Fast-absorbing hydration that smooths crepey under-eyes and layers under concealer—apply a rice-grain amount along the orbital bone and press upward.
We may earn a small referral fee

Trying to pick an eye cream at Walmart is overwhelming, and a bad choice can sting, pill under makeup, or do nothing at all. These are the standout options that consistently deliver for real-life under-eye concerns.
In-depth Reviews
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
- Comfortable hydration that absorbs fast
- Plays well under sunscreen and concealer
- Gentle feel for easily irritated under-eyes
- Brightening is subtle, not dramatic
- Too rich for some very oily skin types
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Noticeable softening of fine lines over time
- Good overnight texture that does not feel heavy
- Works well when layered with a plain moisturizer
- Can cause dryness or irritation if started too aggressively
- Not ideal if your under-eyes are currently sensitized
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
- Fast-absorbing, cooling feel
- Helps concealer look less dry and cakey
- Great for layered routines (serum, moisturizer, sunscreen)
- Not rich enough for very dry, flaky under-eyes
- Limited impact on deeper wrinkles
Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream
- Makes the under-eye area look more even and bright
- Makeup-friendly finish with minimal pilling
- Comfortable daily use for many skin types
- Results are gradual, not overnight
- May not be enough for very deep discoloration
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
- Solid moisture for the price
- Helps reduce the look of dryness under makeup
- Easy to fit into simple routines
- Can feel tacky if you use too much
- Not a heavy hitter for wrinkles
Buying Guide
Quick Routine Fix: How to Apply Eye Cream So It Stops Pilling
Use less, and keep it on the orbital bone. The most common mistake is applying eye cream like face moisturizer. Dot a rice-grain amount per eye along the orbital bone (the firm area under the eye), then lightly press upward. Getting too close to the lash line makes product migrate, which leads to watering and smudged mascara.
Let layers set before makeup. Give eye cream 60 to 90 seconds to absorb before sunscreen or concealer. If you still get pilling, you are probably stacking too much product. Try either (1) skipping eye cream in the morning and using a tiny amount of your regular moisturizer, or (2) choosing a lighter gel formula for daytime and saving richer creams for night.
For retinol eye creams, slow is fast. Apply on fully dry skin at night, start a few nights per week, and add a bland moisturizer on top if you feel tight or flaky. Consistency beats intensity around the eyes, and irritation can make darkness and texture look worse in the short term.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want one easy, low-risk pick from Walmart that plays well with most routines, choose CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for dependable hydration and a calm, makeup-friendly finish. For noticeable line-smoothing over time, step up to RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, just introduce it slowly.
See also
If dark circles are your top priority, start with our best eye cream for dark circles guide and compare it to our best vitamin C eye cream picks.
- See our guide to treating under-eye wrinkles
- Read our INKEY List caffeine eye cream review
- Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool gels: our hands-on review
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do I really need a separate eye cream, or can I use my face moisturizer?
You can usually use a gentle, fragrance-free face moisturizer under your eyes, especially for simple dryness. Eye creams earn their keep when you want a more makeup-friendly texture, targeted ingredients (like retinol or caffeine), or a formula that is less likely to sting and water your eyes.
How much eye cream should I use?
Less than you think: about a rice-grain amount per eye is plenty for the orbital bone area. Using too much is the fastest way to get pilling under concealer, migration into the eye (watering or irritation), and morning puffiness.
What is the fastest way to reduce morning puffiness?
Go for a lightweight gel or a caffeine-based formula, apply a thin layer, and keep it on the outer under-eye area rather than right up to the lash line. Cooling helps too: store your eye product somewhere cool and press (do not rub) for 10 to 15 seconds with clean fingertips.
Can I use retinol eye cream every night?
Many people cannot, at least not at first. Start 2 to 3 nights per week, moisturize on top if you feel dry, and increase slowly as your skin tolerates it. If you get persistent burning, flaking, or rawness, back off and consider a gentler option.
What should I avoid if my eyes sting easily?
Avoid getting product too close to the lash line, and be cautious with heavily fragranced formulas or strong actives used too often. Patch test first, choose fragrance-free when possible, and prioritize barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.
