Skin care series - why should I use eye cream?

There's so much skincare on the market it can sometimes be a bit confusing about what you need and how to use it most effectively. I've planned a small series of posts to look at what I like to think of as the 'skincare extras'. First off I'm taking a look at eye creams.

What is an eye cream?

Eye creams are lotions that are specially designed to help hydrate your eye area, similar to a moisturiser that you'd use on the rest of your face. They come in several different formats - the most common are lighter, gel type lotions or slightly heavier creams.

Why should I use one?

The skin around your eyes is much thinner than on the rest of your face. Using your regular moisturiser under your eye area can clog the area, causing puffiness and even an increase in eye bags, so it's best to use a specially tailored eye cream. Different eye creams promise different effects - some offer hydration, others help with puffiness/dark circles or even all three!

How do I use it effectively?

To apply eye cream effectively, use about a rice grain size amount of product, split evenly between your two eyes, and using your ring fingers, tap very lightly into the area around your eye socket. Don't go too close to the actual under eye, the product will make its way there naturally. Focus on the area around your orbital bone for the best result.

Which ones should I buy?

Budget: Try either Green People (under £10), or Wrinkle Stop from Aldi's own brand Lacura (under £5). Both offer good hydration, and Wrinkle Stop even offers proven anti-ageing results.

Mid-price: Dr Renaud Apple anti-tiredness eye care (£25) - this is a lighter, gel textured product that helps give a refreshed look to your under eyes. Great for the mornings when you haven't had enough sleep!

More expensive: Neo Stem Eye Contour Care (£39) - hailing from France, this cream contains anti-ageing ingredients to help with fine lines.

Do you use an eye cream?