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The skin realism edit: 12 makeup finds that look and feel like skin
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When it comes to K-beauty, certain products have earned cult status. Sheet masks, lip tints and now cushion foundations have all made their way into our routines. But Korean eye creams are seriously underrated. Formulated for specific concerns, from fine lines to dryness, puffiness and dark marks; what sets them apart is their blend of targeted ingredients and gentle formulations, suitable for the most delicate areas of our face.
The skin around the eyes is thinner, so it is particularly susceptible to dryness and the appearance of fine lines. Constant movement, along with genetics, lack of sleep and sun exposure can contribute to visible signs of puffiness and dark marks. Over time, reduced skin elasticity can also make the eye area appear tired.
Instead of looking for a single miracle product to address each of these concerns, it helps to choose one based on specific needs. For hydration and supporting the skin barrier, formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides can be helpful. Retinoids can help improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. But for skin sensitive to retinol, soothing formulas with centella asiatica and panthenol can be used. Below, we've rounded up seven skincare finds formulated for the under-eye area
Tired eyes don’t need any help announcing themselves and this eye cream gives the area a much needed boost. Ginseng helps with dullness and early lines, while the creamy texture feels comforting without being greasy. A tiny amount is enough to make the under eye zone look fresher and more rested, even on days when sleep wasn’t exactly part of the plan.
As you get older, the fine lines around your eyes need more focused care. Sulwhasoo’s eye cream takes a more advanced, treatment-led approach by pairing ginseng flower extract with a gentle retinol complex. Together, they target signs of fatigue, like the soft creasing, the loss of firmness and the early lines that settle in even when you’ve done everything “right.” The texture is rich but never sticky, absorbing quickly enough to work under makeup while still feeling nourishing enough for nighttime use. The ginseng helps boost the glow, while the retinol complex gradually smoothes and refines the skin, treating your under-eyes one day at a time.
"This is the kind of eye cream that feels like a considered investment in your skin. Sulwhasoo's ginseng formulas have a reputation, and this one earns it. The texture is rich but melts on application, delivering deep hydration and firming benefits you can feel almost immediately. Ginseng has long been used in K-beauty for its ability to improve elasticity and brighten the skin, and around the eye area, where skin is at its most delicate, the difference really shows. My under eyes look more lifted, less hollowed and the fine lines I'd been noticing have softened noticeably. It's a product that takes its time and rewards you for being consistent."
Sulwhasoo's potent formulations often require a splurge, but have a huge following. This thick eye cream, made with a mix of ginseng, peptides and retinol, improves skin elasticity. It also deeply nourishes the under-eye area, leaving it smooth and radiant.
These tightening eye patches are enriched with hyaluronic acid and collagen to hydrate the under-eye area and leave it looking smoother and plumper. Panthenol and niacinamide help replenish moisture, while the cooling texture makes them a handy addition to an at-home spa night or a long, tiring flight.
This multipurpose serum combines green tea extracts with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and refresh tired-looking eyes. Its cooling rollerball applicator makes application easy while offering a refreshing boost to the under-eye area. Niacinamide and adenosine help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving skin looking smoother, firmer and more radiant.
"I have sensitive skin and the eye area is where I'm most careful, so finding something that's both effective and calming felt like a lot to ask—but this SKIN1004 eye cream manages both. Centella and cica work together to soothe and repair, while bakuchiol, a gentle plant-based alternative to retinol, addresses fine lines without any irritation. It's lightweight, absorbs well and my under eyes feel genuinely nourished after every use. For anyone who has been nervous about actives around the eye area, this is a great place to start."
This blend is infused with bakuchiol, which supports firmer-looking skin and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid provides deep, lasting hydration while the panthenol and niacinamide reduce dark marks and fine lines. The centella asiatica extract, which is in every SKIN1004 product, strengthens the skin barrier. If you’re looking for a milder alternative to retinol, this silky cream is just right for sensitive skin.
Beauty of Joseon is a favourite among K-beauty enthusiasts; their innovative products take inspiration from traditional Korean formulas and adapt them for modern skincare routines. The ginseng root extract in this under-eye serum nourishes the skin, while retinal helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and leaves the under-eye area looking smoother and plumper.
Marine collagen and pomegranate extracts feature in this eye cream, formulated to nourish the delicate under-eye area and leave skin feeling softer. Glycerin helps replenish moisture and keeps the skin hydrated, while the lightweight texture absorbs comfortably without feeling heavy. With regular use, it helps maintain a smoother, more supple appearance, making it a fuss-free addition to your daily skincare routine.
Fine lines, wrinkles and dark marks are among the concerns this herbal eye cream aims to address, helping the under-eye area look smoother and firmer. The adenosine in the ingredient list works to improve skin elasticity, while panax ginseng root extract offers antioxidant benefits. The fragrance-free formula makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a gentle approach to under-eye care without compromising targeted ingredients.
