This is an article on how to apply eye cream properly.
I have very dark under eyes and I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. Even looking at old childhood photos, I already notice some dark circles under my eyes. My interest in eye serums and creams only started a few years back as I notice it going darker and even some fine lines forming as I grow older.
My interest in skincare doesn’t only stop at looking at and researching different skincare products. I also like reading about how to properly use them and the order of how I should apply them for maximum results.
When it comes to the area around the eyes, like most people, I tend to be extra careful. The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and that makes it extra sensitive. And because it’s so close to the eyes, whatever wrong product is put around it can potentially affect the eyes itself.
If you’re like me and are wondering how to apply eye cream correctly, I’ve got you covered here!
What Does Eye Cream Do?
As mentioned above, the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and is generally a more sensitive and delicate skin. Because of this, it’s also usually the first area to show any signs of aging.
The notion that using an eye cream is meant for older people is so outdated. The earlier you start your skin on eye creams, the better and longer the results would be.
An eye cream is highly nourishing, moisturizing, and hydrating. If you want to slow down signs of aging, moisture is the way to go. And depending on the eye cream’s formula, it can target wrinkles, fine lines, dark under eyes, inflammation, and puffiness. Learn more about how eye cream can benefit you.
As the years go by and as more people develop an interest in skincare, the more eye creams are becoming a staple on people’s routines, no matter the age and gender.
Choosing Your Eye Cream: The Best Ingredients to Look For
The market is flocked with so many eye creams to choose from, and for a simple shopper, it can be overwhelming.
Most eye creams are formulated to address certain concerns whether it be dark circles, aging, puffiness, or dryness. When looking for an eye cream to buy, it’s best to take an ingredient-based approach to ensure that it’s able to address your concern.
Below are some ingredients you might want to consider looking for in an eye cream:
- Niacinamide lightens dark under eye circles and hyperpigmentation.
- Caffeine is anti-inflammatory and can reduce redness and puffiness. It can also reduce under eye bags and dark circles.
- Peptides targets under eye wrinkles and sagging by promoting collagen and elastin production.
- Retinoids can reduce wrinkles and promote cell turnover.
- Vitamin C boosts collagen production and is a skin brightener.
- Vitamin E has both antioxidant and hydrating properties for dry skin.
Whether you’re looking for a hydrating eye cream, an anti-aging eye cream, or one for dark circles concerns, you’ll find the perfect one for your needs.
How to Apply Eye Cream
1. Prep skin and hands
Basically skincare 101, you want to start with a blank and clean canvass. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Also make sure your hands are clean before you go about touching your face.
As anything in the beauty world, there’s continuous debate on the order of which you apply skincare products. Is it moisturizer or eye cream first or should serums go first? The general rule of thumb is that lighter products go first before the heavier products. So let’s say, you go with your toner first, then serums, then eye cream, and lastly moisturizer.
Make sure to apply your skincare products however it works best for you!
2. Use the proper amount
Eye creams are very concentrated in formula. Just a pea-sized amount of eye cream is enough to cover both eyes. Using too much of the recommended amount doesn’t mean the eye cream will work better.
Also, using too much of what your eyes need can lead to the excess product getting into your eyes which can sting, hurt, and irritate your eyes.
3. Use only your ring finger
As we’ve mentioned over and over, there is very sensitive skin around and under the eyes. And because it’s very sensitive, it needs only the gentlest touch.
When applying your eye cream, make sure to only use your ring finger. It’s the weakest finger and will therefore put the lightest and gentlest force on your eye area.
Sometimes, an eye cream can come with applicators to scoop out the product from a tub or jar. While it may be suggested to use the applicator to spread the product as well, you’d want to avoid this. Using an applicator will put too much unnecessary pressure on the delicate area around your eyes.
4. Apply in small dots
With the pea-sized amount of eye cream, apply your eye cream by tapping small dots starting from the inner corner of your eyes up and out to your brow bone and along the orbital bone. You should end up with a semi-circle on both eyes.
Make sure to never get too close to your actual eye and lash line. If the product gets on your actual eye, it can lead to irritation and redness.
5. Pat – don’t drag or rub
Now with the semi-circle of the eye cream product around your eyes, you would want to gently pat the product in. Doing this gentle tapping motion around your eyes can also help stimulate blood flow along the delicate skin area for better product absorption.
Work the product in from the innermost corners of your eyes going outward and upward until the brow bone. You’d also want to gently tap the eye cream along the orbital bone and under your eyebrows. Gently tap as you go along that path but don’t get too close to the lash line to the point of getting product in your eyes.
Remember, only pat and never drag or rub! Dragging or rubbing the skin under and around your eyes puts too much pressure on the area and can lead to premature signs of aging and irritation – far from what you’re trying to accomplish with your eye cream.
6. Apply on eyelids, if specified
While most eye creams are meant to be applied only under the eyes, some can be applied on the eyelids as well. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s notes on this before applying on the eyelids.
Applying eye cream on eyelids when it shouldn’t be applied there can cause the product to travel directly to and irritate your eyes, especially if you have oily skin.
7. Give it two minutes
After the eye cream application, give it about two minutes to fully absorb into your skin. After two minutes, give it a touch to make sure all has been fully absorbed. When that’s done, you can go ahead with the rest of your skincare routine or your makeup routine.
8. Be consistent
The last thing to keep in mind to ensure that you achieve your desired results from your eye cream is to be consistent. Make sure that eye cream is a regular and a staple in your skincare routine – morning or night or maybe, even both for superior results.
More Tips and Tricks on How to Use Eye Creams
An eye cream will only work good if you’ve got the right formula so make sure you choose your eye cream carefully. Make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients and that it actually addresses your concerns.
Storing your eye cream in the fridge before application will give it extra soothing and de-puffing effects, especially after a long and stressful day.
Use an eye massage tool to help the product absorb better. This will also promote better blood circulation and de-puff the eyes. Just remember to be very gentle.
Where to apply eye cream?
Apply starting from the inner corners of your eyes going upwards and out. Also include in the application your eyes’ orbital bones and under your brow lines. You can also include your eyelids if your eye cream specifies it can be applied on there too.
When to use eye cream?
Most people like to use their eye cream both in the morning and in the evening to maximize results. You can use the same eye cream for both times but you can have a separate eye cream for the morning and evening.
A lighter eye cream works best in the mornings as it’s lightweight and can layer better under makeup. A heavier eye cream would work in the evenings to help replenish and rejuvenate your eyes.
Conclusion
Over the years, eye creams have become a staple in so many people’s skincare routines – no matter their age and gender. Whether you’re after moisture and hydration or reducing dark circles, puffiness, or wrinkles, you’re sure to find an eye cream formula perfect for your concerns.
Just as important as the eye cream is the correct and proper way of applying the product.
First, you want to make sure that your face and hands are clean. When it comes to eye creams, you only ever need a pea-sized amount for both eyes! More product doesn’t mean it works better.
Because the skin around the eyes are delicate, make sure you only ever use your ring fingers as it’s the weakest and has the gentlest touch. You’d want to pat the product in. Never drag or rub the skin around your eyes. This can cause irritation and early onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
Also avoid getting too close to the lash line. After getting the product in, wait for about two minutes to let it absorb before proceeding with the rest of your skincare routine.
And there you have it – our guide on how to apply eye cream!
