'I've never skipped a day of using eye cream in 15 years. Here are the ones I swear by.'

I take my eye cream game as seriously as sunscreen.

Since my mid-teens, my Korean mum has drilled one piece of beauty advice into me: "Don't neglect your eyes and neck!" She always said her biggest skincare regret was not starting eye cream sooner — so naturally, I took that to heart. And now, I've been applying eye cream religiously for over 15 years.

But while sunscreen is universally accepted as a skincare non-negotiable, eye cream? Not so much. Gather any group of people in a room, ask them if they use an eye cream, and you'll likely spark a debate over whether it's truly essential or just a glorified moisturiser in a tiny tube.

Obviously, I'm firmly pro-eye creams/serums/oils — and there's absolutely no one or nothing that could change my mind.

WATCH: Do lash serums really work? Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren dive into this controversial topic. Post continues below.

As a result, I've tested hundreds of different formulas over the years and realised there are only a select few I keep coming back to — and they're all super affordable. So, here are the eye creams (and serums) that have actually earned a permanent spot in my routine.

(And a hot tip? Don't let the label fool you because these products aren't just for your eyes. I love gently tapping them onto my lips, smile lines, 11 lines and neck, too.)

The best affordable eye creams to buy in Australia.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, $15.95 (usually $25.50).

Image: Lila Beauty.

I honestly can't even count how many tubes of this I've repurchased. It's that good. This Korean eye serum contains Retinalsome — a type of encapsulated retinal that ensures better ingredient stability, deeper absorption and less irritation. Yes, even if you have ultra-sensitive skin, like me.

It also features 10 per cent Panax Ginseng Root Extract, which is one of my ride-or-die skincare ingredients. Research shows ginseng improves hydration, texture, pigmentation and fine lines — basically everything you want in an eye product.

It wears beautifully under makeup, doesn't cause milia (those annoying little white bumps some heavy eye creams leave behind) and is gentle enough for daily use. 

You can read my full review here.

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream 30ml, $18.50 (usually $24).

Image: Lila Beauty.

If you've heard of the viral "salmon sperm" trend in K-beauty, this is the product that makes it make sense. The star ingredient here is PDRN, derived from salmon DNA, which helps regenerate cells, boost collagen and elastin, and deeply hydrate.

It also contains niacinamide, peptides and retinol, making it a true all-rounder for dark circles and fine lines. The texture is super-light, non-sticky and sinks in fast. 

I must note that if your skin is on the mature side, you might want to try the Medicube Deep Lifting Peptide Eye Cream, which has even more targeted anti-ageing benefits.

Go-To De-Crease Retinal Eye Serum, $55.

Image: Go-To.

Go-To is one of my favourite Aussie skincare brands, and De-Crease is easily one of their standout products (right alongside Face Hero Oil and Very Luxe Face Cream).

This silky serum is formulated with 0.10 per cent encapsulated retinal and firming peptides to help smooth, lift and hydrate the eye area. It also features niacinamide, honey locust extract and mushroom extract to tackle puffiness, brighten and de-puff.

In short: it's crow's feet's worst nightmare. 

And even though it contains retinol, it's dermatologically tested and designed to be gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive ones. That makes it the perfect entry point for retinal newbies, while still delivering impressive results for skin pros. 

Haruharu Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, $13.95 (usually $20).

Image: Lila Beauty.

Often dubbed the vegan answer to Beauty of Joseon's retinal serum, Haruharu's formula swaps retinal for bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol that boasts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

It's made with 5,000ppm of bakuchiol and 2,000ppm of Korean black rice extract, giving your under-eyes a gentle but effective dose of hydration and wrinkle-fighting goodness. And bonus: it plays nicely with makeup and won't cause milia.

If you're dealing with really dark circles or deeper lines, though, I'd opt for something stronger. But if you want a natural, beginner-friendly option? This is a winner.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream 25ml, $44.80 (usually $56).

Image: Adore Beauty.

Not keen on retinal or actives? Laneige's Water Bank Eye Cream is like a tall glass of water for your under-eyes. It's packed with blue hyaluronic acid to deliver deep hydration, while coconut oil helps lock in moisture and create a protective barrier.

It's free from vitamin A derivatives, making it great for those who are pregnant, have sensitive skin or are simply looking for a non-active option. Plus, the slight cooling effect makes it feel heavenly after a terrible night's sleep.

Have you tried any of the above eye creams? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Feature image: Supplied.