ingredients, such as peptides, retinol, and vitamin C, also help firm and tighten the delicate skin around your eyes, with consistent use. Keep in mind that eye-tightening creams won’t give you the same undereyes you had the day you were born. They can, however, effectively help diminish the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness under your eyes.
How do you 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. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, 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 first, before eye cream. A general guideline experts suggest: Layer your skin-care products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
When do you 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), 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
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group based in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group based in Beverly Hills and Calabasas, California
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology based in New York City
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, IN
- Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
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.
For our list of the best eye-tightening creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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