How to Apply Eye Cream According to Skincare Professionals

When I first started getting serious about skincare, eye cream was one of the products that everyone swore by but no one could really explain how to apply eye cream properly. Does it do under the moisturizer or on top of it? And how much do you need per application? After some trial and error and a lot of advice from skincare professionals, I finally got the hang of it.

Related: Best Eye Creams We’ve Tested This Year

Why Eye Cream Matters

We’ve all heard that the skin around our eyes is delicate, but what does that really mean? It means this area is often the first to show signs of aging, like fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Eye creams are specially formulated to address these issues, providing targeted hydration and treatment where it’s needed most. But even the best eye cream won’t do much if it’s not applied correctly.

How to Apply Eye Cream

First things first: always start with a clean face. Make sure you’ve removed all makeup and washed your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a gentle face towel. The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive, so you want to be as gentle as possible to avoid irritation.

When it comes to eye cream, a little goes a long way. You don’t need a lot of product to see results. In fact, using too much can cause more harm than good, leading to irritation or even milia (those tiny white bumps).

Here’s the method that skincare professionals recommend:

1. Use Your Ring Finger: This finger applies the least pressure, which is perfect for the delicate eye area.
2. Dab, Don’t Rub: Take a pea-sized amount of eye cream and dab small dots under your eyes, starting from the inner corners and moving outward.
3. Gently Pat: Use a gentle tapping motion to pat the cream into your skin. This helps with absorption and stimulates circulation without tugging on the skin.

The Order of Application: Timing is Key

Timing matters when applying eye cream. Generally, you should apply your eye cream before your moisturizer. This allows the active ingredients in the eye cream to penetrate the skin without being blocked by a heavier product.

If you’re using other serums or treatments, apply your eye cream after water-based serums but before thicker creams. Here’s a simple routine to follow:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner (if you use one)
3. Water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid)
4. Eye cream
5. Moisturizer
6. Sunscreen (in the morning)

Special Tips for Different Issues

Different eye creams target different concerns, whether it’s dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. Here are some tips for specific issues:

• Dark Circles: Look for ingredients like vitamin C or caffeine. These can help brighten the area and reduce discoloration. Apply using the same gentle dabbing technique, focusing on the under-eye area.
• Puffiness: Ingredients like peptides and chamomile can help reduce puffiness. For an extra de-puffing effect, store your eye cream in a mini fridge. The cool temperature helps reduce swelling.
• Fine Lines: Retinol and hyaluronic acid are great for smoothing out fine lines. Be cautious with retinol, though, as it can be irritating. Start by using it every other night and gradually increase frequency.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when applying eye cream. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using Too Much: As mentioned, a pea-sized amount is enough. More product won’t enhance the benefits and could lead to irritation.
• Applying Too Close to the Eyes: Keep the cream to the orbital bone area (the bone around your eye socket). Eye cream will naturally move a bit as it warms up on your skin, so applying it too close to your eyes can result in product getting into your eyes and causing irritation.
• Skipping Sunscreen: Many eye creams contain ingredients that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Making It a Routine

Consistency is key in skincare. Make your eye cream application a part of your daily routine, both morning and night. It doesn’t take much time but can make a significant difference in the long run. Over time, you’ll likely notice improvements in the texture and appearance of your under-eye area.