How to Apply Eye Cream: A 6-Step Skincare Routine

If you’ve done any research on skincare, you know that eye cream is a vital step for a brighter, younger-looking complexion.

Eye cream is specifically formulated to nourish the delicate skin around your eyes and treat concerns such as puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet. Once you’ve chosen a product to treat your specific concerns, you might be wondering, “How do I apply it?”

Like most skincare products, there is a right and a wrong way to apply eye cream. Read along as we share a 6-step routine to follow to get the most out of the best eye creams.

When to Apply Eye Cream

One of the most important things to determine when adding a new product to your skincare lineup is when and how often to use it.

Applying eye cream should be one of the last steps in your skin care routine—both in the morning and at night. Some eye creams are formulated to be used specifically at night, while others are designed for the morning (such as those with SPF), so it’s important to use them, respectively. If you have a universal eye cream, the same product can be used twice a day.

Not quite sure how eye cream can fit into your skincare routine? Here’s an example of a simple yet effective regimen.

1. Cleanse

When it comes to skincare, it’s so important to start with a clean canvas. During the day, a gentle cleanser or micellar water might do the trick, but at night, you may want to complete a double cleanse to ensure all of the oil and dirt from the day are completely removed from your skin.

So what exactly is a double cleanse?

This method involves two cleansers: one to remove oil and another to provide a deeper clean. For your first cleanser, use a cleansing balm or oil to break down any product or dirt on your skin. After, you can follow up with a foam or cream cleanser to remove any last traces that may have been left behind.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin three times per week can help slough away dead skin, unclog pores, and smooth imperfections. After cleansing, use a gentle scrub and apply it in circular motions. Gentle is the keyword here—never harshly scrub your skin! Follow up by simply rinsing the scrub away.

3. Apply Toner

Facial toners can restore the skin’s pH balance, reduce the appearance of pores and, depending on the formula, provide a boost of hydration. Toners aren’t a must—but taking this extra step can transform your skincare routine.

To use face toner, apply a small amount to a cotton pad and sweep it across your face. Be sure to allow the toner to air dry before moving on to your next step.

4. Apply Eye Cream

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… eye cream!

When it comes to eye cream, less is more. Apply a small amount to your ring finger and gently pat it around your under-eye area, the inner and outer corners of your eyes, and your orbital bone until it is fully absorbed. The gentler, the better. Try your best to avoid pulling or tugging at your skin!

Depending on the formula, you may be able to pat your eye cream onto your eyelid area as well. As with any product, you’ll want to make sure to avoid getting too close to your eyes or applying so much that it gets into your eyes. If the product specifies that it is safe for your eyelids, apply it as you would on the rest of your eye, with gentle patting motions.

Additionally, it’s important to allow your eye cream to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step of your routine. This will help to ensure you’re reaping the full benefits of its ingredients.

Taking this one simple step can drastically improve your skin’s condition and prevent signs of aging before they even form. As a reminder, here are a few don’ts when it comes to applying eye cream:

• Don’t go overboard with the amount of product. (A little goes a long way!)
• Don’t apply the product too close to your eyes.
• Don’t pull or tug at your skin.
• Don’t apply eye cream out of order. If it’s a lighter formula, apply it before your moisturizer and if it’s a thicker cream, apply it after your moisturizer.
• Don’t skip out on your eye cream! Consistency is key, so remember to use it every morning and every night.

5. Moisturize

No skincare routine is complete without moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is an essential step to keep your skin balanced and maintain a youthful glow.

There are a ton of different moisturizers on the market, so always do your research and take your individual skin type into account. For example, if you have mature skin, you’ll likely want to choose a moisturizer with anti-aging properties. If you struggle with sensitive skin, you’ll want to opt for a product with a simple list of ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals or artificial dyes or scents.

6. Lock in Moisture With a Facial Oil

Last but certainly not least, facial oils are an amazing way to lock in moisture and all of the benefits of the skincare products you just applied. As always, be sure to look at the ingredients and choose a facial oil that is best suited for your skin type.

When applying your oil, put three to five drops into your hands. Gently pat the oil into your skin and neck. If it’s during the day, you might want to opt for a more lightweight oil.

Don’t forget to follow up with a layer of sunscreen for the face. Choose one with an SPF of at least 30.

What Are the Benefits of Eye Cream?

Many people don’t use eye cream for one simple reason—they don’t know what an eye cream does. Why not just use a general moisturizer?

The reason is that a specialized eye cream targets the delicate area around the eyes. This skin is thinner and easily irritated, which is why a basic moisturizer doesn’t make the cut when it comes to good eye care. The eye area is also more prone to developing dry skin because of its overall sensitivity.

Here are a few different issues that an eye cream can help with:

• Do you suffer from dark circles around the eyes? An eye cream with Vitamin C, chrysin, or hydroxysuccinimide can give your skin a brighter glow.
• Do you want to control fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles? You don’t have to wait for them to show up to invest in an anti-aging cream for your eyes. Many of the top anti-aging eye creams include retinol or hyaluronic acid to combat crow’s feet.
• Do your eyes look puffy? Whether it’s because you’re tired, stressed, or simply getting older, a good eye cream can sort puffiness out. For a cooling effect, store your de-puffing eye cream in the fridge when you’re not using it. The slight chill can increase its potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you apply eye cream on your eyelids?

Only if the cream specifically states it’s safe to apply to your eyelids. Otherwise, you shouldn’t apply it to your top eyelid. You also don’t want to get too close to your bottom eyelashes when applying the cream under your eyes.

Do you apply eye cream before or after moisturizer?

We usually recommend eye cream first, then a natural face moisturizer for good skin. However, the best order depends on your product’s consistency. If your eye cream is heavier than your moisturizer, you may be better off applying after your moisturizer.

Your eye cream’s product label may also indicate whether it should be applied before or after a moisturizer.

Do you need eye cream in your 20s?

While many wait until they’re older to apply eye cream, we strongly recommend starting in your 20s. The reason is simple—you want to take steps to maintain your youthful appearance before you start losing it, not after.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all. Applying eye cream while you’re young can help you control wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles as you age.

When should I apply eye cream?

It’s good to apply eye cream twice a day, in the morning and at night. It should be one of the final steps in your normal routine. Generally speaking, you want to apply cleanser, exfoliants, acne treatments, and serums before the eye cream and moisturizer and sunscreen afterward.

Is eye serum better than cream?

An eye serum is lighter than the average eye cream formula. Many serums are also designed to penetrate deeper into the skin than a cream.

Does all of that make an eye serum better than an eye cream? Well, eye cream has its upsides, too. Many people enjoy the comforting, soothing feel of a quality cream. Plus, a serum doesn’t moisturize and soften the skin as a cream does.

If you want the best of each, there’s no harm in using both a serum and a cream. You can switch them up as needed or apply both during your care routine.

Confident About Applying Eye Cream?

There you have it! A complete skincare regimen to follow when you want to incorporate an eye cream into your routine. Remember, these steps can always be modified or added depending on your individual skin type, so always stick to what works best for you.