THE ESSENTIALS

If your idea of great eye care is popping on the odd slice of cucumber, it’s probably time to reconsider your routine. Face creams tend to be too heavy to use around the eyes, although a moisturising anti-ageing serum should be fine. Better still, though, is a dedicated eye cream that’s been specifically designed for the thin skin around the area and to also tackle specific issues, from puffiness to shadows.

THE PROBLEM PUFFINESS

Although puffy eyes can be associated with thyroid and kidney problems, they can also be the result of excess alcohol, fatigue and water retention. Chill a couple of spoons in the freezer and hold them around the eye area to kick-start the circulation. Next, press the area around your ocular bone (your eye socket) with your middle finger. Hold for four seconds, then move your finger along a centimetre at a time until you have completed a circle all around the eyes. Must-have products Skyn Iceland Brightening Eye Serum (£30, Marks & Spencer; from 1 March) smoothes, reduces puffiness and hydrates; Dermalogica Ultrasmoothing Eye Serum (£37.30) feels superlightweight and is good for sensitive eyes.

THE PROBLEM DARK SHADOWS

Inflammation, allergies, fatigue, dehydration, poor circulation and your genes can all cause dark circles. Research by Clinique revealed that dark circles are largely made up of an accumulation of melanin in both the upper and lower levels of skin, so invest in a brightening formula.

Must-have products Try Olay Eyes Illuminating Eye

Cream (£24.99, Boots). The dual-swirl gel contains a light-reflecting cream and a gel to even out skin tone. We also love the luxe feel of Temple Spa Eye Truffle

(£60) and our testers found that it improved shadows.

THE PROBLEM LINES

Repetitive facial movements cause the skin to crease and fold and, as we age, a reduction in the skin’s elasticity and density means that wrinkles start to take hold. The skin around your eyes is also five times more porous than it is on the rest of your face, so it’s more prone to environmental assaults. Try a formula with magic ingredient retinol to make a visible difference. Must-have products Give La Roche-posay Redermic [R]

Eyes (£24.50, Boots) a go. Its combination of caffeine and retinol smoothes crow’s feet and brightens circles. Or try Eve Lom Time Retreat Eye Treatment (£50, Space NK). With vitamin C, it’s great for plumping lines and brightening.