Banish dark circles with our expert-recommended under-eye creams. Achieve brighter, smoother skin. If you’re serious about keeping signs of aging at bay, then it’s high time you pay closer attention to your eye area. That’s because the skin around the eyes is “thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, making it more prone to signs of aging like fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles,” explains Dr. Dahlia Rice, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics. The good news? Eye creams are here to save the day. But if you’re new to the eye cream game, you may be wondering if you’re using the product the right way. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to apply eye cream properly so you can reap all its eye-brightening benefits and get the most bang for your buck. What Are the Key Ingredients in Eye Creams? Just like other skincare products, eye creams come in all shapes, sizes, and formulations. “Eye creams are specifically designed for increased hydration while containing ingredients that build collagen and promote anti-aging while taking into consideration the sensitive properties of the thinner eyelid skin,” explains Dr. Daniel Behoorzan, Persana verified physician and founder and director of the Dermatology Institute of Southern California. How to Apply Eye Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Apply eye cream in the right order. Any true skincare fan knows that the order by which you apply products can affect how well they will be absorbed by the skin. Eye creams tend to be thinner and lighter in consistency than moisturizers, so they need to go after serums and before emollients. Step 2: Use a pea-sized amount. A little goes a long way when it comes to eye creams. “A small dab is sufficient for the eye area,” says Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and host of the The Skin Real podcast. Step 3: Tap small dots under your eyes. “Using your ring finger (which applies the least pressure), gently dab small dots of eye cream along the orbital bone, starting from the inner corner and moving outward,” says Dr. Rice. Applying the product with your fingertip also warms up the cream and helps absorption. Step 4: Avoid the lower lash line and eyelids. While some eye creams are formulated for the skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, most target the under-eye area specifically and may irritate the extra delicate eyelids and lower lash line. Step 5: Pat the eye cream gently. You’ll want to avoid tugging and rubbing the skin, so make sure to “pat gently to prevent stretching the delicate skin,” says Dr. Mina. Step 6: Give your skin enough time to fully absorb the product. Wait at least two minutes before continuing with the rest of your routine to let the product full