HAVE you ever asked yourself why should you bother using an eye cream and whether it is really necessary?

In my opinion, the answer is yes. You should use either an eye cream, serum or gel around the delicate eye area.

Many people have asked me this question and there are many reasons for choosing to use products made for around the eyes.

The skin around the eyes is fine and delicate and needs to be well looked, as it can age easily.

It is a little bit like tissue paper as it is so thin, so a heavy moisturiser that is not made for the eye area can cause puffiness or even an allergic reaction.

Using a nourishing or hydrating eye product will keep the skin from looking lined and dehydrated.

Concealer and foundation looks better on hydrated eyes and will last longer and stay more even, but a thirsty skin may absorb your make-up and make it look patchy.

I encourage both men and women to use eye products from around the ages of 18 to 20, with the product you should choose depending on your age and how your skin is around the eye area.

To choose the best eye products for you, you need to know what your skin type is and go for exert advice if necessary.

Try before you buy by asking for a sample, then you are not wasting your money if the product does not suit you.

For young eyes that are studying hard, a cooling and hydrating eye gel could be suitable, kept in the fridge for extra coolness to combat fatigue.

This is also good for hayfever sufferers who get puffy eyes.

For people aged between 25 and 35, using an eye serum in the morning or a light eye cream may suit.

Those aged 35 and above may need a more nourishing eye cream, and I would recommend one with anti-ageing properties.

You can now buy eye products for the day which are lighter and a more nourishing product than those suited for the evening.

Check the ingredients to make sure there are no allergens to trigger an unwanted reaction, and for good hydration, choose an eye product containing hyaluronic acid.

How to apply

As a rule, I would always recommend that you follow the manufacturers advice.

Cleanse the eyes area gently without dragging the skin. Support the skin at the brow with one hand and cleanse with the other using a specific eye cleanser.

If your eye cream, gel or serum is in a pot, use a spatula to remove the product and remember to clean the spatula after every use.

Use about the size of a pea or the size of a rice grain and place on your ring finger. Press between both ring fingers and press around the eye orbit from between the brow to the outer corners of the eye.

Do the same under the eyes, but do not go near the lash line as it can overload and cause puffiness.

Apply your eye cream prior to applying daytime or night-time moisturiser and do not use any other moisturiser around the eye unless you have been advised to do so.

Gels or light serums should be used in the day and richer products in the evening.

Top tips

As a tip, I would suggest using an eye mask once to twice a week.

Choose a light cream one for nourishing or a sheet mask made for the eye area for anti-ageing.

If you have sparce eyelashes or brows, use a lash or brow conditioner. My favourite is by Revitalash and is designed to condition your lashes and to stimulate growth.

Use your eye product every morning and evening, as our eyes have to work extremely hard and your skin will appreciate and respond well to some TLC.

Protecting your eyes is important, even in the winter, as UV light can damage them and cause premature ageing.

Opt for sunglasses that cover the sides of the eyes where crow’s feet can develop and use a separate UV product for around the eyes.

For hayfever sufferers, wash away the pollen after venturing outside using an eyebath such as Optrex and follow this with eyedrops. Hydrate around the eye area using your eye cream or serum.

Early nights and enough sleep can leave the eyes looking fresh and awake, but if you have dark circles, try a revitalising eye gel or serum. Making sure that you drink enough water is also important, as is exercise to keep your circulation going.

When beauty salons reopen, treat yourself to a non-surgical eyelift such as CACI, which will leave your eyes looking lifted and younger.

My favourite eye products are as follows:

Elemis Ultra Smart Eye Duo – this fantastic duo is sold as a day and a night product for great results.

La Mer Eye Balm Intense – great for dry and sensitive skin around the eyes.

Clarins Eye Contour Gel – good for dark and puffy eyes.

Elemis Pro Collagen Hydra Eye Masks or Pro Collagen Eye Revive Mask – works wonders for fine lines and wrinkles.