Staring at screens, skipping breaks and running on caffeine can all take a toll on your eyes. Puffiness, dark circles and dryness are common signs of fatigue, but with a few adjustments to your daily routine and the right products, you can refresh and brighten your eye area effectively. These expert tips will help you revive tired eyes and look more awake, no matter how long your day has been.

Understand What Your Eyes Need

Before jumping into products, it helps to understand exactly why your eyes might look or feel tired. Different symptoms require different solutions and taking the time to pinpoint your specific concerns can save you time and money in the long run.

• Puffiness is usually caused by fluid retention, lack of sleep, or eye strain. You’ll want products that cool, decongest and support lymphatic drainage.
  

• Dark circles can result from pigmentation, thinning skin, or poor circulation. Look for brightening and tone-evening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
  

• Dryness and fine lines are often the result of screen exposure, harsh environments, or aging. Replenishing moisture and supporting skin elasticity are key here.
  

• Irritation or redness may be due to rubbing, makeup sensitivity, or allergens. Calming, fragrance-free formulas are best for soothing this delicate area.
  
  

How to Build a Targeted Eye Care Routine

Even the best product won’t give its full benefits unless it’s part of a proper routine. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, which means it needs specific care, both in terms of what you use and how you use it.

Morning Routine 

Start your day by addressing puffiness and fatigue, preparing your eye area for the day ahead.

1. Cleanse gently  - Avoid harsh cleansers around the eye area. A mild micellar water or cream cleanser will remove any residue from overnight skincare or environmental build-up.
   

2. Apply a cooling gel or roll-on  - A caffeine-based eye gel or a rollerball with metal tips can reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation. Storing it in the fridge can enhance this effect.
   

3. Use a brightening cream or serum  - Ingredients like vitamin C or light-diffusing particles help instantly brighten the under-eye area while working long-term to reduce pigmentation.
   

4. Finish with SPF  - Many people skip sun protection around the eyes, but this area is particularly vulnerable. Choose an eye-safe SPF or a moisturiser with SPF built in to prevent UV-induced darkening and fine lines.
   
   

Night Routine 

Your nighttime routine should focus on nourishment, repair and helping the skin recover from environmental stressors.

1. Remove makeup thoroughly  - Even if you don’t wear heavy makeup, trace amounts of mascara or concealer can build up and cause irritation. Use a gentle remover designed for sensitive eyes.
   

2. Apply a nourishing cream or serum  - Night is the best time to use richer textures and active ingredients like peptides or hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and repair as you sleep.
   

3. Use under-eye masks two to three times a week  - These provide an extra dose of moisture and help target specific concerns like dryness or dullness.
   

4. Tap, don’t rub  - Always apply products using your ring finger and use a gentle tapping motion. Rubbing can contribute to sagging and irritation over time.
   
   

Creating a consistent AM and PM routine helps restore balance, reduce inflammation and ensure that the eye area looks and feels refreshed daily.

The Ingredients That Make a Difference

When it comes to eye care, the ingredient list matters just as much as the product format. Here’s a breakdown of ingredients that are known to be suitable for or specific issues;

• Caffeine - A natural vasoconstrictor, caffeine helps reduce puffiness and under-eye bags by shrinking blood vessels and stimulating circulation.
  

• Vitamin C - This brightening powerhouse works to fade pigmentation, boost radiance and even out skin tone while protecting against environmental damage.
  

• Hyaluronic Acid - A deeply hydrating molecule that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid helps plump up fine lines and relieve dryness instantly.
  

• Niacinamide - Also known as vitamin B3, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and reduce pigmentation.
  

• Peptides - These support collagen production, helping to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.
  

• Aloe Vera and Chamomile - Natural soothing agents that calm irritation, redness and swelling without clogging pores or causing further sensitivity.
  
  

Simple Habits to Boost Your Skincare Results

Even the best eye cream can only do so much if your daily habits are working against it. Luckily, a few simple tweaks to your routine can enhance the effectiveness of your products and support healthier, more vibrant skin around the eyes.

• Hydrate consistently - Dehydration often shows up first around the eyes. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help reduce puffiness and dryness.
  

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule - To reduce digital eye strain, look away from your screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated - This reduces fluid buildup that causes morning puffiness.
  

• Avoid rubbing your eyes - Rubbing stretches and irritates the delicate skin around the eyes, which can lead to darkening, sagging and inflammation over time.
  

• Keep your eye products chille -  Store gels, roll-ons, or masks in the fridge to enhance their cooling, de-puffing properties.
  
  

 Our Favourite Product Picks for Tired Eyes

Ready to give your tired eyes the care they deserve? We have hand-picked some of the most effective, products to hydrate, brighten and soothe the delicate under-eye area and are ideal for those dealing with puffiness, dryness, or dark circles.

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Re-Hydrating Care Eye Cream

Formulated specifically for mature skin, this rich eye cream combines soya-ceramides, peptides and essential lipids to help firm and nourish the delicate eye area. It works to restore volume and elasticity while preserving the skin’s natural support structure, making it ideal for reducing sagging and dark spots around the eyes.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream

Developed with dermatologists, this multi-tasking cream targets puffiness, dark circles and fine lines with a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, caffeine, niacinamide and a peptide complex. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, it absorbs quickly without leaving residue—perfect for daily use under makeup or on bare skin.

SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

Ideal for those new to retinol, this gentle yet effective Korean formula helps brighten, firm and smooth the under-eye area. It features niacinamide to reduce dark circles, retinol to soften fine lines and bakuchiol and panthenol to calm and depuff. Hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid make it especially suitable for sensitive skin.

Garnier Hydra Bomb Hyaluronic Acid + Orange Extract Eye Sheet Mask

For an instant refresh, this under-eye sheet mask delivers a burst of hydration with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and orange juice extract. In just 15 minutes, it visibly reduces puffiness and under-eye shadows, making it a go-to for post-work pick-me-ups or travel fatigue.

Boots Vitamin C Brightening & Smoothing Eye Gel Cream

This fast-absorbing eye gel is powered by a concentrated vitamin C complex designed to visibly brighten dull, tired-looking eyes. Free from fragrance and parabens, it gently smooths the under-eye area with daily use and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.