If you’re looking to brighten tired eyes without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Eye brighteners like the Catrice Under Eye Brightener offer skincare benefits and a soft luminous finish for under $20. On the other hand, budget-friendly gems such as grace & stella’s Under Eye Brightener with Rose Quartz Rollerball provide soothing hydration and a cooling application, making radiant eyes accessible to all budgets.
Whether you want a creamy corrector with skincare ingredients or a refreshing rollerball serum, these top picks deliver subtle luminosity and help conceal dark circles while caring for your delicate eye area. Let’s dive into our favorite splurge-worthy and save-worthy eye brighteners under $20.
1. Catrice Under Eye Brightener
What it is: A light pink brightening concealer designed specifically for the under-eye area to instantly conceal and nourish.
Best for: All skin types looking to brighten dark circles with a hydrating, vegan formula.
Texture: Lightweight, creamy texture with medium coverage and a nourishing finish.
- Conceals dark circles instantly with a natural glow
- Enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for hydration
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and fragrances
See Today’s Price & Reviews on Amazon
2. grace & stella Under Eye Brightener with Rose Quartz Rollerball
What it is: A hydrating under eye serum with a rose quartz rollerball to soothe and refresh puffiness and dark circles.
Best for: Dry or tired under eyes needing a cooling, moisturizing boost with gentle depuffing.
Texture: Lightweight, gel-serum texture with a refreshing roller application.
- Hydrates with hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Soothes with a cooling rose quartz rollerball
- Brightens eyes with caffeine and niacinamide
See Today’s Price & Reviews on Amazon
3. Harry’s Brightening Under Eye Cream
What it is: A gentle, fragrance-free eye cream that brightens and reduces the look of dark circles with natural extracts.
Best for: Sensitive skin types and those seeking a simple, soothing brightener for daily use.
Texture: Lightweight cream that blends seamlessly into skin tones.
- Instantly refreshes tired eyes with a cooling sensation
- Infused with seaweed and algae extracts for visible brightening
- Fragrance-free, safe for daily use on all skin tones
See Today’s Price & Reviews on Amazon
4. RMS Beauty ReFresh Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 30
What it is: A mineral-tinted eye brightener with SPF 30 that corrects dark circles and protects delicate under-eye skin.
Best for: Those wanting color correction plus broad-spectrum sun protection in a creamy, crease-resistant formula.
Texture: Creamy and lightweight with a smooth, blendable finish.
- Brightens under eyes with color-correcting pigments
- Protects against UVA/UVB and blue light with mineral SPF 30
- Contains caffeine and coffee seed extract to energize tired eyes
See Today’s Price & Reviews on Amazon
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Skin
- Consider skin type: Hydrating creamy textures suit dry skin, while lightweight gels or serums are ideal for oily or combination skin.
- Look for added skincare benefits: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and peptides help brighten and refresh your under eyes beyond coverage.
- Think about your routine: Choose a product with SPF if you want daytime protection, or a soothing rollerball for a pampering moment.
- Texture and finish preference: Decide if you want a luminous concealer effect or a natural serum glow.
- Budget: Both splurge and affordable options deliver visible brightness, so pick what fits your lifestyle and wallet.
FAQ
Can I use eye brighteners with sensitive skin?
Yes! Many options like Catrice and Harry’s are fragrance-free and gentle, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Always patch test first.
Do these eye brighteners work on all skin tones?
Yes. Products like Harry’s and Catrice are formulated to blend naturally with various skin tones for a radiant finish.
Can I apply makeup over these eye brighteners?
Absolutely. Most eye brighteners create a smooth base for makeup and can be layered under or over your favorite concealer or foundation.
Is SPF important in an eye brightener?
SPF protects the delicate eye area from sun damage and helps prevent darkening. RMS Beauty’s product includes SPF 30 for added defense.
Affiliate disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links. Thanks for supporting our work!
