Did you see Emily's article about depression last week? She may not be feeling her best, but she still looks like a glowy 15-year-old.
Regardless, when Emily asked me if she needs to be using an eye cream, I responded with a frantic YES! If you have eyes, then you can benefit from slathering the skin around them with some cream. Makes sense, right? [I, on the other hand, have never used eye cream and have the lines to prove it. It's a choice! Heehee. 
]
The problem with eye creams, though, is they can be sort of overwhelming. Each formula comes with its own list of key ingredients, promises and claims, and it's hard to separate the good stuff from the gimmicks.
I called, Dr. Anne Chapas, who's really my therapist at this point -- I see her several times a week. Once I was done unloading about my acne, we moved on to eye creams, which she says are just fancy moisturizers with additives, but you do need to use one.
The skin around your eyes is insanely delicate and fragile, like little baby Blue Ivy, and similarly it must be handled with care. Dr. Chapas told me what ingredients to look for.
If puffiness is your problem, look for an eye care product with caffeine, which helps to constrict blood flow and calm inflammation. For darkness, try a formula that has reflective particles. Go for a cream with retinol for anti-aging (duh) and apply it at night as UV rays lessen its efficacy.
And if you're still confused, just use something. Most of my favorites make anti-aging claims, but remember, you're never too young to take care of your eye skin.
L'Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm, $20: This ultra-rich cream is perfect for those with dryness, and it offers hydration without leaving behind any excess grease. Pat it on in the morning under your concealer, then smooth it on again at night before you go to bed.
Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller, $20: This has caffeine, a great choice for AM application. The roller ball applicator makes Emily feel weird, but I've been massaging it over my undereyes at my desk since I got it.
Lancome Regenerie Eye Multiple Action, $75: Olivia calls this dynamic eye duo "the Bentley." Unscrew the lid to reveal an ultra-hydrating antioxidant-packed eye cream, then flip the top and you've got Lancome's tried and true concealer to combat dark circles.
Estee Lauder Idealist Illuminating Eye Cooler, $58: Reach for this after a long night when you've got puffiness and dark circles to tackle. The caffeine in this cream deflates undereyes, while light-reflecting particles brighten dullness.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye, $38: The firming action on this eye treatment is so potent that the tube instructs users to "remain expressionless" immediately after application. The instant tightening effects had Emily screaming from her office.
Are you concerned about the state of your around-the-eye area like me, or are you more of an Emily or a Jane? And what products do you swear by? Let's talk about it.
Images by Olivia, illest photographer alive.
Follow Julie on Twitter @JR_Schott.
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