As any makeup artist will tell you, makeup and skincare go hand-in-hand. Think of skincare as laying the foundation ahead of makeup application; in keeping skin hydrated and smooth, it can contribute to better results once you get the final look. (In fact, that’s why skincare plays a huge role in prepping skin for big events, like weddings.) They’re so closely tied that it’s even led to a new category of beauty products, makeup-skincare hybrids. (We see you, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops.)

With that in mind, when it comes to concealer, eye cream is a no-brainer. That’s because certain concealer formulas can be prone to creasing, particularly if you have fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes — in which the product can settle. It can also happen when skin gets dry, since parched skin tends to have a rough texture and more lines (versus plump, hydrated skin).

Plus, the eye area is one of constant movement, since we’re always blinking, squinting, widening, and otherwise activating the muscles there, oftentimes without even realizing it. That can lead to creasing where skin folds, which, while totally harmless, might not exactly be the look you’re going for.

The good news is that a good eye cream can help mitigate creasing, as is the case with Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream. Here’s how to incorporate it into your routine so you can keep your eyeshadow game on point.

Step 1: Follow your usual skincare routine

While the focus is on the eyes, the rest of your skin should be prepped, too; it’ll help any concealer, foundation, or other complexion products you apply blend in that much better. So, go through the essential skincare steps, including cleansing, toning, applying serum, moisturizing, and slathering on sunscreen, before you start doing makeup.

Step 2: Apply eye cream

For starters: Yes, you need an eye cream. As we’ve noted before, eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate eye area with ingredients that target concerns unique to the eyes, like dark circles and puffiness. Plus, eye creams are ophthalmologist-tested, which ensures they’re safe for use around the eyes; that’s not always the case with moisturizers.

As part of your skincare routine, apply Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream under the eyes, around the outer corners, onto the eyelids (this formula is specifically designed and approved for use on the eyelids), and even between the brows, gently tapping it in until it’s absorbed. The lightweight, creamy formula sinks in quickly to create a smooth, hydrated canvas, and helps makeup better blend into skin for a natural finish.

Plus, you’ll also get the skincare benefits, which are no joke: It includes a whopping five forms of vitamin C — which are encapsulated, and gentle enough for the eye area — as well as niacinamide and guava, which further help brighten dark circles over time.

Step 3: Dab on concealer

After applying your eye cream, add a few dots of a creamy concealer, we’re huge fans of the Kosas Revealer Concealer, as needed, then use your fingers to smooth it into your skin. While Guava Vitamin C Eye Gel-Cream works over time to brighten the eyes, Kosas’s buildable formula hides dark circles for instant results — so you get the best of both worlds.

The duo also works on your eyelids, too. If you’ve prepped your lids with Guava eye cream, dab a tiny amount of concealer over it to prime the lids; not only will eyeshadow layer beautifully over both, but it’ll also help deliver a brighter pop of color.

Once you’ve applied concealer, follow with a spritz of Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist to set it. Pro tip: Makeup artist Tony Tulve recommends doing this throughout your makeup applications. “For a maximum glow that works for all skin types, work in layers of the mist while building the complexion: Spray it while blending out foundation, concealers and whatever other cream products that are used before powders,” he says.

With this prep in place, your makeup won’t crease throughout the day (or not), so your eyes stay bright and refreshed.

Keep reading about the magic of eye cream:

• Your 5 Biggest Eye Cream Questions, Answered
• Why Every Routine Needs a Vitamin C Eye Cream
• The 3 Types of Dark Circles & How to Treat Them