Worried about how to use cream!

I've been really struggling with how to use moisturizer. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure how to use it to get the full benefits. At first, I thought I just needed to apply a generous amount to my face, but because I wasn't using it correctly, my skin actually felt drier. So, I searched online several times and looked into the proper way to use moisturizer. I learned that the key is to take out a moderate amount and apply it to your face with a gentle massage, rather than applying too much. Also, a tip for using moisturizer is that it is most effective to apply it immediately after washing your face, so I'll make sure to keep that in mind. I still sometimes wonder if I'm using it correctly, but I'm gradually learning how to use moisturizer.