We picked our favourite lifting and contouring eye creams to perk up tired, saggy eyelids.

When it comes to skincare in our early 20s and 30s, there’s often an emphasis on maintaining the skin barrier. Good skin barrier health ensures the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is vital in keeping the skin supple and firm. And the healthier and hydrated the skin is, the better it’s able to repair itself.

However, as we age, our skin is exposed to all sorts of stressors that can negatively impact the skin barrier and its ability to heal itself. When this occurs, the integrity and firmness of the skin begin to collapse. This is particularly detrimental to the already thin skin around the eyes, as this area can become saggy or droopy.

Fortunately, there’s a way to help manage these effects, and that’s by seeking out the right eye lifting or firming cream.

How to Pick the Best Eye Lift Cream?

The skin around our eyes is extremely thin and delicate. As such, this area is often the first to show age-related changes like sagging skin.

Several factors increase skin laxity, and these include:

• Sun exposure and pollution: Environmental stressors like these can trigger free radical damage in the skin, which breaks down collagen and other essential lipids that keep skin youthful and supple.

• Lifestyle choices: Smoking and drinking can bring about trouble by causing oxidative stress on the skin. When left unmanaged, these habits can affect our skin’s natural elasticity.
• Lack of structural support: Since the skin of our eyelids sits over the hollow of the eye socket, the area lacks an adequate amount of soft tissue, muscle, and bone to keep the skin supported. This makes the area more prone to sagging and developing wrinkles.
• Loss of collagen: As we age, our skin loses the ability to produce collagen, which is the compound that keeps skin firm. As such, the eye area is often the first facial feature to succumb to the pull of gravity and show signs of drooping or sagging.

It’s only natural to want to minimize the appearance of droopy or saggy eyelids, as they can sometimes make one look tired. In other cases, they can even make one look older than they actually are. And while we can’t stop time from doing its thing, you can improve your skin’s appearance by using a lifting or firming eye cream designed to restore the skin’s capacity to produce collagen.

But before you head off to the drugstore, consider these questions:

• How severe is the drooping/sagging of your eyelids?
• Which ingredients can help address drooping/sagging eyelids?
• What’s your skin type?
• Do you do your skincare routine during the day or night?
• What kind of packaging works for you?
• How much are you willing to spend on eye cream?

Skin-firming ingredients

As mentioned before, the skin barrier becomes compromised as we age. Our natural collagen and elastin stores break down, and the skin becomes lax, especially around the eyes. We’re also unable to produce new collagen or repair weakened elastin fibers, and as a result, the skin is unable to bounce back from the damage.

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom because several skincare ingredients can help give your skin that extra support it needs. If you have hooded eye lids, be sure to check out our favourite eye creams for hooded eyes.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A commonly used in many anti-aging skincare products. It stimulates new collagen production in the skin’s deeper layers and speeds up its cell renewal process.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and wound-healing properties. Studies have also shown that vitamin E helps thicken the epidermis and improves its ability to bind and retain moisture. While unstable on its own, the benefits of vitamin E significantly increase when paired with vitamin C.

Peptides

Peptides comprise short links of amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen and elastin. When applied to the skin, peptides can reduce inflammation and improve wound healing. This, in turn, improves skin barrier health and elasticity. In addition, peptides also delay the aging process by triggering cells in the skin to produce more collagen.

Hydration

Hydration is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and it’s even more critical if you want to boost your skin’s collagen. When skin is dehydrated, it’s unable to repair itself. More importantly, it’s unable to facilitate the movement of vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis. To help boost your skin’s moisture, you can turn to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides.

[note]Ultimately, eye creams are limited in what they can do and cannot lift the skin as dramatically as laser or surgical procedures can. The effect of eye creams on the skin is subtle, but they can show remarkable results depending on how early you start using them and how regularly.[/note]

Skin type suitability

Though most eye creams contain similar ingredients, some formulations are better suited to specific skin types. So, it’s essential to understand what your skin type is.

• Dry skin: This skin type produces less oil and lacks the necessary lipids in the skin barrier to retain moisture. To make up for this, people with this skin type should look for thicker moisturizing creams that contain more emollients and occlusives. These compounds help by saturating the skin and leaving a thin film on the skin’s surface to seal in moisture.
• Oily skin: This skin type has very active sebum production that sometimes leads to acne development. If you have oily skin, you’re better off with lightweight, quick-absorbing moisturizers that don’t linger on the skin’s surface too long.
• Sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin are prone to inflammation, redness, and irritation. Several “trigger” ingredients to look out for include denatured alcohol, which can dehydrate skin, and synthetic fragrances and essential oils, which can irritate the skin’s deeper layers.

Day/night routine

When considering which eye cream to buy, think about how you do your daily skincare routine. If you prefer to do your routine in the morning before starting your day, look for thinner, lightweight creams or gels that are easy to work into the skin. Lighter creams can even act as a skin primer, ensuring that your makeup always stays put, even in humid climates.

The problem with using thicker eye creams in the morning is that they tend to be greasier and take more time to become absorbed. As such, heavy eye creams may not go well with makeup and cause it to form creases.

For this reason, heavy eye creams or serums are more ideal for night use, as this gives them time to be fully absorbed by the skin. The same goes for time-release eye creams. These types of creams contain microscopic encapsulated actives that slowly break down over time to be absorbed by the skin. This makes them more ideal for night use so they can work their magic during undisturbed sleeping hours. Knowing when and how to apply your eye cream can also ensure you’re maximising the effectiveness of your eye cream

Hygiene

Hygiene is non-negotiable when it comes to anything we put on our faces. But sometimes, it’s overlooked when purchasing products.

Eye creams typically come in small pots or jars. The problem with that is that we tend to use our fingers to apply the product directly. This can lead to contamination and bacteria formation if those fingers aren’t clean.

To prevent this from occurring, use a makeup spatula to handle the product. Alternatively, choose products with more hygienic packaging, such as tubes or airtight pumps.

Prolonging the shelf life of your skincare products is also a matter of good storage. If your eye cream contains many active ingredients, it’s best to store them somewhere cool and dark. Keeping them away from the sun helps keep unstable actives from breaking down and becoming ineffective. This is especially important if you are considering making your own DIY eye cream.

Price

A hefty price tag is not an automatic indicator of good quality. Many pricey eye creams contain high-quality ingredients but can also be full of sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), essential oils, fragrances, and other irritants.

The same can be said of cheaper eye creams. There are affordable brands that work perfectly well, and there are those containing harmful synthetic ingredients that could irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes. It is also important to note that while cheaper eye creams may claim to have similar ingredients as expensive brands, the formulation may contain lower concentrations of the key ingredients. This means that the cheaper eye creams may not be as potent or effective as more expensive ones.

Ultimately, it’s always best to review a product’s ingredient list and consider how potent a fix is needed for your drooping eyelids problems.

6 Best Eye Lift Creams for Drooping Eyelids [2021]

Here are our picks for the best firming and lifting eye creams:

1. MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• 80% filtrated snail mucus
• Epithelial Cell Growing Factors (EGF)
• Adenosine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Creates a protective moisture barrier
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula

Korean beauty brand MIZON creates innovative skincare products that combine advanced research with current beauty trends. Their MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream is one of their more popular products and has a potent, skin-friendly formulation that uses natural regenerative ingredients.

A gentle formula that promotes skin regeneration

Snail mucin and EGF are responsible for strengthening the skin barrier and replenishing collagen. Snail mucin has anti-aging properties that encourage wound healing and improves skin cell survival. It also increases the number of fibroblasts in the skin, which are essential in collagen synthesis. On the other hand, EGF facilitates the regeneration of epithelial cells, which form a protective layer on the skin barrier.

Superior moisturization that’s light on the skin

The MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream is loaded with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, adenosine, and niacinamide. Together, they have the combined benefits of:

1. boosting moisture,
2. improving elasticity,
3. addressing wrinkles,
4. and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

While the formulation is lightweight, the eye cream also contains emollients like meadowfoam seed oil and birch tree sap. These ingredients help tighten the skin and create a seal that prevents further moisture loss.

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

The MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream is generally well-tolerated by most users. However, those with very dry skin may find its thin, quick-absorbing formulation not hydrating enough. The tightening effect of the eye cream may also be uncomfortable for those who live in drier climates.

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2. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream Treatment (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• Pro-Retinol A and Stimuplex™
• SPF 25
• Ideal for dry skin types

As one of the world’s biggest beauty brands, L’Oreal is committed to creating innovative, research-driven, high-quality skincare products for people of all ages. Their Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream, in particular, is geared towards mature skin and for the improvement of the appearance of aging eyes.

A unique formula that revitalizes tired-looking eyelids

The eye cream is formulated with Pro-Retinol A Complex, strengthening the skin and improving skin texture by boosting the cell renewal process. It’s also enriched with Stimuplex™, a unique formulation that firms and smooths the skin around the eyes. It can visibly reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and give a subtle lift to the eyes in as little as four weeks.

Essential UV protection for mature skin

This eye cream is fortified with SPF 25, which is essential in protecting vulnerable aging skin from free radical damage that worsens aging signs around the eyes.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream Treatment (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

Many users enjoy the moisturizing capabilities of this eye cream; however, those with sensitive skin types have also experienced redness and irritation from its excessively-fragranced formulation.

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3. Avon Anew Clinical Dual Eye Lift

Avon Anew Clinical Dual Eye Lift (From:Avon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• 2-in-1 treatment for the upper and lower eyelids
• Arginine, caffeine, ceramides, and shea butter
• Ideal for sensitive skin types

From a company that has been empowering women for over 100 years, the award-winning Avon Anew Clinical Dual Eye Lift is an innovative 2-in-1 eye gel and cream targeted to improve the appearance of both the upper and lower eyelids.

A convenient, multipurpose eye treatment

Unlike most eye creams, the Avon Anew Clinical Dual Eye Lift contains two different treatment types in a single product. The gel is used for the upper eyelid and brow bone areas. It comprises ingredients like caffeine, which improves circulation, brightens the eyelid, and arginine, which stimulates collagen production and improves skin firmness.

The cream contains ceramides and shea butter and is designed to hydrate the under-eye area and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.

Improves the contour of the eye area in one week

In as little as one week, this eye cream can help contour and tighten the eye area while giving the upper eyelids a subtle lift, making the eyes look more youthful and awake.

Avon Anew Clinical Dual Eye Lift (From:Avon.com).

Drawbacks

While the thicker under-eye cream does a great job at moisturizing, the upper eyelid gel can leave the skin feeling sticky or tacky. As such, the eye gel may not be comfortable to wear for those with already very dry skin. The gel may also not be suitable for use under makeup, as it can hinder the smooth application of eye products, especially in dry climates.

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4. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• A.G.E Eye Complex
• Blueberry extract
• Vitamin E, flavonoids, and peptides
• Proxylane™

Centered on the principles of “prevent, protect, and correct,” SkinCeuticals is a skincare brand that has been producing products that improve skin health since the early 1990s. Their A.G.E. Eye Complex is a correcting eye cream designed to address aging signs brought about by glycation.

Enhanced skin elasticity in just weeks

Glycation occurs when sugar attaches itself to a protein or lipid and produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs bind themselves to proteins like collagen and elastin and hinder their ability to be broken down and renewed. This harms skin quality and increases skin laxity.

The SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex eye cream is designed to address glycation signs around the eyes with blueberry extract, a potent antioxidant and anti-glycation ingredient. The eye cream’s effectiveness is proven to improve skin firmness and elasticity by 33% in a 12-week study comprised of 50 individuals.

A highly moisturizing formulation that improves skin firmness

This eye cream is also enriched with vitamin E, flavonoids, peptides, and Proxylane™. Flavonoids and vitamin E are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from UV and free radical damage, while peptides reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and help maintain its elasticity.

SkinCeuticals’ Proxylane™ also helps restore hydration and, more notably, supports the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which are responsible for maintaining our skin’s collagen and elastin.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex (From:Medpex.de).

Drawbacks

The SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex eye cream is significantly thicker and firmer, with some users describing it as an almost paste-like texture. As such, the eye cream may take more time to apply until fully melded into the skin and may not be ideal to wear under makeup. It can leave a greasy sheen if too much is used, which may be problematic for those with very oily skin.

It also contains a menthol ingredient that can feel refreshing on the skin but may irritate the sensitive eye area.

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5. Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream

Dr. Brandt 24:7 Retinol Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• Time-release Retinol
• Vitamin E
• Ruby Crystal Complex
• Olive fruit pulp

The Dr. Brandt brand is guided by its commitment to providing safe skincare options that promote healthy aging. Dermatologists widely recommend the 25-year-old brand, which creates “at-home products” that yield long-lasting results similar to cosmetic procedures performed in clinics. Their 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream is designed in line with this and provides 24/7 care for more youthful-looking eyes.

Prolonged anti-aging benefits minus the irritation

This eye cream contains the ever-popular age-fighting ingredient, retinol, but in a time-release formulation. After application, the retinol is designed to slowly break down into the skin over 24 hours. This gives the eye area a prolonged intensive treatment that strengthens it against wrinkles and skin laxity. And since the time-release retinol is gradually released into the skin instead of all at once, irritating side effects such as redness and dryness are less likely to occur.

In an evaluation conducted with 25 individuals, they noted a 100% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and overall skin texture after two weeks. After four weeks, there was a 96% improvement in lines and wrinkles and a 100% improvement in the skin’s moisturization and firmness.

More radiant and refreshed-looking eyes

The Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream awakens tired and droopy looking eyes with a concoction of vitamin E, olive fruit pulp, and a unique Ruby Crystal Complex. Both vitamin E and olive fruit pulp have antioxidant effects that protect skin from environmental stressors while improving skin quality and resilience.

The Ruby Crystal Complex is composed of light-diffusing illuminators and micro ruby crystals that lend the skin a brightening lift and softens the appearance of lines around the eyes.

Dr. Brandt 24:7 Retinol Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

While the Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream truly excels in improving skin quality and wrinkles, its lightweight and quick-absorbing consistency may not offer enough hydration for those with very dry skin. The prolonged release of retinol may also cause some irritation in those with very sensitive skin, especially if one forgets to wear sunscreen during the day.

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6. Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum

Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for firming and lifting eye creams for sagging eyelids:

• Oat and Albizia julibrissin extract
• Extra-Firming Complex (organic green banana and lemon thyme)
• Horse chestnut and caffeine

Clarins began as a beauty institute in Paris in the 1950s and has since built itself into Europe’s prestige skincare brand. They advocate the use of natural ingredients and currently use over 250 different plant extracts in their formulations. Their Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum is one such product that uses plant and fruit extracts to create a potent anti-aging treatment that nourishes the skin around the eyes.

An all-natural, skin-firming eye treatment

This eye cream contains Clarins’ patented Extra-Firming Complex, which includes organic green banana and lemon thyme, designed to moisturize and firm the skin around the eyes. The firming effect is further enhanced by the addition of oat and albizia julibrissin extract. The former contains skin softening and strengthening properties, while the latter prevents glycation in the skin.

Rejuvenates and lifts the eye area

To combat dull skin that can emphasize saggy, droopy eyelids, the Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum horse chestnut and caffeine extracts. These two ingredients are extremely effective at flushing out excess fluid by improving microcirculation in the eye area, leaving you with brighter, more awake-looking eyes.

Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum (From:ae.clarins.com).

Drawbacks

One main complaint that most users have with this eye cream is that the amount of product (15 ml) is too little. In addition, the pump-style packaging can make it difficult to get every last drop of product out.

When it comes to application, the serum tends to be on the greasy side, which may not be ideal for people with very oily skin types.

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Conclusion

If you want to give those droopy eyelids a much-needed pick-me-up, make sure to keep an eye out for skincare ingredients that are specifically designed to improve skin laxity. It’s a bonus if you can also find products that have components that inhibit glycation, which is one of the factors that affect skin firmness.

It’s also important to manage expectations and remember that eye creams can’t give results akin to surgical cosmetic procedures. However, with proper and regular use, and by being attentive to your skin type and sensitivities, lifting eye creams can do wonderful things to improve skin quality.

How did you find our list of faves? Did you think we missed out on other must-haves? Be sure check out our list of top 10 best eye creams to see if your fave has made the cut. If you know of other excellent firming eye creams, please do share them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!