((EDIT: Hello! It’s Meredith, dropping in to say that there might be products on this page that I no longer use or recommend due to sneaky ingredients that may be unhealthy or potentially toxic. Companies change their ingredients and formulas, so for the most up-to-date information, please feel free to send me a message on Twitter, Instagram or email. You may also want to download the Think Dirty app or Skin Deep app to scan and find out more information on your own! Thanks for stopping by!))

*Hi friends, just a heads up that this post contains affiliate links. Your shopping experience doesn’t change, but I might get a tiny commission. Affiliate links are indicated with an asterisk. Thank you!

Starting in your twenties, maintain healthy skin by removing your makeup every night, using sunscreen and using an eye cream. I hear you: “I’m only 25! Why would I use a grandma-style eye cream?! Ughhh.”

The reason? To stay looking 25 as long as possible. Duh. Okay, so eye cream isn’t magic and you can’t possibly look 20 forever, but eye cream will keep your eye area looking bright and firm. I started using eye cream a few years ago and now I notice a huge difference if I don’t use eye cream every day. Does that make sense? After a few days sans eye moisturization (is that a word? Don’t know, don’t care. You get the point), I notice more bags, slightly looser skin and just an allover dullness in my eye area. Yes, even if I’ve applied my regular moisturizer all over my face, guys. Eye. Cream. Is. My. Favorite. Thing.

Ever.

One thing that might prevent you from pulling the trigger is that the price tags for this stuff can be scary high.  Even at the drug store. Some of them might be worth the money, blah, blah, but they’re still out of reach if you’re trying to be financially responsible. Even scarier? Some of the ingredients in drug store and high-end products have no business being on your face at all, much less near your eyeball.

I’ve tested* out a lot of different eye creams for you guys and here are my faves, keeping your financial and physical health in mind!

The best eye creams under $20 for women (and men!) in their 20s & 30s:

#1 – Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream, $20 Oh, Mario. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. There are several great eye creams in his line-up but this one is my all-time favorite. I only use it at night though because it is super greasy. In a good way. (I no longer recommend this cream)

#2 – Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Eye Cream, $18 I like this eye cream for day. It doesn’t feel as moisturizing as good old Mario, but it soaks in quickly and provides a nice base for makeup. It has a light scent and a nice, easy-to-use package. Note: I way prefer this one to the Burt’s Bees sensitive skin eye cream. (I no longer recommend this cream)

#3 – Acure Eye Cream*, $16-18 This one feels pretty liquidy or “thin” but after a few minutes, skin gets smoother. I found this at a natural food store but it can also be purchased online, just like everything. (THIS IS STILL A HUGE FAVORITE!)

A few others worth trying out:

Desert Essence Pomegranate Eye Serum, $11
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal™ Revitalizing Eye Cream* $15
Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum Brightening*, $20
Kiss My Face Eye Witness Eye Cream*, $19

*For reference I have moderately sensitive combination skin (on the dry side), I’m 28 and have a fair skin tone. So, your results may vary.

xo, Meredith

*Hi friends, just a heads up that this post contains scary affiliate links and if you click, a shark will EAT YOU. Just kidding! Clicking my links just means you like my site and like reading my recommendations. Your shopping experience doesn’t change, but I might get a tiny commission. Affiliate links are indicated with an asterisk like this* If you have any questions, I’m here to talk —> meredithtested@gmail.com … or leave a comment below. xoxo.