Whenever I don’t get enough sleep my eyes are the first to betray me. Dark circles, puffiness and bloodshot eyes that feel gritty and dry are some of my most obvious tired-eye symptoms, and perhaps these impact you as well.
Amazon is home to tons of non-surgical pick-me-ups that can make eyes look instantly more rested, refreshed and, in some cases, more youthful. Reviewers have placed their unwavering trust in temporary tightening treatments for the undereye, brightening creams and one “fake awake” eyeliner pencil for the waterline that’s nothing short of magic.
There are tons more products where that came from, all of which are conveniently gathered in the list ahead.
Packed inside this non-greasy gel-cream formula by L’Oréal is hyaluronic acid, a well-known humectant that can draw moisture into the skin and plump away those dryness-related fine lines around the eye. It also features caffeine, a skin care ingredient that shrinks the blood vessels in the skin to reduce swelling, puffiness, redness and dark circles.
Promising Amazon review: “I’ve been using this eye cream for about 3 weeks now and have noticed a big difference in the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes. I use it every morning before applying my makeup and every night before I go to sleep. I have used other eye creams that didn’t work, but I definitely see a noticeable difference since I started using this!” — Ashley
Not quite a concealer and not quite an eye cream, Catrice’s Instant Awake is a beloved under-eye brightener that neutralizes dark circles and skin discoloration to make eyes appear more alert and add a touch of radiance to the skin. It also doesn’t hurt that the creamy balm-like formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and hydrating hyaluronic acid. You can shop this in four adaptive shades, which can easily be applied with your fingers, makeup brush or sponge.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I love this product! Great value for this price. It has totally replaced concealer for me, which was always so hard to match to my skin tone, but this cream blends very well and instantly makes me look more awake and put-together. I use it every day and have been very happy with the results.” — Brooklyn B.
“I heard about this from a makeup influencer and a must-buy. I figured for the price, why not ? When I saw the pink color, I was worried it wouldn’t blend with my more light beige coloring. Wow ! It works small miracles under my eyes. Its smooth and light and easy to blend, while giving light to medium of coverage. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, I used a tinted moisturizer as my foundation. This makes my eyes look brighter, more awake and covers the slight darkness under my eyes while not settling in my wrinkles.” — Kim
Last year, dermatologists weighed in on why this temporary tightening eye treatment is so effective at reducing prominent under-eye puffiness and visible sagging in a matter of seconds. It’s mostly due to the firming cream’s inclusion of sodium silicates, which form a film on the skin that contracts once it’s dried. It essentially pulls the skin tight once the product dries down. There is a learning curve with the application process, according to many users, which is to only apply a very thin layer to avoid any white residue that some reviewers experienced.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Seriously, this product WORKS. It is instant and amazing. I’m interested in long-term results, but for a new mom who wants to look more awake and put together, this product is for you.” — Emily R
“I rarely leave home without this stuff – it’s an important part of my makeup.
I have pretty significant bags under my eyes that make me look super old and tired, so this is a very important product for me. If I had to choose between this and all other makeup, I’d choose this.
I use the amount roughly of a BB (at the most) and it works like a charm. Just be careful not to move your eyes too much until it dries, and no rubbing your eyes during the day!
The effect does NOT last – it’s like makeup, it lasts until you wash it off (or cry or rub it off).
I never want to be without it again! One bottle lasts me months – maybe even a whole year. Well worth the price.” — TeacherAmy
I’m have been a devout user of Lumify’s eye-whitening drops, which I stow in nearly every purse I own for an immediate brightening effect. Two drops of these redness relief drops and my eyes look more open, feel less dry and my exaggerated blood vessels completely disappear for at least five hours. It’s such a confidence booster.
The brand claims this formula works differently from other redness-reducing eye drops on the market because they don’t use ingredients that constrict the arteries in your eyes as a way to eliminate redness. Instead, Lumify contains low-dose brimonidine, which only restricts the venules without limiting the flow of oxygen. And yes, contact lens wearers can use these too! Just wait 10 minutes after using the drops before putting in your contacts.
Promising Amazon review: “Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I use these each morning prior to getting my coffee. After coffee and I begin getting ready, I see the bright whites of my eyes, and I look well rested, helping me to feel more well rested and ready to get going into the day. These drops actually live up to lasting up to 8 hours, they work rapidly and I trust Lumify more than other redness relieving drops for the results these drops produce.” — Jeanette
The Renpho eye massager, which has earned itself a formidable TikTok following, claims to alleviate eye strain, reduce eye dryness and more using oscillating pressure, rhythmic percussion massaging and gentle heat. According to reviewers, these wireless goggles can do more than just provide supreme relaxation, they can also make tired eyes look and feel more rested and de-puffed.
Check the product page for additional coupons and promo codes for up to 20% off.
Promising Amazon review: “This heat massager is excellent for soothing my tired eyes. I have severe dry eyes due to sjogrens and I stare at a computer all day for work. I just finished similar therapy at the eye doctor and was advised to use eye pads at home that I have to heat in the microwave. This device delivers continual heat as well as massaging all around my eyes. It is fantastic and well worth the money.” — Terry L Cerveny
A tried and true blend of dark circle-fighting caffeine, brightening vitamin C and a touch of cooling peppermint can be found inside this eye gel serum that is applied using a chilly roller ball to help de-puff and awaken tired eyes.
Promising Amazon review: “This is the first time I’ve purchased this eye gel with the roller and I really like it. It rolls on easily and within just a few minutes my under eye puffiness is greatly improved. I bought and extra one to keep in the frig so I can use it while my morning coffee brews. I recommend this product.” — MarketingMom
This adorable polar-inspired eye balm instantly chills, soothes and refreshes the undereye using mineral water sourced from Iceland, which can help reduce puffiness, and Icelandic moss for lasting hydration. Swipe this stick around the eye for some added brightening power as well, thanks to the inclusion of niacinamide, a well-studied antioxidant.
Promising Amazon review: “I was iffy about this product. But I’ve been putting it on everyday and my under-eyes look MUCH better. I look like I’m very well-rested (even though I’m definitely not). I also like the cooling effect it gives you when you apply. As it says in directions make sure you apply it not only under your eye but all around your eye. I loved it so much I got a stocking stuffer for all the women in our family!” — Nellie
Beauty of Joseon is a revered Korean beauty brand with a huge cult following and tons of viral goods, like this corrective eye serum packed with ingredients to create a firmer, brighter and more awake undereye. A 2% concentration of retinal helps synthesize collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while a 10% concentration of ginseng extract promises to deeply hydrate and nourish. This lightweight and fast-absorbing treatment is also rounded of with niacinamide, a well-studied antioxidant that can brighten and protect the skin from damage.
Promising Amazon review: “A miracle for tired eyes! If you’re looking for an eye cream that works instantly, the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is a total game-changer! The moment you apply it, you can feel it hydrating and refreshing your under-eye area. And the best part? In just 10 minutes, your eye bags are visibly reduced, making you look well-rested and bright-eyed—even if you just woke up. The formula is lightweight yet super nourishing, absorbing quickly without feeling greasy. It smooths, depuffs, and revitalizes tired eyes, making it perfect for anyone who struggles with dark circles or puffiness. If you need a quick fix for dull, tired eyes, this eye cream works absolute wonders!” — Siarah
You may not be familiar with this little makeup application hack, but applying a nude eyeliner slightly lighter than your skin tone to your lower water line can create the illusion of an eye that looks instantly brighter and more rested. Think of it as a highlighter for your eyes.
Tarte’s Fake Awake creamy pencil liner (pictured right) is formulated for this exact purpose and promises to go on smoothly and last a long time, according to reviewers. There’s also a built-in smudging tip at one end of this twist-up pencil if you want to apply this liner on areas like the inner corner of your eyes or beneath your brow bone. It also comes in a white shade that can serve the same purpose.
We also like the Wet n’ Wild Color Icon eyeliner pencil (pictured left) for this same “eye-opening” purpose because it comes in a few more nude-range shades that may work better for other skin tones. Reviewers call this creamy and smooth-applying formula rich, pigmented and perfect for the waterline because it “stays all day.”
Promising Amazon review for Tarte eyeliner: “Where have you been all my life? I most definitely love this, it gives you a nice awake look just like it says. If you tend to have teary or wet eyes you will need to reapply more often, but otherwise, I have found this to last for many hours. During a 9 hour work day I only need to reapply once. Have not experienced any stinging or burning or irritation with my eyes with this product, and I do have a sensitive eye area.” — Karin
Reviewers have labeled this affordable tube of Wake Up eye gel as a true game-changer for anyone dealing with puffy under eyes and persistent dark circles (and they have the before and after photos to prove it). The fast-absorbing and cooling formula delivers a heavy dose of antioxidants and polyphenols to the skin in the form of a tea leaf called yerba maté. Then, a blend of caffeine and peptides work to reduce puffiness and redness — an effective solution, according to dermatologists who previously told us that topically applied caffeine shrinks blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow and swelling.
Promising Amazon review: “Bright-eyed and refreshed – a must-have for tired eyes! I’ve been using the Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel for a few weeks now, and I’m seriously impressed! As someone who struggles with puffy under-eyes in the morning, I was looking for something lightweight yet effective—and this gel delivers. The cooling effect is so refreshing, especially when stored in the fridge, and it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or sticky. I love that it hydrates my under-eye area without interfering with makeup application. After just a few minutes, I notice a visible reduction in puffiness, thanks to the caffeine and yerba mate. The added hyaluronic acid keeps my skin feeling soft and plump, and the formula is gentle with no irritation. While I haven’t seen a dramatic difference in my dark circles, my under-eyes do look brighter and more awake. Plus, a little goes a long way, making this an affordable yet effective staple in my skincare routine. If you’re looking for an easy way to wake up tired eyes, I highly recommend giving this a try!” — Tracy
Makeup artists previously revealed to HuffPost that nothing opens eyes up more than curling the lashes with a lash curler to help create a more refreshed and youthful appearance. This highly rated stainless steel lash curler promises never to pinch the delicate skin around the eye and uses elongated silicone pads that won’t break lashes.
Check the product page for additional coupons and promo codes for up to 5% off.
Promising Amazon review: “I am in awe at how great this curler works!!! It curls my short, straight Asian lashes so well! My lashes now look so much longer and my eyes more awake. I also like that it doesn’t make some of my lashes cross each other, like my old curler. It is gentle and very easy to use.” — Rose
Delightfully squishy and cooling to the touch, these popular single-use gel patches come soaked in a skin-loving serum that claims to energize and hydrate tired eyes using ingredients like sea moss and amino acids to boost skin resilience and target fine lines. Other inclusions like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help to draw in and trap moisture for under eyes that look bouncy, dewy and refreshed. Pro tip: Store these patches in your fridge for added de-puffing power and an even greater cooling sensation.
Check the product page for additional coupons and promo codes for up to $2 off.
Promising Amazon review: “This is my third box and each time I buy the bigger size! I use these when my eyes are soo tired and puffy and dark in the morning. I usually never notice the difference in eye patches but these make me look like I got 10+ hours of sleep when I really got 5. They are so hydrating and they must have some sort of magic because I leave these on for 15 minutes and they make eyes look rested and awake! The appearance of dark circles, bagginess, and tiredness is gone when I apply these. Tip: if you put them in the fridge they feel amazing in the morning I love using these best under eye patches!” — Chase
Inside each of these stainless steel and ergonomically designed globes is a freezable liquid that delivers a lasting cooling effect to areas like under and around the eyes, the forehead and anywhere else that needs some cold therapy. Gently massaging these cryo wands beneath and around the eyes can help reduce puffiness to instantly jolt those tired eyes awake.
Promising Amazon review: “I have wasted so much $$$$ on eye creams/masks/gadgets/routines and this is the ONLY THING that gets rid of puffy/tired eyes. *** I USE THESE EVERYDAY**** Literally. Pop them in the freezer overnight. Swipe the globe from your nose outward 40x each side ( light light pressure) in a quick sweeping motion. BAM- by the time I arrive at work = no bags. It also works as a facial too- the cold metal draws the toxins that are in your skin out and away from your face. If you use it for a facial – it will be pink and blotchy because of the cold on your skin but wait 10 minutes and you’ll look awesome!” — Amazon customer
A blend of botanical extracts, rosehip seed oil, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, B3 and pro-vitamin A in this eye cream help to deeply hydrate, brighten skin and address under-eye puffiness. Some reviewers claim that this fast-absorbing and all-natural formula by LilyAna Naturals improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helped them achieve a more youthful eye area.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Feels great and is very moisturizing. Makes my tired eyes look a little more awake.” — Crystal hatcher
“The LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream is a fantastic solution for tired eyes! This cream targets dark circles and puffiness with its soothing, natural formula. After using it for a few weeks, I noticed my under-eye area looked brighter and more refreshed, with a noticeable reduction in puffiness.
The texture is light and hydrating, making it easy to apply without feeling greasy or heavy. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t cause irritation, even for sensitive skin. The generous size also makes it last a long time. If you’re looking for a natural, effective eye cream to combat dark circles and puffiness, this is a solid choice!” — AmyG
The Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Eraser has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it’s so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don’t even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 20 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.
Promising Amazon review: “Works wonders to make me look more awake. This product brightens my eyes and makes me look less tired. I have a newborn and a toddler so I’m always exhausted. Even when I’m not exhausted, I look it. I had lines under my eyes in pictures that I hated. Not any longer thanks to this product! I just apply two swipes under each eye and then use a beauty sponge to dab my BB cream tinted moisturizer on top to blend it in and voila. I instantly look better in photos. I even had a friend comment that I don’t look tired. (I know Asians can have different skin tones, but for reference, I’m a fairly tan Asian American and sand fit my skin tone perfectly. It’s just a little lighter, which is perfect when brightening my under eye area.)” — Brandon Golden
Although this cream-to-powder eye shadow stick comes in over 40 shades, the neutral champagne shade is what several reviewers are choosing to offer a subtle yet effective brightening effect to tired eyes. Apply this richly pigmented and soft-shimmer shadow to areas like the inner corners of the eye and enjoy the nourishing waterproof formula infused with vitamins E and C.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I bought this to use in the inner corners of my eye and under the brow bone for a highlight stick. It goes on smooth and gives a shimmery effect without ‘sparkles.’ Enough to make you look awake and like you made some effort without being overdone. Love it!” — Becky Scott
“Love this eye shadow. It was a great cost, stays on well and helps brighten you eyes to give you a nice awake look, even when you feel like a zombie.” — Angela Henson
Lashes that are lifted and defined with the help of a solid mascara can certainly make eyes look more open and refreshed. I (and nearly 78,740 Amazon reviewers) give L’Oréal’s Voluminous mascara 5 out of 5 stars for its clump-resistant formula that doesn’t flake and genuinely adds length and volume to lashes without weighing them down. This mascara comes in several colors, including some more unconventional shades that can actually make your eyes stand out even more.
Take a look at some of our previous coverage to find out which different colored mascaras would make your eyes pop the most, according to makeup artists.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I had to replace this horrible ‘Princess’ lash something or other mascara I asked for from a list of ‘best products.’ I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Thankfully this was affordable, smudge-proof and gave me a nice wide awake look to my tired lashes without the dreaded spider look. Even my hubby commented on them later without knowing I used it.” — CoveGirl
“Love love love Loréal’s Voluminous mascara in burgundy. It doesn’t clump half as much as I’ve found Voluminous black mascara does, and it really makes my green eyes ‘pop,’ which is essential for making me look alive and awake with my very fair skin and dark hair. This has become my go-to daily mascara. Absolutely love it.” — K. Obrien
This wearable and dual-sided mask is filled with freezable gel beads that stay flexible, even when frozen, to fill in the contours around the eyes and deliver intense cooling. It secures around the head with a stretchy Velcro strap and may help reduce puffiness and dark circles while giving the eyes an overall refresh.
Check the product page for additional coupons and promo codes for up to 10% off.
Promising Amazon review: “After searching on the net to how to get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes it was suggested various places to use the gel-based eye mask which cools the eyes and it also helps the eyes to relax after looking at the computer whole day . I ordered and was apprehensive but I use it every night after wrapping up my day . Will be ordering one more soon as my husband seems to grab it from the refrigerator to put on his eyes . But it is working very well to treat the eyes and remove puffiness under the eyes.” — anu