Here’s Exactly How to Apply Your Eye Cream, According to Experts

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Of all the beauty staples in your routine, an effective under-eye cream or serum may be among the most important. And these products aren’t just for show: Many are packed with smoothing and brightening ingredients, like vitamin C and caffeine, that work overtime to leave your skin looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Plus, according to experts, these formulas typically tend to be more gentle than other skincare essentials, since they’re developed specifically for the delicate skin around the eye.

“Eye creams are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. Therefore, they have a gentler formulation, lower concentration, and strength of certain active ingredients—such as retinol and vitamin C—and less irritants,” board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Margarita Lolis recently told Bazaar.

Lolis and other dermatologists note that applying an eye cream correctly is key to maximizing its overall benefits. For a breakdown on how to apply your eye cream of choice, we consulted top professionals for a step-by-step guide, as well as their tips on where to include eye cream in your skincare routine.

[table-of-contents] stripped

Wash your face.

As with any form of skincare, starting with a fresh, clean face is key. Use your favorite cleanser or balm to remove lingering dirt, oil, and makeup ahead of moisturizing.

If applicable, apply toner and serum.

If you use toner and serum, apply them ahead of your eye cream. According to experts, each of these aids in helping prepare your skin to absorb the product more effectively.

Start with a small amount of cream.

Since eye creams are packed with potent ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, a pea-size amount is usually plenty to cover both eyes. Too much product may leave your lids or under-eyes feeling greasy, and likely won’t help speed up the beneficial effects.

Use your ring finger to apply, and pat gently.

The ring finger naturally has the lightest touch, which is ideal for avoiding too heavy of a dab or any tugging of the delicate skin around your eyes. Gently pat the cream in using a pouncing motion. While quality ingredients are key, what is equally important is how an eye cream is applied.

Under-eyes are easily irritated, as too much tugging and rubbing can quickly lead to redness and inflammation, especially if your skin is already dehydrated. However, it’s important to keep in mind that skincare changes won’t happen overnight. “The eye creams may not lead to instant results, so consistent use may be required to see these more long-term benefits,” notes board-certified dermatologist Gloria Lin.

Focus on your product placement.

Be sure to dab along the orbital bone, which is just beneath the eye and extends from its inner corner outward past its outer corner.

Avoid direct contact with your eyes.

Professionals advise being extra careful not to apply an eye cream too close to your lashes, as doing so may cause irritation. “Be aware that contact hypersensitivity reactions are delayed, so symptoms may develop five to seven days after exposure to an offending product,” board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose told Bazaar recently.

Allow the eye cream to fully absorb.

Wait a few minutes to allow the eye cream to fully absorb before applying moisturizer or makeup. Applying eye cream in the morning can help reduce puffiness while providing a smoother base for makeup. Nighttime eye cream formulations tend to be richer and more focused on skin repair and hydration.

Sublimage La Crème Yeux

Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

The Return Eye Concentrate

Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream

Sisleÿa L’Integral Eye & Lip Contour Cream

Brighten-i Eye Cream

Meet the Experts

• Margarita Lolis, M.D., is a New Jersey–based board-certified dermatologist and and Mohs surgeon.

• Gloria Lin, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.D is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

• Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the Hamptons. She is also a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine