9 Simple Steps to Younger-Looking Eyes

Photo: Patrick DeMarchelier

Wrinkles, bags, crow's-feet—they don't stand a chance against this easy plan.

Sleep Smart

Tuck an extra pillow under your head—the elevation helps prevent fluid from settling under the skin around your eyes.

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Don't Overdo It

Resist the urge to gob on tons of eye cream at night. Too much can lead to itchy eyes the following morning—and it can actually make bags look even puffier.

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Cover Up

Look for sunglasses labeled "UV 400," and choose large frames for maximum coverage. But before putting them on, load up on sunscreen: At least 30 minutes before going out each morning, apply a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30.
(We like Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32 PA+++ or, for those with sensitive eyes, Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40.)

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Embrace Antioxidants

Every morning, apply an eye cream with antioxidants to fight free-radical damage from the sun and pollution. Some of the best ones: CoffeeBerry, green tea, and idebenone. (Try Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Treatment. or Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Booster Eye Transforming Cream.

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Use Retinol at Night

It's the one ingredient proven to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. Look for creams or serums that come in an aluminum tube or opaque pump bottle—they keep retinol stable and strong. (We like RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream, or Quintessence Clarifying Under-Eye Serum Capsules, which have retinol and vitamin K—studies show this combination works especially well on dark circles.)

Photo: Regan Cameron, YES

Try a Skin Tightener

Though the results obviously aren't as dramatic as an eye-lift, there are creams that make a noticeable difference. Pick one with argireline, GABA, or DMAE—the most effective ingredients. (We like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Ultra Lift and Firm EyeCream SPF 15 with argireline.)

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Prime Your Lines

Fill in crow's-feet with a primer containing silicone—such as Estée Lauder Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler.

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Conceal Like a Pro

Disguise dark circles using a creamy under eye concealer—one that comes in a squeeze tube or pot. Pick a yellow-based shade if your dark circles have a blue or purple cast; go with a peachy color if you have brown circles. (Our favorites? Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer or Benefit Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer.

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Got Puffy Eyes?

Skip bright, dark, or shimmery eye makeup. Instead, pick a matte eyeshadow that's slightly darker than your skin, then sweep it across your eyelids and along your lower lashes—it makes puffiness less obvious.