The Proper Way to Apply Eye Cream

Your eyes are the most sensitive organ on your body and the skin around your eyes is also very delicate and requires the proper care to help maintain its elasticity. For most people, the skin around the eyes is where wrinkles will first appear. Using an eye cream on a regular basis can help slow the formation of wrinkles and keep the area hydrated.

Key Takeaways

To apply eye cream, use a pea-sized amount for both eyes and pat it on with your ring finger.
Apply along the orbital bone, not too close to the lash line.
Use it after serum and before moisturizer, morning and night.

Using an eye cream on a regular basis is only the first step. Choosing the right formula for your concerns and applying properly is also important if you want noticeable, lasting results. Here at Beauty ‘N Fashion, our team has put this blog together to make this process easy for you.

The Best Eye Cream Ingredients

Quality eye creams can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, lighten dark circles, and even reduce puffiness. Good eye cream is one of the best ways to make your face look more youthful and awake. There are many different formulas available on the market, most target one of these specific concerns. There are also eye creams formulated to address all of these concerns at once. Regardless of which type you are seeking, there are some key ingredients that you should look for in an eye cream.

Retinoids – This ingredient stimulates the rate of cell turnover.
Antioxidants – These come in many forms such as niacinamide and vitamin C. They work to protect the skin around your eyes from stress, pollution, and sun damage.
Caffeine, Arnica, and Vitamin K – These all work to reduce swelling and inflammation as well as increase circulation.
Peptides – These boost the production of collagen and elastin.
Shea butter and Hyaluronic acid – Both of these fight fine lines while hydrating the eye area.

The Best Way to Apply Eye Cream

STEP #1: Start with a small amount of cream on the finger, about the size of a pea. Most eye creams are highly concentrated so a little goes a long way. The ring finger offers the lightest touch naturally, so use that to apply your creams without applying too much pressure.

STEP #2: Tap small dots under your eye with the cream. They should start at the inner corner and extend to the brow bone. Tap those dots in a semi-circle pattern until the cream is fully absorbed. This motion will help stimulate circulation, but make sure you avoid stretching or pulling the skin. Avoid the eyelids unless the product specifies it is for the whole eye.

STEP #3: Wait for at least two minutes before you apply any other skincare products or your concealer. This gives your eye cream time to fully soak into your skin for maximum effectiveness.

More Eye Cream Tips & Suggestions

Beauty ‘N Fashion wants to remind you that eye cream is most effective when used twice a day, preferably in the morning and before you go to bed. A lot of people like to use eye cream during the day to improve the look of their makeup while others prefer to let the cream work while they are sleeping. During your regular skincare routine, eye cream should be applied after you have cleansed and toned your skin, but before you have applied serums, night creams or moisturizers.

Choosing an Eye Cream for Your Concern

Puffiness: look for caffeine, green tea or cooling gel formulas. Storing your eye cream in the fridge adds an extra de-puffing effect.
Dark circles: vitamin C, niacinamide and vitamin K may help brighten. Mayo Clinic explains the causes of dark circles.
Fine lines: retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid support smoother skin. Start slowly with retinol, as the eye area is sensitive.
Dryness: ceramides, shea butter and squalane nourish and protect.

When to Apply Eye Cream in Your Routine

Apply eye cream after cleansing and toning, and after any lightweight serums, but before your moisturizer. Thinner products go on first so they can absorb properly. In the morning, follow with sunscreen, and choose a lightweight formula that will not cause concealer to slip. At night, a richer eye cream helps hydrate while you sleep.

Eye Cream Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much: a pea-sized amount is enough for both eyes. Extra product can migrate into the eyes and cause irritation or milia.
Rubbing: always tap or pat gently with your ring finger, which applies the least pressure.
Applying too close to the lashes: stay on the orbital bone; the product will naturally spread.
Expecting overnight results: most eye creams take four to eight weeks to show visible changes.
Forgetting sun protection: UV exposure is a major cause of fine lines around the eyes. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.

Do You Really Need an Eye Cream?

The skin around your eyes is thinner and has fewer oil glands, so it can be more sensitive than the rest of your face. Some people use their regular facial moisturizer around the eyes without problems. An eye cream is helpful if your facial products sting near the eyes, or if you want ingredients that target puffiness, dark circles or fine lines specifically.

Lifestyle Habits for Brighter Eyes

Eye cream works best alongside healthy habits: get enough sleep, reduce salty foods at night, stay hydrated and manage allergies. For more help, read how to keep under eye bags away and our 3 easy steps to cover up dark circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start using eye cream?

Many people start in their 20s or 30s, but it is never too late.

Can eye cream fix dark circles?

Caffeine and vitamin C can help a little. Mayo Clinic explains the causes of dark circles.

What about puffiness?

See how to keep under eye bags away.

* Disclaimer: Beauty 'N Fashion provides general information only. Our aim is to provide the most accurate information possible, but we do not take responsibility for any errors or results.