The 20 Best Under-Eye Patches And Masks To Solve Every Concern
Do your eyes need some extra TLC? These multitasking masks offer a quick fix.
It’s not your imagination — the skin around the eyes is different from the rest of the face. It’s thinner and lacks oil glands, which means it is more susceptible to dryness and irritation. From dark circles and puffiness to fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness, the eye area often houses an array of aesthetic concerns.
Applying eye cream in the morning and evening is a must, but there are also some quicker and more targeted treatments on the market. If your eyes need some extra TLC because you're sleep-deprived from a binge session of Netflix's Sex/Life, hungover from one too many Aperol spritzes (hey, it is summer!), or just plain exhausted, consider an eye mask for some much-needed relief. Not only do these coverings, patches, and masks feel good on the skin but they also help to diminish visible signs of fatigue and aging. Here’s what you need to know about under-eye patches and masks.
The Benefits of Under-Eye Patches & Masks
We often preach that skincare requires patience to see results, but under-eye patches and masks are some of the rare exceptions. It should come as no surprise then that they are a backstage and red carpet staple thanks to their ability to wake up the eye-area and prep the skin for makeup. “They smooth out minor lines to make the skin appear younger,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman. But you don’t need a Hollywood glam squad to enjoy the benefits. Pop on a pair of patches before a big event or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Concealer is still a makeup must-have, but a good eye mask sets the stage by depuffing and delivering a hefty dose of hydration. In fact, celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa has her patches pull double-duty when working with clients. “Place the patches under the eyes and then do your makeup,” she shares. “Since the mask has curved edges, you can create a beautiful and lifted shape with ease.” Plus, if the mask has a long enough edge, you can position it at the outer corners of the eyes and use it as a guide for a sharp winged liner look or a sexy smokey eye.
The Best Under-Eye Patches & Masks
Think of under-eye patches as the miracle workers you need to look awake and refreshed even when you don't feel perky on the inside. Below are 20 eye masks we gladly buy over and over again.
FOR A QUICK LIFT: Payot Roselift Collagène Patch Regard
These perfectly-sized, non-slip hydrogel under-eye masks are like an instant eye lift (sans surgery) for tired-looking eyes. Featuring a collagen-boosting peptide and patented Damask rose-derived active ingredient, they cool on contact and leave the eye area more open, awake, and lifted in mere minutes. $50 for 5 pairs, us.payot.com
FOR AN EXTREME MOISTURE BOOST: Jillian Dempsey Hydrating Eye Mask
When dryness under the eyes makes concealer and makeup appear caked on, reach for this ultra-hydrating solution. The biocellulose masks (they stay protected and fresh via two mesh linings removed before application) contain a super-luxe formula of prebiotics, hyaluronic acid, and almond and camelina oils for a powerful shot of moisture. Although the directions say to leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes, we like to double down for a transformative treat. $75 for 10 pairs, bluemercury.com
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEPUFFING: Talika Reusable Eye Therapy Patches
Sustainable beauty is top of mind these days, and French beauty brand Tailka has been taking an eco-conscious approach since the early 2000s — that’s when they first launched these reusable gel-based depuffing patches. A makeup artist-favorite, 30 minutes is all you need for the unique matrix of semi-solid plant oils and ceramides to render the under-eye area smoother, less puffy, and oh-so-fresh. These sensitive skin-friendly patches can be used three times each, so there’s less waste and no puff. $60 for 6 pairs, talika.us
FOR A SPA-LIKE UPGRADE: KiraMoon Moon Globes
These eye globes up the ante of all your favorite under-eye masks. Made of glass and filled with flecks of glitter, gently glide the globes directly over your go-to eye patches for an amplified effect and reduced puffiness, redness, and inflammation. Use them chilled (pop them in the fridge or freeze for 30 minutes) or at room temperature. $42, kiramoon.com
FOR A POST-TRAVEL REFRESH: Doctor Babor 3D Hydro Gel Eye Pads
Are you headed somewhere fabulous this summer? Expect tired-looking eyes to come along for the ride. Enter this must-have travel mask that cools on contact and instantly revives worn-out peepers. Designed to perfectly fit the eye contour, the blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and botanical extracts give the under eyes a significant shot of hydration in less time than it takes to go through a TSA security checkpoint. $29 for 4 pairs, us.babor.com
FOR FAKING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: Versed The Fix Emergency Eye Mask
A unique take on the modern-day eye mask, this one isn’t a hydrogel or a patch but rather a gel that’s packed with vitamins B5 and E and caffeine. Apply it for 10 minutes around the entire eye (you can swipe some on the temples, too) and gently tissue off any excess. The result: you’ll look like you slept for hours on end. $18, versedskin.com
FOR MULTITASKING: Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
These masks are as chic as they come. Available in yellow and rose gold foil, these do-it-all patches hydrate and brighten dark under-eye circles while reducing puffiness and decreasing the look of fine lines. A blend of botanicals (think: calendula, camu camu, and aloe leaf extract) pull double duty to smooth out crepiness and prep the eye area for makeup. The best part? The masks have a three-layer technology that prevents them from slipping down the face. $25 for 6 pairs, wanderbeauty.com
FOR ERASING UNDER-EYE WRINKLES: Soke Eye Treatment
The next best thing to in-office treatments that fill in and zap away pesky under-eye wrinkles and lines are these generously sized (they extend outwards to tackle bunny lines on the nose) yet comfortable patches that are as clean as they come. A hydrogel base houses peptides, water, and a polymer that produces a unique matrix to plump, nourish, and moisturize the delicate area. After 30 minutes, the eyes are visibly brighter and firmer. You may even be able to skip the under-eye concealer. $56 for 6 pairs, sokebeauty.com
FOR DEPUFFING ON A BUDGET: Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack Mask
If the product name alone doesn’t reel you in, then perhaps the result will. A cooling, refreshing, and hydrating mask, this fan-favorite formula takes down inflated-looking under eyes thanks to a budget-friendly blend of cucumber fruit juice, tripeptides, and licorice root extract. $5 each, walgreens.com
FOR YOUR BRIGHTEST EYES EVER: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
Retinol is one of the most noteworthy skincare ingredients thanks to its ability to increase cell turnover for smoother, tighter, healthier skin. So, it's only fitting that this dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested patch employs the star ingredient (via a non-irritating micro-infusion technology) and chlorella extract to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. As a bonus, pat any extra essence into the skin or use the masks around the mouth. $70 for 12 pairs, sephora.com
FOR A POWER NAP SANS SLEEP: Circcell Instant Collagen Eye Treatment Mask
Harnessing the power of freeze-dried collagen, press the fluid chamber to release the ingredients and then apply the sheet mask under the eyes. In about 15 minutes, the mélange of peptides and collagen erase all signs of exhaustion for eyes that are brighter, fresher, and totally renewed. $90 for 4 pairs, circcell.com
FOR IF YOU CAN’T SIT STILL: Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Triangle of Light Eye Mask
Love the benefits of eye patches but hate how some of them slip around your skin? Us, too. This unique triangle shape provides a flawless fit that doesn’t budge, while hyaluronic acid, peptides, and green tea brighten, plump, and firm the area for relaxed and reinvigorated peepers. $69 for 8 pairs, bluemercury.com
FOR A LUXE TREAT: Valmont Eye Instant Stress Relieving Mask Box
Pricey? Yes. Effective? You better believe it. Perfect for decongesting the under eyes, these patches smooth, hydrate, and revitalize. A tripe algae biomaterial plus caffeine, arnica, green tea, and hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides work together to target puffiness and dark circles while smoothing out wrinkles. Slap on a pair and let it do its magic. You’ll be party-ready in next to no time. $150 for 5 pairs, lamaisonvalmont.com
FOR A SUPERSIZED RESULT: Sio Super Eyelift
If ever there was a brand that was all about patches, it's Sio. Almost double the size of a standard under-eye patch, this supersized version extends from the top of the brow to the inner crease, so that not a single stretch of skin is left untreated. You can reuse these moisturizing, medical-grade silicone masks up to 10 times. Try wearing them for a few hours before a big event — they act as a primer for makeup that will stay put all night long. $20, siobeauty.com
FOR A CALMING COOL: Borbeletta Cooldown Calming Eye Mask
Not every eye issue requires moisture or a de-puffing ingredient. Sometimes, a bit of cooling is all it takes to calm down the orbital area. Like a chilled blanket that works on contact, the gel-based patches quickly firm and lighten dark circles for eyes as bright as the light of day. $19 for 5 pairs, borboletabeauty.com
FOR A BROW LIFT: Sarah Maxwell Beauty The Brow Mask
Good brows are a game-changer — they open and define the eyes and can change the look of the face. The hydrogel mask is packed with collagen and niacinamide to promote healthy hair growth and hyaluronic acid to retain optimal moisture. Applying the masks to eyebrows a few times a week leads to major arch emphasis. $48 for 10 pairs, sarahmaxwellbeauty.com
FOR THE ULTIMATE SELFIE: Angela Caglia Rose Quartz Eye Mask
Celebrity facialist Angela Caglia’s hands have graced the visages of Mimi Driver and Carol Radzwill (to name a few), and her soothing, ethically sourced rose quartz mask — the naturally cooling stone is best known for its calming and soothing energy — is like an inviting cocoon for heavy eyes that crave improved circulation. Plus, the handmade mask is on the heavier side, so its weight adds light pressure to alleviate any tension in the area. $140, revolve.com
FOR THE UPPER & LOWER LIDS: DHC Rich Eye Zone Care Pack
Most eye masks are relegated to treating just the under-eye area, but this Japanese version is different. Its antioxidant- and peptide-rich formula works to improve the skin texture of the upper and lower lids. Plus, it gets bonus points for its all-encompassing single-patch design. $17.50 for 6 pairs, dermstore.com
FOR HEAT PAD LOVERS: Popmask Starry Eyes Self Warming Eye Mask
Although this self-heating mask is fun to use (it gently and safely warms up in 30 seconds upon opening the package), it's the ear loops for a secure fit that allows it to mimic the heated eye pads enjoyed during a professional massage. Each 20-minute treatment reaches a maximum temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and activates a blend of iron powder, carbon, salt, water, and vermiculite. Sit back, relax, and let the mask depuff and destress. $20 for 5 masks, bloomingdales.com
FOR SENSITIVE PEEPERS: Loops Beauty Under Eye Mask
This hydrogel eye mask is loaded with niacinamide to help brighten dark circles, retinol to improve skin texture, and a hydrating pearl extract to diminish lines, wrinkles, and any evidence of late nights. Plus, the masks are void of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances for a cleaner and sensitive skin-friendly masking experience. $20 for 5 pairs, revolve.com
All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.
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