Best Eye Creams for Men Over 40 (Tested on My Skin at 51)
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Updated: 26th of January 2026
Bags under your eyes? Dark circles? Looking permanently tired?
Unless you’ve been blessed with some kind of genetic superpower, the under-eye area is usually the first place to show signs of ageing. Lack of sleep, stress, not drinking enough water, alcohol, cigarettes and simply not taking care of this area are the perfect ingredients for a perfect storm.
I’m 51 years old, I have four children, I work from home on my laptop most days, and I definitely don’t sleep as much as I should. In short, I’m the perfect candidate for under-eye issues.
I’ve also been reviewing men’s skincare for over 12 years on this blog, and eye creams have always played a central role in my routine. Over time, I’ve learned one important thing: if you want to look fresher later on, you need to start taking care of your under-eye area sooner rather than later.
In this post, I’m sharing five eye creams that I’ve personally used and tested over many years. None of them will magically erase dark circles or bags overnight (let’s be honest) but they do help you look fresher, more awake, and less tired. Some are thicker, others lighter, but every cream on this list has shown real, visible results on my skin.
How I tested these eye creams
I tested these eye creams the way I actually live at 51: long hours on a laptop, early mornings, and the kind of tired eyes you get when you’re juggling work and family life. I used each one consistently (morning and/or night) and judged them on real-world results over time.
- Hydration: does the under-eye area feel smoother and less dry?
- Puffiness: especially in the morning
- “Freshness” effect: do I look more awake (even slightly)?
- Texture + absorption: does it sink in well or sit on top?
- Comfort: any stinging, heaviness, or irritation
- Consistency: results after weeks, not days
Quick verdict
Why Eye Creams Actually Matter
The skin under your eyes is thinner and more fragile than the rest of your face, which is why tiredness, dehydration, and age show up there first. A good eye cream helps keep this area hydrated, smoother, and looking fresher, especially as you get older.
After years of testing eye creams on my own skin, I’ve learned one thing: consistency matters more than hype. Used daily, the right eye cream won’t perform miracles, but it will make you look less tired and more put together which, for most of us, is exactly the goal.
How to Use Eye Cream.
Apply on clean skin, morning and night
Use a small amount (a grain of rice is enough)
Gently tap with your ring finger: don’t rub
That’s it. Keep it simple and stick with it.
Quick note: I personally prefer creams or serums over roll-on formats. Roll-ons can feel refreshing, but in my experience they rarely absorb as well or deliver the same results as applying a proper cream with your hands.
1-Brickell Restoring Eye Cream
This is one eye cream that’s earned a permanent place in my routine. The texture is light and smooth, it sinks in quickly, and it never leaves any shine ,which makes it easy to use both morning and night.
What I appreciate most is how well it hydrates without feeling heavy. After a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed less puffiness in the morning and a smoother look around the eyes, especially with fine lines. It’s the kind of eye cream you stop thinking about once it’s part of your routine and that’s usually a good sign.
If you’re after an all-in-one eye cream made with clean ingredients that actually delivers visible results over time, this is easily my favourite.
Pros
- Light, smooth texture that sinks in quickly
- No shine: easy to use morning and night
- Hydrates well without feeling heavy
- Noticeably helps reduce morning puffiness with consistent use
- Smoother under-eye look over time (especially fine lines)
- Becomes a “set and forget” part of the routine (which is a good sign)
Cons
- Not a quick fix: you need a few weeks of consistent use
- If your main issue is very dark circles, results will be more subtle
- More expensive than budget options
2-Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair
Kiehl’s was one of the first serious eye creams I ever invested in, and it still holds up years later. The texture is richer and more nourishing than most, which is exactly why I mainly use it at night. It’s the kind of eye cream I reach for after a rough day or a short night, when the skin under my eyes feels a bit dry, tight, or simply needs extra care.
What I like is that it feels premium and “treatment-like” without being greasy. It takes a little longer to sink in than lighter creams, but once it does, the under-eye area feels properly hydrated and more comfortable and over time, I do notice a firmer, smoother look, especially when I’m consistent. In the morning, I personally prefer something lighter, but as a night cream, Kiehl’s is a very safe choice if you want something that feels like real skincare rather than a quick cosmetic fix. If you’ve got the budget and you want a more premium option that’s comforting and reliable, this one absolutely deserves a place on the list.
Pros
- Richer, more nourishing texture (great for night use)
- Feels premium and “treatment-like” without being greasy
- Very hydrating: ideal when the under-eye area feels dry or tired
- Over time, helps the area look smoother and a bit firmer
- A safe, reliable premium pick if you have the budget
Cons
- Too rich for some people in the morning (especially under SPF)
- Takes a bit longer to absorb than lightweight gels/serums
- Premium price compared to simpler budget options
3-The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum is a bit different because it’s a serum rather than a cream. The texture is very light (almost watery), but don’t let that fool you, used consistently, it delivers noticeable results, especially if you like a more active, ingredient-focused approach to skincare. For me, it’s less about that “comfort cream” feeling and more about looking a bit fresher and smoother around the eyes over time.
I tend to use this one in the morning as part of my usual The Ordinary routine. It layers extremely well under moisturiser or SPF and never feels greasy or heavy, which is a big plus if you hate that thick product build-up under the eyes. The only thing I’d say is: if your under-eye area is very dry, you’ll probably want to follow with a proper moisturiser on top, because this isn’t designed to feel rich. But for the price, and for how easy it is to use daily, it’s one of the best affordable eye products I’ve tried.
Pros
- Very light, serum texture (never heavy or greasy)
- Great for a more “active/treatment” skincare approach
- Layers perfectly under moisturiser and SPF
- Easy morning option if you hate rich eye creams
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Not as comforting as a cream if your under-eye area is very dry
- Works best when “sealed in” with moisturiser on top
- Results are gradual: it’s about consistency, not instant change
4-Blu Atlas Brightening Eye Cream
The Blu Atlas Eye Cream is one of the more recent additions to my routine, but it didn’t take long to impress me. The texture is smooth and almost silky, not the thickest eye cream on this list, but very well balanced. It absorbs quickly and never leaves the under-eye area shiny, which makes it ideal for daytime use. On me, it also sits really well through the day without that heavy, creasy feeling some eye creams can give.
What really stands out is the brightening effect. If you struggle with dark circles or uneven tone under the eyes, this one genuinely helps you look fresher and more awake. I often reach for it before a video shoot or on days when I want my skin to look its best without feeling weighed down.
If you like modern, clean-feeling skincare and want something that sits comfortably between treatment and comfort, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Smooth, silky texture that feels premium
- Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave shine
- Excellent daytime option (comfortable under SPF)
- Noticeable brightening effect: helps you look fresher
- Great pick before photos or video shoots
- Sits nicely between “treatment” and “comfort”
Cons
- If you want a very rich night cream, this may feel too light
- Brightening is subtle and needs consistent use (not instant)
- More expensive than budget options
5-Supply Age Defense Eye Cream
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m a fan of Supply’s approach to men’s skincare. Their face wash and multi-purpose moisturiser are already staples in my routine, and this eye cream fits naturally alongside them.
The texture is creamy and soothing without being heavy, which makes it easy to use during the day. It delivers good hydration, absorbs well, and never feels greasy.
It may not be the most dramatic eye cream on this list, but it’s reliable and well balanced. If you’re building a simple, no-nonsense skincare routine (especially if you’re new to eye creams) and you want something that just quietly does its job, this is a very safe bet.
Pros
- Fits perfectly into a simple men’s routine (very “Supply”)
- Creamy and soothing without feeling heavy
- Absorbs well and never feels greasy
- Great everyday hydration for the under-eye area
- Reliable “daily driver” eye cream
Cons
- Not the most dramatic option for dark circles/brightening
- If you want a stronger “treatment” feel, you may prefer a more active serum
- Results are steady and subtle: it’s about consistency
Final Thoughts
Skincare at 40 and beyond isn’t about chasing youth, it’s about looking after yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin. And the under-eye area is usually where stress, lack of sleep, and age show up first. No product can turn back time, but a good eye cream can genuinely help you look fresher, smoother, and more rested over time.
All five eye creams in this list have earned their place in my routine. Brickell and Kiehl’s are still my go-to options for reliable, long-term results. Blu Atlas stands out for that brighter, more awake look and its modern feel, while The Ordinary is a great choice if you prefer a lightweight, ingredient-driven serum. Supply rounds things off with a simple, no-fuss option that just quietly does its job.
Taking a couple of minutes morning and night to care for the skin around your eyes is a small habit but if you stick with it, it genuinely pays off.
Jerome
FAQ: Eye Creams for Men Over 40
Do eye creams actually work?
Yes but keep expectations realistic. A good eye cream can hydrate, smooth, and help you look fresher over time. It won’t erase deep dark circles or bags overnight.
At what age should men start using eye cream?
Honestly, earlier than most men think. Late 20s/30s is a good time to start, but if you’re 40+ it’s absolutely worth adding: the under-eye area is usually the first to show fatigue and age.
How long does it take to see results?
Hydration can feel better quickly, but visible improvements usually take a few weeks of consistent use. Think steady progress, not instant transformation.
Should I use eye cream in the morning, at night, or both?
Both is ideal. Morning helps you look fresher and works well under SPF, while night is where richer formulas can really support hydration and smoothing.
How much eye cream should I apply?
Less than you think: a grain of rice per eye is enough. Tap it in gently with your ring finger and avoid rubbing.
What’s better: a cream or a serum?
Creams are usually more comforting if you’re dry or tired-looking. Serums feel lighter and “treatment-like” and tend to layer better in the morning. It really depends on your skin and routine.
Hi, I’m Jerome. I’ve been reviewing men’s skincare and grooming products for over 12 years, testing everything myself and sharing honest, experience-based recommendations on Dapper & Groomed.
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