Put moisturizer on your ears first so they don't come out blotchy. What I like to do is use a gel tanner on my face (I use L'oreal Sublime Bronze gelee) and rub it in small circular motions all over my face as if it were lotion. Then I'll use whatevers left on my hands, on my ears. Then I'll wash my hands, grab a makeup sponge and lightly go over my face with the sponge to help even it out more. Another reason why I like gel based tanners is they take a lot longer to dry, which can be annoying for the body but good for the face, since you have more time to blend without creating streaks or blank patches.
Oh and yes I apply on my entire eye area except for the inner corners, since I it's already dark there hehe.