Do You Really Need an Eye Cream?
It's one of skincare's most divisive steps, but what's the expert verdict? Liberty asks the pros to shed light on the question we've all been asking
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Do You Really Need an Eye Cream?
It's one of skincare's most divisive steps, but what's the expert verdict? Liberty asks the pros to shed light on the question we've all been asking
By: Shannon PeterEye cream may have been a key part of our skincare lexicon for decades, if not centuries, yet still in 2025, very few of us are sure whether we even need one. For every staunch devotee who wouldn’t dream of emerging from the bathroom without a generous layer of lotion around the orbital bone, there’s an eye cream denier – someone who can’t quite see the point in this seemingly extra skincare step. But what’s the truth? Does eye cream work? Or is eye cream a gimmick? We consulted the experts to settle the debate once and for all.
Do I Need a Separate Eye Cream?
Of those who scoff at the use of eye cream, their justification is usually simple: your regular facial moisturiser does the job. But is it worth using a specific eye cream formula? The experts reckon so.
“I know it is a debated topic, but I am personally in the camp of ‘pro eye cream,” explains Katharine Mackenzie Paterson, expert facialist. “The skin around your eyes is about ten times thinner than on the rest of your face, so in my opinion, it can’t take heavy facial moisturising creams which are often too rich and can cause milia.”
Rowan Hall-Farrise, QMS Medicosmetics’ International Brand Ambassador, agrees. “Eye creams and serums are specially formulated to meet the unique needs of the delicate skin around the eyes. This skin is thinner and more sensitive, making it less able to absorb heavier, fatty ingredients found in regular facial moisturisers.”
“Additionally, the eye area contains important lymph nodes, but lymphatic circulation there is naturally slower,” she continues. “Using overly rich products can lead to fluid retention, potentially causing puffiness. Eye creams are designed with lightweight, targeted ingredients to nourish the skin without overwhelming it, helping to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.”
Is Eye Cream Right for Me?
So, it’s clear a separate eye cream is a worthwhile investment, but are they suitable for any and every skincare routine? That depends on your overall skin goal. “Anyone working on age prevention and aging well needs to be incorporating an eye cream or serum into their routine as this area shows the signs: think fine lines, tired-looking skin, dehydration,” Hall-Farrise explains. “Also inflammation shows up in this area quicker than the rest of the face, manifesting in hyperpigmentation, redness and dark circles.”
What Are the Benefits of Eye Cream?
Ready to invest in an eye cream? To reap the greatest eye cream benefits, you’ll need a shopping list of skincare ingredients to look out for, which Mackenzie Paterson is more than happy to provide.
Ceramides. These are great for skin barrier building.
Peptides. For tackling ageing/lines.
Retinoids. Again for ageing but also hyperpigmentation. A warning: do not use facial retinoids around your eye area, only specifically designed eye creams with them in.
Hyaluronic acid. For hydrating benefits.
Vitamin C. To brighten the eye area and perhaps tackle dark under eyes.
Hall-Farrise also recommends caffeine for a depuffing action, as well as QMS’ complex of 100% identical, micro-molecular collagen if ageing well is your main concern.
How to Apply Eye Cream
When it comes to eye cream application, go easy. “Less is more,” recommends Hall-Farrise. “You need a rice grain amount for both eyes, and apply every morning and night to see the full effect of the product. Consistency is key!”. Although note: if your formula contains a form of retinol, Mackenzie Paterson suggests evening-only application is best.
Where you apply is also key. “Most eye creams are generally not designed to be put directly on the lid, or right under the eyes,” explains Mackenzie Paterson. “They are best applied around the orbital bone; it’s the bone brows you feel under your brows. Pat around to the outer corner of your eye and follow the bone, this is the place to apply eye cream.”
The Best Eye Creams for Every Eye
Home to skincare’s most forward-thinking brands, the Liberty Beauty Hall is awash with hi-tech eye cream formulas to cater to your every eye-opening need. You could try REOME’s new Firming Eye Treatment, which comes powered by a global-first biotech ingredient, DHK-3™ to firm skin like no other, or perhaps Skin Rocks’ new The Eye Cream , laced with diamond powder will provide the illumination you’re after. Feast your eyes on these formulas…
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