How to Apply Eye Cream in 5 Easy Steps

From dark circles to puffiness to crow’s feet, there are quite a few complexion concerns that revolve around the under-eye area. Since the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate in comparison to other parts of the face, the eye contour area is actually more prone to showing early signs of aging. Besides grinning and bearing it, is there anything you can do to address your biggest under-eye problems? We’re happy to report that there is—using an eye cream in your daily skin care product lineup. But, when should you apply eye cream? Do you apply it everywhere, including on your eyelids? Don’t worry, before you add this extra step into your skin care routine, we’ll answer all of your questions about exactly how to do so. Here, learn how to apply eye cream and get the scoop on a few of our best eye creams.

When should you apply eye cream?

First things first, you need to know when to apply eye cream. Every time you add a new skin care product to your beauty routine, you’re faced with a new problem—determining when to use it. So, when exactly, should eye cream be slotted into your skin care routine? The answer: Applying eye cream should be the final step in your skin care routine every day, both in the morning and at night. The one exception? You should apply sunscreen after eye cream!

HOW TO APPLY EYE CREAM

Let’s breakdown how to apply eye cream. Follow these five simple steps to start caring for your under-eye area.

STEP #1: CLEANSE

The first step of a successful skin care routine is all about a quality cleansing routine. While you can certainly cleanse the surface of your skin with a single product, we like covering all the bases with a double-cleansing routine. Start by removing your makeup with a cotton round soaked with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types. Powered by tiny oil molecules, the micellar water helps draw impurities away from the skin for gentle makeup removal and cleansing.

After you’ve removed all traces of makeup, reach for a more traditional, rinse-off cleanser. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate and Refine Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify and Mattify Cleanser, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Cleanser are each formulated with three different types of clay and one special ingredient to cater to an array of complexion concerns. Their clay-to-mousse formulas makes for a soothing cleansing expeirence that won't over-dry skin. To use, squeeze your facial cleanser of choice into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

STEP #2: EXFOLIATE + MASK

To elevate your skin care routine a step further, after cleansing, consider exfoliating skin with a sugar scrub. Our rec? The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub are formulated with three pure sugars to gently, yet effectively, exfoliate skin while catering to a variety of complexion concerns. For best results, exfoliate with one of the scrubs three times per week.

More of a masker? Consider adding a thrice-weekly mask to your routine. Here are four of our best face mask options.

The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay and enhanced with red algae extract to draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth the look of imperfections, and allow skin to breathe.

The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay and infused with charcoal to draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution, reduce the look of dull skin, and even out skin tone.

The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay and infused with yuzu lemon to draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and resurface skin for a super-smooth finish.

The L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay and infused with seaweed to draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and calm stressed skin.

For each mask, apply an even layer to clean skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with water.

STEP #3: TONE

After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to tone. Reach for a bottle of the L’Oréal Paris HydraFresh Toner and a cotton round. Soak the cotton round with the toner and swipe it across your face to remove any traces of dirt or debris that could’ve clung to your complexion. Not only will this step create your cleanest skin, but it will also help soothe your complexion and minimize the appearance of pores.

STEP #4: MOISTURIZE

You shouldn’t cleanse without preparing to moisturize immediately thereafter. That’s because post-cleansing, when your skin is still wet, you have the opportunity to lock that hydration in by applying a face cream or lotion overtop. Instead of using any old moisturizer, try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, or the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin. All three options are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

STEP #5: DOT ON EYE CREAM

When it comes to eye cream, a little goes a long way—we’re talking about a dime-sized amount. Seriously, you don’t need to overdo it! Pick up a small amount of eye cream on your finger and dot it on around the orbital bone, from the inner to the outer corners of your eye area.

It’s also important to be careful with how you touch this sensitive skin. The quickest way to work a skin care product into your skin isn’t necessarily the best way to do it. Rubbing eye cream in may be the fast and easy way to go, but it can actually be bad for your skin. Because of how delicate the skin around your eyes is, you’ll be better off applying eye cream at gently as possible. After you’ve dotted it on, use the pad of your finger to pat, rather than rub, the eye cream to help it absorb. Keep patting until fully absorbed and there you have it!

SHOULD YOU APPLY EYE CREAM ON YOUR EYELIDS, TOO?

As we’ve established, the eye area is the most sensitive part of the entire face. Since the skin around your eyes is thinner than everywhere else on your complexion, it loses moisture more quickly (and therefore also shows signs of aging more quickly), according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should slather eye cream all around your eyes. In addition to the under-eye area, you might be wondering whether or not you should apply eye cream on your eyelids. The answer depends largely on the eye cream that you’re using. Some formulas are meant for the lids while others aren’t, so read the directions on whichever product you pick.

FIND THE BEST EYE CREAM FOR YOU

Now you know how to use eye cream, but you need a product to put this new knowledge to use with! And it’s important to pick the right one, so start off by deciding what your major concerns are. Are dark circles ruining your mood every day? Do you wake up with under-eye bags in the morning? Gasp! Have you spotted your first under-eye wrinkle? Take a moment to think it over, then have your pick from the following options.

If you have dark circles…try the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener. This pink-toned eye cream helps visibly color-correct the look of dark under-eye circles.

If you have dry skin…try the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel. Formulated with manuka honey, this cooling eye gel works to cushion very dry skin with soothing moisture. 

If you have puffiness…try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Eye. This eye cream is formulated with Opti-Blur™ Technology and light-diffusing pigments. It helps to reduce the signs of fatigue and aging around your eyes, including dark circles, with continued use over time.

If you have under-eye bags…try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power™ Eye Cream. This luxurious, lightweight eye cream formulated with hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of under-eye bags with continued use over time. Plus, it has a cooling applicator!

If you have crow’s feet…try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream. With age, skin can start to look less firm and fine lines and wrinkles can appear more visible. The delicate eye area is particularly susceptible to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (i.e., crow’s feet) as well as dark circles under the eyes. This eye cream can help minimize the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles with continued use over time.

Next: 10 Mistakes You Could Be Making with Your Eye Cream