Exactly How to Apply Your Eye Cream, According to Dermatologists

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 eyes looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Plus, according to experts, eye creams 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 fewer 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.

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 before moisturizing.

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

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.

The ring finger naturally has the lightest touch, which is ideal for avoiding too harsh a dab or tugging of the delicate skin around your eyes. Gently pat the cream in using a bouncing motion. While quality ingredients are key, 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. “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.

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.

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.

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.

Shop Our Editors’ Favorite Eye Creams

Chanel Sublimage La Crème Yeux

$295 at Chanel

Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

$46 at Revolve$39 at iliabeauty.com

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

$148 at Amazon

$148 at Nordstrom$148 at Revolve

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream

$55 at Blue Mercury$55 at Revolve

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Integral Eye & Lip Contour Cream

$186 at Sisley Paris

The Inkey List Brighten-i Eye Cream

$13 at Sephora$13 at Kohl's

Meet the Experts

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

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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.