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The When, How and Where of Applying Eye Cream

When it comes to under eye creams, there are a lot of “simple” questions that are rarely addressed. Many people don’t know when to start applying eye cream, where to apply it, or how much to use. The answers to these basic beauty cosmetic questions are key to optimizing the performance of your eye cream! Here’s the rundown of the top three eye cream questions for your personal makeup knowledge arsenal.

When Should I Start Using an Eye Cream?

Most professional sources suggest choosing a moisturizing eye cream with antioxidants around the time you turn 20. This type of formula will help prevent visible signs of aging by nourishing, moisturizing, and protecting the eye area against free radicals and other sources of damage.

As far as anti aging eye creams or serums are concerned, you don’t need to worry about those until you start to see visible signs of aging in the eye area, or you hit 35 – whichever comes first.

How Much Eye Cream Should I Use?

This answer is almost certain to surprise and please you! You only need to apply a pea-sized amount of your skin care eye cream to each eye area. This means that the tiny eye cream tube that looks more like a travel version than a full size product really does hold enough product to keep your eye area looking great for weeks or even months to come.

What happens if you use too much or too little? Too little eye wrinkle cream will provide little to no results. Too much may cause your eye area to become puffy or irritated. Using a pea-sized amount will ensure optimized use while decreasing your chances of experiencing side effects.

Where Should I Apply My Eye Cream?

Your eye lift cream should be applied to the orbital bone area. Not sure where that is? Simply place the tips of your index fingers just below the corners of your eyes and apply gentle pressure. You’ll feel the edge of your orbital bones beneath your fingertips.

When applying your eye cream product, follow the natural curvature of the bone along the bottom of your eyes to the outer corners, allowing the last bit of eye cream to be placed just below the outer end of your eyebrows. You should gently tap the eye cream into the skin with your ring finger, rather than using a rubbing or pulling motion. While applying, be sure to avoid getting any cream into the eyes.

Don’t apply any eye cream to your eyelids unless the product is specifically made for use on the eyelids. The eyelids are far too thin and delicate to handle active eye cream ingredients.

With these basic tips under your belt, you’re ready to perfectly apply your day or night eye cream without causing damage, wasting product, or using an eye cream that’s not made for your age group.

source:flickr by:_overanalyzer

How to Remove Eye Cosmetics

Removing your eye makeup and day eye cream is as important as applying them! Leaving your makeup up overnight can cause acne, milia, irritation and premature signs of aging. Therefore, one of the best things you can do for your skin is thoroughly purify it before applying your nightly skin care products. However, due to the delicate nature of the eye area, it is vital that you use the proper skin care products and techniques in order to minimize damage, discomfort, and side effects.

There are many eye makeup removers from which to choose, including eye creams, liquid formulations, oil-based products, and even wipes. Some removers are better than others for taking off water-resistant or caked-on makeup. If you apply your eye makeup heavily or use long-lasting products, try an oil-based formulation. If you prefer a natural eye makeup look, any remover will suffice. In addition, many common household staples can be used as eye makeup remover, including:

• Olive oil
• Vaseline
• Tear-free baby shampoo
• Alcohol-free baby wipes
• Baby oil

To remove beauty products from around the eye area, soak a cotton pad, cotton ball or cotton swab in your formulation of choice. Apply liberally to the eye area, making sure to saturate every area covered with makeup. Then, gently wipe away the eye makeup remover and makeup with a clean cloth or tissue. Alternatively, you may wash your entire face after applying your makeup removing formulation, taking the day’s makeup, debris and impurities off your face and sending them down the drain. If any eye makeup is left on your face, re-apply your remover with a clean application tool until the face is perfectly cleansed.

After removing your makeup and cleansing your face, apply your night eye cream and moisturizer to lock in hydration and provide your skin with nighttime nourishment and rejuvenation. By removing your makeup each night, you’ll help your skin stay healthy, comfortable and youthful-looking.

source:flickr by:Maschinenraum

Under Eye Cream Packaging Tips

Sometimes our favorite eye cream products are available in pot, pump, tube or wand packaging. While double-packaging may seem silly, it’s actually a great way for skin care companies to cater to the wants of their consumers. Each under eye cream package type offers unique pros and cons that are designed to help simplify your daily beauty care regimen.

Pot
The traditional pot packaging allows you to access your anti-aging eye cream with ease. With a simple dip of your finger or a cotton swab, you’re able to get the perfect amount of product and apply it to the eye area without missing a beat. However, if you do use your fingers to remove product from the pot, the bacteria from your hands will be transferred to the eye lift cream, which increases your risk of irritation and disease.

Pump
Airless or traditional pumps keep your skin care eye cream fresh and bacteria-free. The downside to pumps is that it’s difficult to control the amount of product removed from the package, which leaves you wasting excess product. Plus, if you apply too much product to the delicate eye area, it can cause puffiness and even irritation. Pumps are very travel-friendly, and are great for those who don’t like messing with lids.

Tube
Tubes, like pumps, keep your eye cream product from becoming infested with bacteria. However, they are not as efficient at this as pumps, simply due to the fact that the fingertips come into contact with the tip of the tube, and may even transfer bacteria to unwanted product before it’s “sucked” back into the tube. Pumps are also superior when it comes to releasing the eye anti aging cream, as tubes have to be rolled, squeezed and re-rolled, while pumps simply push the product out with built-in mechanisms.

Wand
The eye cream wand is the ultimate in convenient eye cream packaging. Sadly, not many under eye creams are offered in wand applicators. The wand houses the eye cream formulation, and generally features a brush or doe foot applicator tip that allows you to apply directly to the eye area. While the application tip should be washed often to avoid bacterial transference, the wand is still great for on-the-go use, making it ideal for travelers or those who like to reapply their anti wrinkle eye cream while out and about.

source:flickr by: The Style PA

Skin Care Eye Cream vs. Skin Care Face Cream

Many people wonder why they can’t use their anti-aging moisturizer as their under eye cream. After all, skin care face creams contain many beneficial ingredients that work to nourish and protect the skin. Using a basic face cream as an eye cream seems like it may save time and money; however, the damage this would cause would end up costing way more time and money to correct than if you had chosen better products to begin with.

The eye area is thinner, more delicate and more sensitive than the rest of this complexion. These are the main characteristics that require a separate skin care eye cream. In order to care for the eye area without causing irritation, the products used there must be tested by an ophthalmologist. As you may have guessed, most anti-aging face creams are not ophthalmologist tested, making them more likely to cause unwanted side effects. In addition, skin care products formulated for the face contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, which may be too aggressive for the delicate eye area.

Common eye area concerns, such as puffiness and bags, can be exacerbated by face creams due to the high levels of hydrating ingredients. While the best under eye creams certainly contain hydrators, the levels used are specially measured in order to work without causing excess puffiness in the eye area. Along those same lines, face creams don’t often contain skin care ingredients that help with dark circles and other eye area issues, making them less effective.

Overall, the debate of eye cream vs. face cream for use on the eye area comes down to common sense. The best eye cream is just that — an eye cream! When putting together your skin care regimen, choose a face cream formulated for your skin type, and an eye cream product that’s made to treat your specific eye area concerns. By selecting two separate “made for you” products, you’ll be able to target your unique skin care issues with a decreased risk of side effects and irritation.

source:flickr by: TC .

Eye Cream vs. Eye Gel

While trying to find the best eye cream, most people focus on promised benefits and active ingredients. One thing that is rarely considered is the product’s texture. Eye formulations come in both the form of an eye cream and eye gel textures. This added choice sometimes confuses people even further rather than simplifying the search. So, which is better? Read on to learn who should be using a gel, who should be using a cream, and when the choice is simply personal preference.

Creams
Under eye creams offer extra moisture, nourishment and comfort. They also generally contain more anti-aging ingredients, making them better at fighting against visible signs of aging such as fine lines and sagging skin. These attributes make anti aging eye creams a good choice for dry, mature or sensitive eye areas. However, those who may choose an eye gel for daytime use may prefer a night eye cream for aging prevention and extra rejuvenation.

Gels
Eye gels are known for their ability to cool and calm the skin while reducing puffiness. Gels are great for tired, fatigued eye areas, which makes them the perfect choice for daytime use. In addition, eye gels are great for younger eye areas as they don’t exhibit the heaviness associated with more nourishing eye lift creams. Eye gels leave less residue than eye wrinkle creams, making them perfect for use under eye makeup.

At first glance, it may seem like the choice is obvious — use an eye gel in the morning and a night eye cream while you rest. While this would make a great eye regimen for most people, it is important to remember that your comfort and desired regimen results come first. If you believe that an under eye cream will treat your eye area better than an eye gel, go for what you want, even if your eye area may fall under the eye gel category.

Application tip: if you suffer from excessively puffy eyes each morning, try refrigerating your eye gel. The extra cold texture will help reduce puffiness even faster, allowing you to get on with your day in less time and with less work!

While having two eye creams may seem a bit excessive, it’s actually the opposite. Think of it this way: does washing your face only in the morning keep your face clean for 24 hours? Does eating one meal in the evening give you energy and keep you full for an entire day? Does applying an SPF on your eyes before you go to bed keep your skin protected the next day? Of course not! Along those same lines, using only one eye cream in the morning or evening won’t give your delicate eye area the protection and attention that it needs.

Day Eye Cream
Your day eye cream product should protect, moisturize and brighten your eye area. It’s also a good idea to choose an under eye cream that creates a smooth base for makeup products in order to ensure a natural-looking finish. Look for an eye cream with a good SPF rating (SPF 15 or higher) and a texture that feels comfortable on your skin type.

Night Eye Cream
While we sleep, our bodies work overtime to make repairs. Therefore, your night eye cream should cash in on this repairative time by offering nutrients, scientifically advanced anti-aging actions and extra moisture. It’s great to choose an under eye cream formulation that will condition the skin, replace lost elastin and collagen and help smooth away visible signs of aging.

Source: flickr.com user ennor

Eye Cream of the Month: Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme

In order to bring you the latest and greatest news of new or newly rediscovered eye cream products, we’ll be featuring a different eye cream each month with an in-depth eye cream review. Find new favorites or learn more about old standbys every month at eyecreamreview.com.

This month’s featured under eye cream is Visual Truth Eye Creme by Ole Henriksen. This antioxidant-rich anti aging eye cream is formulated with an incredible blend of natural ingredients that work to reduce wrinkles, boost elasticity and protect against environmental and free radical damage. Here’s a quick look at this eye cream’s key ingredients:

• African red tea strengthens the skin while calming, soothing and preventing visible signs of aging

• Tumeric root nourishes while repairing damage

• Sodium hyaluronate seals in moisture

• Vitamin C, Zinc, Copper, Manganese Gluconate and Algisium C encourage collagen production, which is essential for youthful-looking skin

• Jojoba oil soothes, smoothes and boosts resiliency

• Polylysine improves tone and elasticity

In addition to these ingredients, Visual Truth Eye Creme offers benefits by not including Triclosan, Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfates, Phthalates, GMO or Petro-Chemicals. By leaving these potentially harmful ingredients out of the formulation, Ole Henriksen has created a gentle solution for visible signs of aging and other common eye area issues.

User reviews state that this under eye cream is richly hydrating yet lightweight, effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and instantly firming and softening. However, some comment that the formula can feel a bit thick before it finishes penetrating the skin, which is something to keep in mind if you prefer a whipped or gel texture. Visual Truth Eye Creme may be applied in the morning or before bed, although it is most effective when worn during they day do to its exceptional protection against environmental and free radical aggressors.

source:Flickr by:Ranoush

It’s never too early to start that battle against aging skin.  Whether you are in your early 20’s or ready for retirement, it is good to know what the best eye cream is for your unique needs.

The most commonly complained about issues involving the eye area are dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. In order make the right choice, you need to decide what problems you want to address and then seek out specific eye cream ingredients that help with those problems.

If your main concern is dark circles, chances are you are dealing with a hereditary ailment that your family has endured for generations. Though no cream will completely change the color of your under eye skin, there are some great ingredients that really do help brighten the area in question.  One of the reasons people get dark circles is from a lack of vitamin K, which is believed to constrict capillaries. This helps strengthen the delicate capillaries so they don’t break or swell and cause the skin to appear darker.

Usually going hand in hand with dark circles is puffy eyes. Besides the temporary effect we all experience from crying or allergies, some people are plagued with puffy eyes every day. Puffy eyes can be a result of anything; lack of sleep, sinus congestion, (the list goes on) but if you are plagued with these pesky bags on a daily basis, it could be from fluid retention due to weak capillaries. Peptides have proven very effective in draining under eye fluid buildup. Eyeliss is a triple peptide that helps dissolve and move the fluid away from the eye area.

The last under eye malady everyone seems to suffer from to a certain extent is fine lines and wrinkles. The most important thing to do is to use an SPF on your eye area to protect it from any further damage from the sun. But if you are past the prevention stage, and want to turn back the clock a bit, there are some quite promising ingredients that can assist in damage control. Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissues, whose main function is to cushion and lubricate. It draws in and holds a huge amount of moisture, causing the skin to appear plumped and youthful.

Vitamin A, which comes in many different forms, the strongest being retinol, has shown to strengthen skin, help build collagen, and speed cell turnover. All of which will lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even dark spots.

When looking for an eye cream, do your research and pick some qualities that you want to have, write them down, and go shopping. There are so many to choose from, you want to be sure you are getting a cream that applies to your specific needs.

From mature women to teens and everything in between, it’s never too soon to start pampering your eyes. Whether you’re treating dark circles, fine lines, crow’s feet or puffiness, eyecreamreview.com is your one stop shop for recommendations on the best over-the-counter eye products. Whatever your skin type, or whatever your background, there is an eye cream for everyone. Prepare yourself for an eye-opening experience as you browse our free beauty tips, advice and even a few eye cream secrets.

This month’s featured brand: Hylexin. Hylexin is formulated to diminish the appearance of serious dark circles by building up the walls of the blood vessels under the skin near the eyes. Learn more about Hylexin »
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