Finding a good eye cream is a challenge in itself, but chances are you’ve been applying your eye cream wrong all along. Yes, believe it or not. Marie Claire UK talked to some skin specialists to find out how to actually apply eye cream.
Apply
Do you bring every day dedicated eye cream, but you see no difference? Usually we immediately blame the product. But is that right? There is a good chance that you will not see any results because you are applying your eye cream incorrectly.
Do you apply creams and serums to your face every day? Good job. But that’s only half of a good skincare routine. Applying it is essential. And you know what they say: well begun is half done!
1. Determine the goal
First of all, it is important that you have a goal in mind before purchasing an eye cream. For example, think about which areas you want to treat exactly. Beautician & founder of The Face Alchemist, Janine Caplan says this about it: “Many people ask me if they can just use a moisturizer as an eye cream. The answer is ‘no’. Why not? Because a moisturizer is usually formulated to treat very different skin problems than elsewhere on the face.”
If you only want to moisturise the eye area, it is best to apply a moisturizing eye cream immediately after cleansing. Please note that you apply this before applying other serums and moisturizers. Do you want to get the most out of your eye cream? So first define your goal. “An eye cream is usually needed for three reasons: lines, puffiness and dark circles. Each of these issues requires a different product,” said Caplan.
2. Choose the cream
Have you decided what you want to tackle? Then it’s time to purchase the right eye cream. “For fine lines, look for a light, hydrating product with firming properties,” explains Caplan. “For bags under the eyes, you should look for light gels or serums to reduce the bags.” She adds that green tea and caffeine help reduce puffiness. Good to know!
If puffiness is really a problem for you, Caplan recommends the following when using an eye gel: “Once gel has been applied, start at the inner corner and with a gentle movement, glide the liquid to the temple and down. This will move the sluggish lymph that has caused the problem in most cases.”
For dark circles, according to Caplan, look for antioxidant vitamin C. “It helps brighten dark circles and protect them from damage.”
3. Take a pea as an example
Eye cream check! Now it’s time to apply the cream. First of all, it is important to know that every product has different instructions for use. For example, you should always apply eye creams with retinol only at night, and eye creams with vitamin C only in the morning.
The most important thing is that you apply the right amount of eye cream. “The most common mistake with eye cream is the amount you use,” explains Caplan. “I usually recommend using no more than a pea-sized amount. Apply a pea-sized amount to one ring finger and rub both ring fingers together to warm the cream. Unless you have a gel formula, then this is not necessary.”
4. Dab it
In addition, it is very important not to “drag the cream with your fingers.” This means that you have to dab the cream around your eyes. The skin around our eyes is very sensitive, so it is very important to treat it with care. Also pay close attention to where you apply your eye cream.
“The product should be applied around the orbital bone, not on the eye itself,” says Caplan. “Starting at the outer corner of the eye, dab the product around the bone of your eye socket. Then move in a circular motion towards the inner corners, just below your eyebrow.”
Avoid your eyelid
You probably also always lubricate your eyelids with your eye cream, something that seems super logical, but you shouldn’t do that! Caplan explains that you should avoid your eyelids while applying eye cream. “Unless the product indicates that you must do this,” says the beautician. “Your products move during the day and night. If you get these products in your eyelashes, it can get into your eyes, causing irritation and swelling.”
Source: Marie Claire UK | Image: iStock