Do you: use eye cream?

While I’m really happy with my current skincare routine and feel my skin reflects the care I’m giving it, between us, I have two regrets about how I’ve previously treated it. 

The first is that I wasn’t always vigilant about my sunscreen application.  With my fair skin and red hair, I should have been in a protective sunscreen bubble my entire life.  But in my teens and early 20s, there were times when I burned.  While it’s embarrassing to admit this, believe me I know what I speak of: sunscreen is important, every single day!
 
The second, and what I’m going to focus on today, is that I didn’t start using eye cream early enough.  While I started moisturising my face just after university, I somehow missed the memo on using an eye cream until I was about 28.
 
Because I am fortunate not to suffer particularly from puffiness or dark circles, eye cream didn't seem to be a requirement.  It wasn’t until I started to notice fine lines in the area that I sought support.
 
My guidance to all is that if you are 25 or older, regardless of appearance, you should be applying eye cream every morning and evening.  It's as simple as that.
 
Why do I need eye cream?
The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner and as such needs special care.  The moisturiser that you apply to your face is probably too thick for this delicate area.  It needs a thinner consistency for easy absorption.  Also, eye creams contain carefully chosen antioxidants and peptides to focus on delivering just what this part of your face needs.
 
Where do I apply eye cream?
Gently pat a small amount on the area underneath your eye, reaching down to the bone and then on your eyelid, up to your eyebrow.  Personally, I like the light touch of my ring finger to apply product in this delicate area.
 
It's worth mentioning that you do not get extra points for applying loads of cream.  Using too much will result in puffy eyes and irritation, which is clearly not the goal.
 
Will eye cream help my dark circles or puffiness?
Yes.  While eye cream is important even in the most basic skincare routine, for those with specific issues, if you focus your selection on a product that contains the best ingredients for you, they can help.  Here’s what to look for.
 
Dark circles: Your eye cream needs to brighten and illuminate to downplay the colour under your eyes.  Check out these options from This Works, Olay or Darphin. 
 
Dark circles are genetic and while an eye cream won’t cure the issue, it can help mask it.  When paired with your favourite concealer, you can look like you had a full night’s sleep.  This corrector and concealer combo from Bobbi Brown may be just what you need.
 
Puffiness: To deflate what’s happening in the eye area, choose an eye cream that will constrict blood vessels and reduce the puff.  Caffeine can be a helpful ingredient here.  Consider applying one of these: L’Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum, Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. 
 
And if you only experience occasional puffiness, try a jade roller (or frozen kitchen spoons) on the area to supplement your regular hydrating eye cream.  Relief will be only temporary, but can help before a big presentation or special evening. I also love these eye masks to reduce bags.
 
What do you use? 
After years of devotion to Chanel’s Sublimage eye cream, I now use Environ’s Vita-Peptide Eye Gel.  Created in South Africa, by a plastic surgeon working with cancer patients, it has helped slow the march of time on my face. 

This is my go to recommendation whenever I’m asked and generally, once it’s been tried, people stick with it.  It's only sold through select therapists, so if you are interested, let me know and I’ll get you a bottle.
 
While we’re talking about eyes, I am now offering lash and brow tinting as well as eyelash application.  Something to remember as our thoughts turn to beach holidays and special events.