How To Apply Eye Cream and Avoid Common Mistakes

On the surface, figuring out how to apply eye cream seems like it should be pretty easy. In reality, though, there’s a lot of nuance involved with using this skincare staple. For example: Should you apply your eye cream or moisturizer first? Can you put eye cream on your eyelids, or is it just for the under-eye area? What’s the best approach when layering eye cream with makeup? You get the picture.

If you’ve ever pondered these questions—or simply want to make sure you’re not applying eye cream the wrong way—keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain how to use eye cream properly and offer advice on where to put eye cream to address your specific skin concerns. We’ll also share a look at some of the more common mistakes people make when using eye cream, so you can nail the right technique from the get-go. 

How To Apply Eye Cream Correctly

The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate and should be treated with care. When applying eye cream, gentleness is key—you want to avoid rubbing, tugging, or pulling at the skin. Here’s a step-by-step guide for an effective (yet gentle) application. 

1. Start with freshly cleansed skin

Before applying any skincare products—eye cream included—you’ll want to cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities. Lather up with a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type and concerns, then pat your skin dry with a clean washcloth. Afterward, you can apply any lightweight products you use regularly, such as toners and serums (just avoid the immediate eye area unless otherwise specified on the product’s packaging).

2. Dot product around the eye

Next, dispense a pea-sized amount of your chosen eye cream or serum onto your ring finger. Then, dot the product around your eye, following the curve of your orbital bone, to target the inner corner, under-eye, outer corner, and lid. 

Editor’s note: If your eye cream or serum has its own applicator—as is the case with the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum and the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment—you should use the included applicator to apply your product for the best results. 

3. Lightly pat the product in

As we mentioned above, it’s best to avoid rubbing your eye area, since the skin is so thin. Instead, lightly pat the cream in with your middle finger until the product is fully absorbed.

Do You Apply Eye Cream Before or After Moisturizer?

In general, when layering products, it’s best to apply them in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest. As such, when to apply eye cream in your routine depends largely on the products you’re using. If you’re using a lightweight eye cream or serum, you’ll typically want to apply it before moisturizing. Rich, heavy eye creams, meanwhile, should usually be applied after moisturizer to help lock in hydration. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the instructions on your eye cream’s packaging for specific guidance before getting started on your routine. 

Should You Rub or Tap in Eye Cream?

We mentioned this briefly above, but it bears repeating: You should always pat your eye cream in rather than rub it in the way you would a standard moisturizer. That’s because the skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, and even gently rubbing it could potentially stretch the skin. Instead, pat the product in with your fingertips. The patting motion will help the product absorb without risking damage to your delicate eye area. 

Should You Put Eye Cream on Your Eyelid?

Some argue that you should only put eye cream on your under-eye area, which for many, raises the question: Why can’t you put eye cream on your eyelids? The general consensus is that if you put eye cream too close to your lash line, you could run the risk of getting the product in your eye (which, typically, is something that’s best avoided). That being said, you can apply eye cream to your lids if the product instructions say that doing so is safe—just take care not to get too close to your lashes. 

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying Eye Cream

Just as there’s a right way to apply eye cream, there’s also a wrong way. Here are seven common mistakes to look out for when incorporating eye cream into your routine. 

1. Not using the right formula for your needs

Like most skin care products, eye creams are formulated to address different concerns. To get the best results, you’ll want to use an eye cream that meets your unique needs. If dark circles are your primary concern, for example, consider using a caffeine eye cream designed to help minimize puffiness and discoloration. Those looking to improve the appearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles, meanwhile, may want to reach for an anti-aging eye cream. Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment, which contains a patented antioxidant and vitamin E and helps target five visible signs of skin aging, including crepey skin, lines, and puffiness.

2. Applying eye cream to dry skin

Many eye creams contain ingredients designed to help trap in moisture—and that’s much more effective when your skin is damp than when it’s dry. Cleansing your face before applying your eye cream helps remove dirt and debris and gets your skin nice and damp so your eye cream can lock in much-needed moisture. If your under-eye area dries out before you get a chance to apply your eye cream, close your eyes and spritz your face with a gentle facial mist before smoothing on your chosen eye treatment.

3. Using too much product

The skin surrounding your eyes is quite a small area, so a pea-sized amount of eye cream should usually be enough to cover the skin under both eyes. If you’re using an eye cream with a high price tag, you’ll really want to get the most bang for your buck, so be sparing. (You can always add more if need be).

4. Not using eye cream twice daily

Just as you should cleanse and moisturize your skin twice a day, you should also apply your eye cream morning and night. If you’re looking for an amazing eye cream to apply in the evening, consider the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Eye Opener. The fast-absorbing formula helps support skin’s natural renewal processes while you sleep to promote visibly lifted, youthful-looking eyes over time.

5. Being too rough

The skin surrounding the eyes is the most delicate skin on your face, so there’s no reason to handle it roughly. As we mentioned above, blend the eye cream out with your ring finger (which has a more delicate touch) using gentle patting and tapping motions to help the product sink in.

6. Rushing the process

It’s important to give your eye cream time to settle in before moving on to the next step of your skincare routine. This can help ensure the product absorbs and doesn’t shift when you layer on other products. 

Editor’s tip: If you're in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for your eye cream to dry before applying makeup, try the L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. It’s a multitasking product that offers instant dark-circle coverage like a concealer and hydrates the under-eye area like an eye serum.

7. Using it inconsistently 

When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. Very few products work overnight, and most require consistent application to see noticeable results. So, if you want to target fine lines, wrinkles, or any other eye area concern, you’ll want to make eye cream a regular part of your daily (and nightly) skincare routine—no exceptions. The good news: Consistency doesn’t have to mean waiting forever to see results. Our L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream, for example, helps reveal smoother, firmer-looking skin in just four weeks. By then, you’ll have already made your morning and nighttime eye cream application a habit—stick to it to keep the benefits going strong.

Next Up: Here’s Why You Should Add a Caffeine Eye Cream To Your Routine

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris