Make Your Under Eye Creams Work Harder With These Expert Tips

Some of the best under-eye creams can make the most incredible difference in your under eyes – but only if you know how to use them properly. And whether you’re brand new to eye cream or like to consider yourself a seasoned pro, Beauty Daily spoke to Dr Fazeela Abbasi, a dermatologist at Euromed Clinic, to ensure you are getting the most out of yours. 

Tips for applying under eye cream 

Keep under eyes hydrated 

“My biggest tip is to treat the under eye skin as the living organ it is, keeping it intact and hydrated,” says Dr Abbasi. “This means never to disrupt the skin barrier using harsh make-up removers or cleansers, and always using mild, skin pH respecting cleansers and make-up removers,” he adds. 

Remember to care for your skin barrier 

“Always make sure that eye creams have ceramides and skin barrier repair ingredients such as Squalane and moisture-trapping hyaluronic acid in them,” Abassi says.  

Be vigilant with retinol 

“Always be cautious when using eye creams that contain retinol, as these can trigger dryness,” says Abassi. “It’s best to alternate anything with retinol with soothing eye moisturisers.” 

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Layer up  

“For mature skin, try using the layering technique. For example, hydration as a first step, an active ingredient-based eye serum as the second step, and finish with a thick moisture-trapping cream,” Abassi explains. 

Don’t forget sunscreen  

Try using physical sunscreens in this area, too, as chemical-based sunscreen might irritate the delicate skin of the eye contour area.  

Best Under Eye Cream for Wrinkles  

Clarins Total Eye Lift, £62

Organic harungana, guarana and horse chestnut extracts provide skin with an anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing boost, and the plant-based retinol works on wrinkles. 

 

Cellcosmet Cellular Eye Contour Cream, £236 

This Swiss formula targets the signs of wear and tear, preserves skin microbiome and is tested under ophthalmological supervision, so suitable for people with sensitive eyes.    

Best cream for dark circles under eyes 

Clarins Double Serum Eye, £58

Packed full of skin-loving extracts – including turmeric, green banana, avocado, caffeine and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm and tone skin around the eye. 

Best under eye brightening creams  

Clarins Total Eye Revive, £38 

Perfect for anyone that prefers a gel-like texture, this eye cream targets fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles all in one hit. Its cryo-metallic applicator also provides an instant cooling sensation to the under-eye area, making it perfect for incorporating into your morning regime.   

Best hydrating under eye creams   

Clarins Total Eye Hydrate, £32 

With a creamy gel texture and packed with horse chestnut, Irish moss and the organic leaf of life, this balm works on getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles while also deeply hydrating the area at the same time.  

Best under eye cream for puffiness

myBlend Revitalizing Eye Care Concentrate, £135

The myBlend Revitalizing Eye Care Concentrate is a great pick if you want something that depuffs and soothes the eye area, along with moisturising it. Star ingredients in the formula include caffeine, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The formula is also suitable for sensitive eyes. Bonus: it comes with a free rose quartz gua sha.

FAQs  

How to apply under eye cream  

Cleanse 

Always apply eye cream to clean skin; don’t use harsh cleansers or over hot water. Also, muslin cloths should be used very gingerly over the eye area and a maximum of once per day.   

Use the right amount of eye cream 

Use a pea-sized amount of eye cream only. Using more may be too much and overwhelm the eye area, causing irritation and congestion. 

Apply eye cream 

Dot the eye cream around the contour of the under eye, going from the inner corner up and out towards the end of the brow. Be careful not to apply the eye cream too close to the lash line, as it can be irritating and reduce the product’s efficacy. 

Massage 

Gently tap the product into the skin with your ring finger. This will apply the correct amount of pressure to get the product to absorb without causing any stress to the delicate skin around the eye. 

Leave to absorb 

Aim to leave the eye cream to absorb before applying make-up. Experts suggest at least 20 minutes for the best results.  

Is it safe to use haemorrhoid cream under the eyes?  

Using haemorrhoid cream under the eye is not recommended, as the skin around the eyes tends to be very sensitive and delicate. In addition, haemorrhoid cream usually contains active ingredients such as phenylephrine and hydrocortisone, which can be extremely harsh on the skin and cause sensitivity, dryness, irritation and thinning of the skin. These ingredients can also pose other adverse side effects such as redness, swelling, blurred vision and allergic reactions.  

Can I use retinoid cream under my eyes?  

Yes, retinol eye cream can be used under the eyes to improve fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. Read more here. 

Can I use eye cream on my face?  

Eye cream is usually specifically formulated for use around the eye area. Typically, an eye cream will be too thin and light for use on the facial skin.  

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