Five Great Anti-Aging Eye Creams: The Pros and Cons

Looking for a great eye cream? I've researched five that have been making the news and have received highly positive reviews from real-time users (including Makeupalley.com, Amazon.com and Eyecreamadvisor.com). We've also included the negatives so you can make the choice that's best for you.

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Treatment Cream 

Pros: Contains collagen and Restorative Elasticity Complex. Users say it works wonders for dark eye circles. Additional effects: it reduces under-eye bags and minimizes the look of fine lines. Users say it has a very smooth feel and is absorbed quickly. A few users state it was recommended by their dermatologist.

Cons: The price point is a little high for many users and there doesn't appear to be a trial size, so it's an investment that may or may not work out. Also, because the product is said to take 4-6 weeks for improvement, the whole purchase seems necessary. Though overall the product seems to have worked very well for the majority, make sure you purchase from a retailer who accepts returns just in case it doesn't work well for you.

Directions: Use twice daily under and around eyes.

Price: $72.00 for 0.5-oz. 

Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex

Pros: Contains SPF30, an invaluable factor for any skin care product but particularly for the delicate eye area, which is prone to collagen break-down due to the sun. Users say only a small amount is needed. Reported effects include diminished under-eye circles, diminished lines and wrinkles and a firmer skin feel. The price point ($20 for 0.5 oz; less for 0.3 oz. - make sure you have selected the correct size) makes it one of the lowest-priced eye products we've seen.

Cons: Some users report that the moisturization effect only lasted a few hours, requiring re-application of the product. This means more of the product was needed, making the low price point somewhat less of a draw for buyers.

Directions: Use twice daily around the entire eye area.

Price: $20.75 for 0.5-oz.

Revitol Eye Cream 

Pros: The website contains firm science, including lab studies of several of the ingredients. Users say it reduces the look of dark circles in 2-4 weeks. It is also said to lift the eye area and fills out lines and wrinkles effectively. Most users say only a small amount needs to be used, making the product cost-friendly at $39.95 for 0.5-oz.

Cons: Some users say the product absorbs slowly or has a somewhat oily feel. There appears to be no trial size, so those on a limited budget can't "try before they buy."

Directions: Use around the eye area twice a day.

Price: $39.95 for 0.5-oz.

Skimedica Night Eye Repair

Pros: Contains several natural ingredients, which are a draw for many users. Users report that it is very gentle to the eye area and to the eyes themselves. Firms, lifts and helps reduce the look of fine lines.

Cons: Some users have reported that the consistency of the product differed from one purchase to the next purchase. Some users said it did not absorb as well as other products they tried.

Directions: Apply to the lower eye area (underneath the eyes) only, once at night.

Price: $46.70 for 0.5-oz.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream

Pros: Contains Eye Brightening Complex for a brighter appearance. Users report firming and age-minimizing (i.e. fine lines and wrinkles) effects. Contains some natural ingredients, including soy, for elasticity.

Cons: Some users did not find this formula moisturizing enough. Some users stated that the price point was too high.

Directions: Apply twice daily underneath brow bone and underneath the eyes.

Price: $40.63 for 0.5-oz.