Key points

The area under the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive part of your face. It’s also usually the most predisposed to damage from the sun and environmental factors and the first to show ageing signs like wrinkles, dark circles, and saggy skin. This is because this skin area only becomes thinner with age, as it loses moisture, strength, and elasticity. 

If you want to prevent premature ageing, you should start taking care of the skin underneath your eyes early on. The most effective products to keep this area fresh and tight are eye creams and eye serums. 

Many people wonder whether they can use their regular face moisturiser instead of eye cream and the answer is no. All products that we use on the rest of our faces are not meant for the eye area. 

Many people also think that they should start using skincare products meant for the area underneath the eyes once the first ageing signs appear, but this is also incorrect. In fact, you can and should start using them at a younger age. Eye creams and serums can prevent irritation and hydrate this delicate area to ensure that your skin stays young and wrinkle-free for as long as possible. But of course, it’s crucial to use these products properly to reap all the benefits from your eye cream and serum. In this article, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know about how, when, and where to apply eye cream and eye serum.

How To Use Eye Serum and Eye Cream

Here are the best tips for using skincare products for the under-eye area that will help you maximise their effectiveness.

Choose Your Product

The effectiveness of any skin care product depends on the ingredients it contains. If you’re looking to reduce small wrinkles, search for products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps with hyperpigmentation. Peptides are also important ingredients for eye serums and eye creams. They promote collagen production, which makes them effective in managing thinning skin and fine lines. Brightening ingredients like caffeine, on the other hand, help with dark circles by improving blood flow in the area. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to treat existing issues using eye cream, as these ingredients can be used as a great preventative measure.

One option we recommend choosing for maximum anti-ageing benefits is the premium eye serum by Dr. Kinsella. It’s an ultra-light, hydrating product that delivers the benefits of caffeine, haloxyl, and fucogel. Formulated with lots of effective active ingredients, the premium eye serum by Dr. Kinsella keeps the skin under the eyes firm, gets rid of puffiness and dark circles, and tones up the skin.

Apply It With Clean Hands

Wash your hands and clean your face before starting your skincare routine. This will prevent harmful bacteria from getting onto your skin and causing breakouts. It’s best to apply eye products with your ring finger, as it’s the weakest finger on your hand, and thus, it will provide the most gentle touch. 

Use The Right Amount Of Product

Usually, instructions on the label will tell you how much product you need to apply. The general recommendation is to use a half pump of cream or serum. If your eye cream comes in a jar, use roughly a pea-sized amount for both eyes. It may not look enough like it’s enough, but eye products are usually very concentrated and hydrating. They typically contain more active anti-ageing ingredients than other products, which is why as little as a pea-sized amount is enough.

Use The Correct Technique To Apply The Product

How To Apply Eye Cream

First, just tap a finger with the product underneath your eyes to create small dots, starting from the inner corners of the eyes and moving outward. Don’t apply eye cream too close to your bottom eyelashes because the cream will naturally spread there as you open the eyes. Then use the ‘patting’ technique to spread the product. Be careful not to rub it into the skin. Rubbing the product can irritate gentle skin in the area or even worsen existing issues. Wait a few minutes for the cream to absorb and start applying makeup. 

Keep in mind that you should apply eye cream before you put on your daytime moisturiser and sunscreen because it’s lighter than these products and skincare should be layered from the lightest to the heaviest products. 

If your cream comes in a jar, you can also put a little product on your hand first, and only then use your finger to make small dots under your eyes along the orbital bone.

How To Apply Eye Serum

As for the eye serum, you should make sure to wash your face properly before applying any product. Serums are packed with active ingredients, which are the most effective when applied to clean skin. Wash your face with cold water instead of hot since it can dry out your skin and leave it red. If you use micellar water or another makeup remover product, you should still use a cleanser after it to keep your skin hydrated and remove remaining impurities. 

Next, apply the serum the same way as you would apply eye cream – put it on the under-eye area using your ring finger. Don’t rub the product in since serums get absorbed into the skin very easily. You can either pat the serum in or massage it in a circular motion by using the orbital bone as a guide. You can also apply a slightly thicker layer of serum so that it penetrates to deeper skin layers. 

Where To Apply Eye Cream And Serum?

While all eye creams are formulated to be applied underneath and around the eyes, not all of them can be used on the eyelids. As a general rule, you should apply eye cream around the orbital bone, starting from the inner or outer corner of your under-eye area, which lies on top of the bone. Then spread the product across the under-eye area, moving a little bit upward toward the eye. Next, gently move to the area outside the eye near the temple. Keep tapping the eye cream in an outward and upward motion along the orbital bone (which goes upward, underneath the eyebrow). 

If the product you’re using says that it can be used on the upper lids, spread it on your lids as well, making sure to stop a few millimetres above the lashes. If the orbital bone beneath your eyebrow is located too close to the upper eyelid, you should stop at the outer edges of your eye to prevent the product from coming into contact with the eyes. If you want the cream or serum to target crow’s feet, apply it to the wrinkles in the corners of the eyes.

When To Use Eye Skincare Products

Most eye creams should be applied both in the morning and at night, as the desired effects come from consistent use. This is especially true if you use eye cream to restore skin hydration levels. However, if you want to use the product just once a day, it’s better to do it at night, as during that time, our skin naturally goes into a reparative and regenerative mode, which means it’s an excellent opportunity to boost your skin’s health with anti-ageing ingredients. If the eye cream you use contains caffeine, it’s best to use it in the morning to keep your skin bright during the day.

Just like eye creams, eye serums can be applied both in the morning and at night. Always let the skin fully absorb the serum before moving on to other steps in your routine. If you apply an eye serum in the morning, you can also add it to your moisturiser. An eye serum creates a gentle barrier that protects the skin and locks in all the ingredients. 

Regardless of the time when you choose to apply your under-eye skincare products, you need to use them approximately every 12 hours. You don’t need to reapply them during the day or at night. 

Common Mistakes When Applying Eye Serums And Eye Creams

Not Using The Best Formula 

Just like other skincare ingredients, eye creams and serums are formulated to help with different issues. In order to see good results, it’s better to stick with premium-quality products formulated by skincare professionals, such as the eye serum from Dr. Kinsella. This product is packed with active ingredients that reduce dark circles, help with wrinkles, reduce fine lines, and brighten the area under the eyes.

Applying Products In The Wrong Order

Always apply skincare products from the lightest to the heaviest to ensure that your skin gets all the benefits. The eye serum should go before the moisturiser, as it contains more active ingredients. If the eye cream is heavier and thicker than the moisturiser, it should go on top of it.

Using Eye Cream On Dry Skin

If you want to reap all the benefits from your eye cream, apply it to damp skin. Putting it on wet skin will help it to retain moisture and keep the skin hydrated. That’s why many people recommend washing your face or dabbing the skin with water before using eye cream.

Applying Eye Cream Too Close To The Eyes

If you don’t stop a few millimetres before the lash line, there’s a risk that the product will get into your eyes. This can result in irritation. So stick to applying eye cream and eye serum along the orbital bone just to be on the safe side.

Not Letting The Product Absorb

It’s crucial to always let eye cream and eye serum fully absorb before applying other skincare products. This will ensure that the product delivers all the benefits and doesn’t shift when you apply other products on top. 

Using Eye Cream And Eye Serum Inconsistently

The most important thing in skincare is consistency. If you start applying eye cream and eye serum before the first ageing signs appear, it’ll help to prevent these issues and quickly target them when they appear. Even if you are not concerned about wrinkles and dark circles, using an eye cream or serum will help keep your under-eye skin hydrated.

FAQ

What is the best time to apply eye cream?

You should apply eye cream after cleansing and toning your face. Eye cream should be applied before sunscreen. Use your ring finger to spread the product around the eyes in patting motions. Don’t rub the cream into the skin, as the skin under your eyes is very gentle and can be irritated easily.

Do you put moisturiser on before or after eye cream?

You should apply skin care products from the lightest to the thickest, meaning the more water the product contains, the earlier it should be applied in your routine. If the eye cream you use is heavier than your moisturiser, then put it on after the moisturiser. If it’s lighter, apply it before moisturiser, just as you would do with an eye serum.

Should I put eye cream on my eyelids?

It’s generally not recommended to put eye cream on the eyelids. Unless the eye cream you use specifically says that it can be used on the eyelids, use it only around the eyes.

How often should you apply eye cream?

You should apply eye cream and eye serum one or two times a day, in the morning and at night. Use eye cream and serum right after cleansing and toning your face. Don’t apply too much of the product since the undereye area is very small, so a pea-sized amount is enough.