How to Apply Eye Cream Correctly

If you’re not using eye cream yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Daily eye cream use is essential for keeping your under eyes youthful by moisturizing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But, eye cream only works if you’re applying it right. There are many different methods of using eye cream, from tapping, dabbing, and massaging, but there are some practices you can follow to ensure you’re making the most of your formulas.

After all, the chances are that you’re either using too much product or are dabbing it into the wrong part of your face when using eye cream.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Whether you’re new to the art of eye cream application or you’d like to brush up with some tips, we’re here to tell you exactly how to apply eye cream.

Where Should You Apply Eye cream?

It may seem obvious where you apply eye cream, but many people get it wrong. Always apply eye cream using your ring finger along the orbital bone or eye socket. The wedding finger is the best one to use because we have less muscle there, so you apply less pressure when putting on eye cream.

While it may be tempting to smear it on your eyelids, too, it’s best to avoid this area.

You should also avoid applying the formula too close to your eyes because cream travels when it heats up with your body temperature. That means the product will spread within an hour or two, reaching soft tissue areas. Plus, nobody wants to get any product in their eyes – ouch!

Try not to get eye cream on your lovely lashes, too, as that’s another way the formula can enter your eye and irritate it.

How Should You Apply Eye Cream?

To apply your eye cream, squeeze out a penny-sized amount that’s enough for both eyes. Then dot the formula four to five times under your eyes, starting at the outer corners where the crow’s feet would be and downward along the eye socket. The dots should be approximately a quarter of an inch apart.

Soft massaging and patting both work great for allowing the formula to soak right into your skin. If you’re new to using eye cream, try experimenting with methods. You can start by pressing the cream gently into your skin or by using light, sweeping strokes.

Whatever you do, avoid stretching the skin. The skin under your eyes is very delicate, so if you notice that you’re moving your skin around when applying eye cream, you’re probably too rough.

When it comes to eye cream, less is usually more. Packing on the product won’t make it more likely to vanish your crow’s feet away, but it will, however, creep into your peepers and irritate them. Remember, all you need is a penny-sized amount of cream to delicately dab under your eyes.

If you’re applying makeup over your eye cream, give it a minute or two to absorb before you pop on your primer, foundation, or undereye concealer. That way, your makeup won’t cake up from the extra emollient base in the eye cream formula.

What Ingredients Should You Look For?

Eye creams often have different purposes and are made of various ingredients, so what may work for a friend won’t necessarily work for you.

Formulas can help brighten up dark circles, reduce puffiness, improve the appearance of crow’s feet, plus more. While some products are designed to combat one of these skincare concerns, others aim to cover all of them.

Antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide protects your eyes from damage from the sun’s rays, pollution, stress, and a lack of shut-eye. Retinoids, on the other hand, assist with stimulating cell turnover.

Peptides help boost elastin and collagen production for more youthful peepers. To prevent premature aging, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter deeply hydrate the skin while sealing in moisture to stop fine lines from developing.

Packed with both hyaluronic acid and caffeine, we love NeoStrata’s Intensive Eye Therapy Cream to help deflate puffy eyes while quenching thirsty skin. As an intensive anti-aging product, the formula uses multiple mechanisms to plump and firm the appearance of tired and slack eye skin.

Another excellent option is Revision’s Teamine Eye Complex formula, crammed full of green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, and THD ascorbate, the superior form of vitamin C. The magic formula reduces the appearance of dark, moody circles while brightening and smoothing the delicate eye area. Say goodbye to unwanted fine lines and wrinkles!

Want more skincare advice? Here’s how to prevent stress wrinkles.