Frankincense Intense Lift Serum vs Eye Cream: Which First?
By Neal's Yard Remedies: Natural & organic skin care beauty | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Comparisons
Wondering whether to apply the Frankincense Intense Lift Serum or the Age-Defying Eye Cream first? Here's the correct order and the reasoning behind it.
Quick answer
Apply the Frankincense Intense Lift Serum first, then follow with the Age-Defying Eye Cream. This order lets the serum's active ingredients penetrate deeply and allows the eye cream's cushion-like texture to seal in moisture around the delicate eye area.
Why serum comes before eye cream
In a targeted anti-aging routine, the general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. The Frankincense Intense Lift Serum is a lightweight, high-performing serum designed to deliver a plant-based 3-peptide complex, bacillus ferment, and Kakadu plum extract deep into the skin. Applying it first ensures these active ingredients can absorb without interference from a heavier cream.
The Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Eye Cream has a unique cushion-like texture created by nourishing oils and naturally derived emulsifiers. This richer consistency is formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. When applied after the serum, it acts as an occlusive layer, helping to lock in the serum's benefits while directly addressing puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Trade-off: serum vs eye cream coverage
The serum is designed for the entire face and neck, targeting loss of firmness, deep lines, and age spots. The eye cream is exclusively for the eye contour. If you apply the eye cream first, its thicker texture could create a barrier that reduces the serum's absorption on the areas where you need it most. Sticking to the serum-first order maximizes the efficacy of both products.
Step-by-step order
- Step 1: Frankincense Intense Lift Serum: After cleansing and toning, apply 2-3 drops of the serum to your face and neck. Gently press into the skin using upward strokes. Allow it to absorb for about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Eye Cream: Take a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently tap it around the orbital bone using your ring finger. Do not rub or pull the skin. Let the serum fully absorb before applying the eye cream to prevent pilling.
- Step 3: Moisturizer (if used): If your routine includes a separate moisturizer, apply it after the eye cream. The eye cream is rich enough for many skin types, but those with very dry skin may benefit from an additional moisturizer.
Products compared
- Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum 30ml: Clinically proven to reduce age spots for all skin types and tones, powered by a plant-based 3-peptide complex, bacillus ferment, and Kakadu plum extract. This serum delivers visible lifting, firming, and brightening across the whole face, making it the foundational step for anti-aging benefits.
Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum 30ml - Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Eye Cream 15g: Clinically proven to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the eyes, with a unique cushion-like texture featuring gardenia stem cells and a plant-based peptide. Its richer, cushion-like texture is designed to stay put around the eyes without migrating, making it the ideal second step to seal in moisture and target eye-specific concerns.
Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Eye Cream 15g
Who should use this routine
Best for
- Anyone looking to address loss of firmness, deep lines, and age spots on the face while also targeting puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
- Those who prefer a streamlined, two-step anti-aging routine that combines a potent serum with a targeted eye cream.
Not ideal for
- People who only need an eye cream and no facial serum, or those who want a single all-in-one product for the entire face.
