Should You Apply Eye Cream Before or After Moisturizer? Here’s the Right Way
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Time to read 9 min
Table of Contents
Does eye cream go before or after moisturizer? When to apply eye cream (and where) When should you apply eye cream in the AM? Do you put eye cream before or after moisturizer at night? Can I apply eye cream after moisturizer? Where serums, sunscreen, and retinol fit in Final notes: Getting the most from your eye cream Eye cream and moisturizer: Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
When applying eye cream, follow the texture rule and layer from lightest to richest. Most routines use eye cream before moisturizer so it can absorb better into the delicate eye area.
If your eye cream is thicker than your face cream, flip the order. Apply moisturizer first, then the richer eye cream to seal in hydration and help prevent product migration.
For morning skincare, cleanse, apply serum, then eye cream, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen to protect skin and help makeup sit smoothly.
At night, double cleanse, use serums, apply eye cream, and finish with moisturizer. If you're using a retinol eye cream and your skin gets easily irritated, try a moisturizer–retinol–moisturizer “sandwich.”
Use a pea-size amount and gently tap around the orbital bone with your ring finger, avoiding the lash line unless the product says it’s safe there.
If you’re unsure about the order, go with eye cream first and moisturizer second — unless the eye cream is thicker.
You've got your skincare products lined up, but one question keeps popping up: eye cream before or after moisturizer? The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on your face, so a little technique goes a long way.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly where eye cream fits in your routine and why application order affects results. You’ll also see how to layer it with serums, sunscreen, and retinol, plus simple morning and evening routines to follow.
Does eye cream go before or after moisturizer?
Most of the time, eye cream goes before moisturizer. Skincare generally layers from thin to thick so lighter formulas can absorb without being blocked by heavier creams. Since the eye area is delicate and often needs targeted care for dryness, puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines, applying a lightweight eye cream first helps those actives do their job.
That said, texture matters more than rules. If your eye cream feels like a rich balm and your moisturizer is lighter, flip the order. Apply your moisturizer first, then tap the thicker eye cream on top to seal in hydration and keep product exactly where you want it — especially helpful for dry or sensitive under-eyes.
Retinol eye products are a special case. If your skin reacts easily, use a “sandwich” method at night: moisturizer first, retinol eye cream next, and then a thin layer of moisturizer again. This softens the intensity without losing the benefits.
Bottom line, lighter eye creams go first and richer ones go last. If you're unsure, compare textures. Whichever feels lighter should be applied first.
When to apply eye cream (and where)
Apply eye cream after cleansing. If you're using serums and your eye cream is thicker than the serum, layer the serum first, then eye cream. Use a pea-size amount, truly just a pea, for both eyes.
How to apply eye cream without tugging
Dot small amounts from the inner to outer corners along the orbital bone, then up toward the brow bone. Avoid placing product directly on the lash line unless the formula specifically says it's safe there.
Use your ring finger for the lightest pressure and gently pat until absorbed. Don't rub. A soft touch matters here because this is the thinnest, most delicate skin on your face.
If you wake up puffy, keep the product slightly lower along the orbital bone and let capillary action draw it upward. If dryness or fine lines are the focus, you can get closer to the crow’s-feet area—still patting gently.
Where not to put it: Skip the immediate inner corner and mobile eyelid unless the formula says otherwise. If you wear concealer, a lighter gel formula in the morning may help prevent slipping.
Ingredients to look for by concern
Dryness and fine lines: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, peptides.
Puffiness: Caffeine, green tea, cold application. Store the tube in the fridge to help reduce puffiness.
Dark circles: Vitamin C, niacinamide, brightening peptides. Keep expectations realistic. Eye creams help minimize visible signs but won't completely erase hereditary shadows.
When should you apply eye cream in the AM?
Morning is about protection, de-puffing, and playing nicely with sunscreen and makeup. Here's a simple flow that works for most skin types.
AM order at a glance
Step |
AM Skincare Routine |
Why It Helps |
1 |
Gentle cleanser + warm water |
Removes oil and overnight buildup without stripping delicate skin |
2 |
Hydrating serum (optional) |
Adds moisture with hyaluronic acid, layers well under cream |
3 |
Eye cream (lightweight) |
Apply eye cream before moisturizer so actives absorb, helps with puffiness and dark circles |
4 |
Seals in hydration, pick by skin type (gel for oily, cream for dry) |
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5 |
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) |
Final step to protect from sun and environmental damage |
Tips:
If your sunscreen stings around the eyes, switch to a mineral formula or stop at the orbital bone and wear sunglasses for extra sun protection.
Let products settle for a minute or two before applying makeup to prevent pilling under concealer or eye makeup.
Do you put eye cream before or after moisturizer at night?
Nighttime routines lean into repair and moisture support. Think retinoids, nourishing creams, and formulas that help skin recover overnight.
PM order at a glance
Step |
PM Skincare Routine |
Why It Helps |
1 |
Double cleanse (makeup remover or balm, then gentle cleanser) |
Ensures a clean slate without rubbing the delicate eye area |
2 |
Water-based serums (if using) |
Layer thin to thick; keep strong actives away from the immediate eye area unless labeled safe |
3 |
Eye cream |
Apply now if it's lighter than your face cream; dab small dots and lightly pat |
4 |
Face moisturizer |
Locks in moisture overnight; pick a formula suited to your skin type |
5 |
Retinol/retinal eye cream (if using) |
Apply retinol eye cream in place of your regular eye cream, or use it after moisturizer if your skin is sensitive |
Notes on retinoids:
Start 2–3 nights per week to minimize irritation. You can apply a thin layer of regular moisturizer first, then your retinol eye cream, and finish with a touch more moisturizer around the orbital bone if your skin is sensitive.
Avoid applying strong actives right up to the lash line. The product can travel as you sleep.
Expect gradual, noticeable results over several weeks — smoother texture and fewer visible fine lines as collagen support builds over time.
Can I apply eye cream after moisturizer?
Yes, if your eye cream is richer than your face moisturizer or you want to prevent migration. Applying eye cream after moisturizer can serve as a targeted "final step" seal for the eye area, especially with balm textures in dry climates or during winter.
Good times to try it
You're using a featherlight gel moisturizer and a thicker eye cream for dry undereyes.
You get irritation from actives, use moisturizer first to buffer, then apply eye cream as a protective topcoat.
You want to keep product away from the inner corner. Placing a richer formula last can help it stay put.
If you're using an ultra-occlusive balm or “slugging” (using a thick layer to lock in hydration), apply it last so it doesn't interfere with absorption.
Where serums, sunscreen, and retinol fit in
When you’re layering eye cream with serums, sunscreen, or retinol, order matters. The easiest way to get it right is to think about texture and what each product is meant to do.
Serums
These usually come right after cleansing or toning. If your eye cream is thicker than your face serum, serum goes first, then eye cream, then face moisturizer. If your eye cream is serum-like, apply it before moisturizer and alongside your face serum, but don't layer too many actives at once on the delicate eye area.
Sunscreen
In the morning, sunscreen is your final step after moisturizer. Many people stop at the orbital bone to avoid stinging. Mineral sunscreens tend to be gentler around the eyes. Always apply sunscreen to the rest of your face, and wear sunglasses and seek shade to protect the eye area further.
Retinol/retinal
Nighttime only. If you're new, use a retinol eye cream 2–3 nights a week, then increase as tolerated. Sensitive or thin skin may prefer the moisturizer–retinol–moisturizer sandwich to maintain comfort while still seeing benefits.
Ingredient combinations to be mindful of
Placement cheat sheet
Routine |
Order |
AM |
Cleanse → serum → eye cream → moisturizer → sunscreen (final step) |
PM |
Double cleanse → serum → eye cream → moisturizer → retinol eye cream (if using, adjust based on texture and sensitivity) |
Final notes: Getting the most from your eye cream
A good skincare routine for the eye area is less about how many skincare products you use and more about how gently and consistently you use them.
Less is more: A pea-sized amount is enough for both eyes. Place small dots, then lightly pat. Over-applying can lead to product creeping into your eyes.
Be patient: Eye creams help minimize puffiness, dryness, and the appearance of fine lines, but noticeable results take steady use and realistic expectations.
Match to skin type and goals: Dry skin may love richer creams. Oily or combination skin types might prefer gels. For wrinkles or crow's feet, look for retinol or peptides; for puffiness, caffeine; for brightness, vitamin C or niacinamide.
Treat the area gently daily: Use a gentle cleanser, pat dry (no rubbing), and keep a delicate touch when applying eye cream. Avoid tugging the skin around your eyes.
Protect every morning: Apply sunscreen daily and wear sunglasses. Sun, wind, and squinting amplify visible signs of aging around the eye area.
Lifestyle matters: Rest, sleep, hydration, and reducing salt can help with puffiness. No eye cream replaces good habits.
Eye cream and moisturizer: Frequently asked questions
Does eye cream go before or after moisturizer?
Most of the time, eye cream goes before moisturizer. The thin-to-thick rule helps lighter formulas absorb easily without a barrier in the way, especially important for the delicate eye area, where rubbing should be minimal.
That said, your formula, skin type, and comfort matter. If your eye cream is a richer balm or more occlusive than your moisturizer, flip the order: apply moisturizer first and eye cream last for that area to lock in hydration and keep product where you want it.
How do I layer eye cream with serums, sunscreen, and retinol?
AM: Cleanse, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, then sunscreen (final step)
PM: Double cleanse, water-based serums, eye cream, moisturizer, then retinol eye cream if using
When unsure whether eye cream goes before or after moisturizer, default to thinner textures first and keep retinoids at night only.
What’s the best way to apply eye cream without tugging?
Use a pea-sized amount for both eyes. Dot along the orbital bone from inner to outer corners and up to the brow bone. Pat gently with your ring finger. Don’t rub. Avoid the lash line unless directed. If puffiness is your main concern, keep the product slightly lower under the eyes. If fine lines are your concern, focus more on the crow’s feet area.
Can I skip eye cream and just use my regular moisturizer?
Many people do fine with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer applied carefully around the orbital bone. Eye creams can still help by offering targeted actives (caffeine, peptides, vitamin C) in textures suitable for delicate skin and reduced migration.
If you skip eye cream, avoid strong actives near the lash line and patch test first.
When should beginners or teens start using eye cream, and does order matter?
There’s no strict age. Start when you notice dryness, puffiness, or want prevention. Focus on daily SPF, good sleep, and hydration as your base. Choose simple, gentle formulas and skip strong retinoids early on. If you use eye cream, apply it before or after moisturizer based on texture — lighter first, richer last.
