This is armor for your insomnia.
Puffy under eyes and dark circles are usually a dead giveaway that you haven’t had as much sleep as you could. But who can blame us? There are too many riveting TV shows to watch, friends to catch up with, and late-night restaurant reservations to secure. Plus, there are all sorts of products to help erase the evidence of your nocturnal escapades, like caffeine eye creams, under-eye wrinkle fillers, and a brightening concealer. However, one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your peepers a boost is by indulging in some luxurious under-eye patches. Lip Mask Product
You should know that under-eye masks can provide temporary relief to pretty much anyone, but they won’t solve issues long-term. “Patches can offer some minimal to modest improvement, so it’s important to the right expectations,” explains dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi. “However, these are usually fairly well tolerated and come with minimal risk.” Still, they’re a fun little way to hydrate and soothe the under-eyes and a great opportunity for a cute morning selfie. You can even pop them in the fridge before use to activate their cooling effects or utilize them to prime your eyes before makeup.
We spoke to skin experts, combed through countless customer reviews, and spoke to ELLE beauty editors to uncover the 16 best under-eye patches to keep under-eye bags and darkness at bay. Discover them for yourself below.
You may have seen these eye patches on the coolest beauty girls and boys. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Topicals Faded Under-Eye Masks; their formula features a host of healing and brightening ingredients, like caffeine, niacinamide, and kojic acid. In just 15 minutes, you’ll look like you’ve had your eight hours of sleep (even if you haven’t).
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, transexamic acid, kojic acid, caffeine, arbutin
An ELLE editor says: “When I think about buying a face mask, I tend to ask myself two questions: Are they effective? And are they cute enough to wear outside? With these, it’s a resounding yes to both. These hydrogel patches help to fade discoloration and hydrate your eye area while delivering a soothing cooling sensation. With my sensitive and dry skin, it’s really important for me to show my under-eyes some extra love, so these always come in handy. I always pop these on when I have some down time or if I’m running quick errands.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
You can forget about constantly refilling your stash and opt for these delightfully reusable patches that have taken TikTok by storm. Made of soft, medical-grade silicone, they’re packed with potent ingredients, like niacinamide, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, to visibly soothe, brighten, and plump. Bonus: They’ll also help lock in your favorite skincare products for even better results.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, peptides, niacinamide
An ELLE editor says: “The idea of a reusable eye mask is clever, but it also works. I’ve tried the Dieux eye mask (made of silicone) on top of my favorite eye cream on just one side. After a few minutes, the side with the mask was slightly brighter and less crepey-looking, which made my tired, grey eye circles on the other side stand out more. And you can keep using it—if not forever, then for a long time.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Brighter under eyes are coming, especially if you try these sun-shaped masks. They’re soaked in a serum that’s packed with banana extract and hydrogel to soothe and brighten. Plenty of copper peptides, which encourage collagen production and plump skin, are in the mix too.
An ELLE editor says: “These patches make it look like you have copper sun rays under your eyes. When running on minimal sleep, I put these on post-shower, and by the time I’m ready for work, it looks like I snuck in three additional hours of sleep. I love them!” —Danielle James, digital beauty director”
These reusable eye patches were created to help smooth and hydrate the under-eye area. If you travel a lot or are worried about losing a pair, this set comes with extras, so you can keep some at work or let a guest borrow a set when they come to visit.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides
An ELLE editor says: “Drew Barrymore loves these eye patches and I love them for the same reason. Much like the Dieux, they are also reusable but come in a set of three so that if you loose one or even two, you still always have a backup.” —Kathleen Hou
This uber-luxe under-eye mask will give even the most sensitive skin the pick-me-up that it needs. The formula contains diamond particles that exfoliate the skin, so the active ingredients can get to work and soak in for hydrating, brightening results.
Key ingredients: Diamond particles, hyaluronic acid, hexapeptide, rose hip
Saks Fifth Avenue rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is one of the most luxurious eye masks, but I really think it’s one of the best for an almost immediate result. It really feels like it forms a seal to infuse my under-eye area with moisture so that they look less dry and more plumped up. Also, it has a cooling effect. Maybe the fact that it’s black also makes me feel like it’s seriously working, or it could be its hydrating yet functional formula of retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.” —Kathleen Hou
Patchology has mastered the art of creating eye patches for any situation. The Serve Chilled On Ice version does it all: soothe, firm, tighten, and smooth. This is all made possible thanks to peptides, bakuchiol, and cloudberry oil, which is chock-full of brightening vitamin C.
Key ingredients: Cloudberry oil, bakuchiol, peptides
An ELLE editor says: “Coffee doesn’t do anything for me, which is why I don’t drink it often. But every time I wake up more exhausted and sluggish than usual, I wish I could indulge in a cup and have it rejuvenate me in the way it seems to do for everyone else. However, Patchology’s eye patches have become my personal wake-up trick. I slap a pair on in the morning, and I feel ten times more awake and aware of my surroundings than I did without them. They’re perfect even on busy mornings since I only need a few minutes with them to experience their effects.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
If you are someone who enjoys using eye masks often, it might be better to invest in them in bulk. For just $30, this K-beauty set comes with a whopping 30 pairs. That means you can use them liberally and not worry about running out any time soon.
An ELLE editor says: “Why would I want just 12 eye masks or some teeny number of them, versus 30? I like that this is literally a tub of eye masks and that it’s minimal waste, too, because they’re stacked on top of each other like cookies. My friend Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, was the one who introduced me to Shangpree, a legendary Korean facialist purveyor whose estheticians are required to do three years of training before they’re even allowed to touch a face. Naturally, their products are made with the same level of fastidiousness.” — Kathleen Hou
An ELLE editor favorite, these refreshing crescents are packed with an inordinate amount of moisture, softening fine lines and plumping deep sockets in 10 minutes flat. What’s most unique about these is that they feature Icelandic Complex, a proprietary blend of natural ingredients sourced from Iceland, designed to replenish nutrients that stress depletes from the skin.
Key ingredients: Proteins, peptides, antioxidants
An expert reviewer says: "I’ll be honest, I’m normally skeptical of the ‘instant plumpin’ powers of under-eye patches. But of all the versions I’ve tried that have seemed to fall flat, these luxurious Skyn masks are ones I’d actually reach for again. During WFH mornings when I’m really dragging, I’ll pop these on to help de-puff, nourish, and immediately cool my skin for a quick pick-me-up. And unlike many other designs, I like that they have a soft outer covering, so they're not as messy and easily stay put." —Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor
If you love indulging in spa nights on the regular, this pack of 24K gold- and hyaluronic acid-infused eye patches will have you covered. Amazon reviewers mention that they visibly help plump and smooth skin and are non-irritating.
Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love using eye masks, as it makes me feel very pampered. These are inexpensive and pretty effective. I have large bags under my eyes that seem less harsh since using these twice a week. Would recommend!”
Alexa, play “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. These eye patches actually contain 24K gold, which has skincare benefits like firming and lifting. Meanwhile, hydrolyzed collagen helps airbrush out any fine lines, and caffeine shakes out that heavy feeling on your lids from early mornings.
Key ingredients: Collagen, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, gold
An Amazon reviewer says: “These are the bomb!! Left them on for two to three hours yesterday, and the wrinkled, hollowed-out circles under my eyes were gone! (I’m 55, so these wrinkles are not a temporary situation). I’m leery of product claims in beauty items, but these suckers are worth their weight in gold! (See what I did there?).”
Look fabulous during and after an application of these gold foil eye masks. Powered by anti-inflammatory and brightening camu camu extract as well as plumping peptides, the patches erase signs of exhaustion in minutes. They come with a lot of serum, so you can apply any excess product onto your under eyes afterward for extra hydration.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I ordered these to use before my wedding. I tested out a pair a few weeks prior and loved how they moisturized my under eyes. They really diminished the dark circles that are a constant fixture on my grad student face.”
You might not be at a spa with cucumber slices on your eyes, but this is the next best thing. These masks are nourishing, calming, and safe for even the most sensitive wearer. Pro tip: pop these in the freezer for extra cooling effects.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, cucumber extract, aloe vera
An Amazon reviewer says: “At 71, I’m still careful about not using oily products on my skin, which would cause a breakout. This gel is cooling, takes only a small pea-size bit patted under my eyes each morning, and has kept my eye area looking fresh.”
Perk up tired eyes with an energizing blend of vitamin C, licorice, and ginseng. Note that these are paraben-free and great for all skin types, too.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice, ginseng
A Target reviewer says: “My eye bags constantly look like I haven’t slept in days (senior in high school things:)), but with these, my under eyes brightened after just two uses. These are now going to be a part of my daily routine, and they leave my skin super hydrated.”
Give your eyes a much-needed break from being strained by screens with these refreshing patches, which moisturize with a boost of hyaluronic acid and reduce puffiness, courtesy of chamomile extract. Meanwhile, the inclusion of peptides helps combat discoloration and thinning skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, chamomile extract
An Amazon reviewer says: “They are easy to use, feel cooling, and absorb right into your skin without any greasy residue. They produce visible results. My crows feet were much smoother after the first use, and the skin around my eyes looked refreshed and replenished.”
No need to stress—just throw on some of these hemp-infused eye masks and watch your worries drift away. These masks help hydrate and calm the sensitive skin near your eyes, thanks to green tea extract. The sweet kiwi smell might just trigger your cravings, too.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, cucumber extract
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very puffy eyes in the morning, and now that I’m 50, they don’t go away, even with caffeinated eye cream. I’m happy to say these eye patches actually work! I was skeptical, but they’re a new staple in my skincare regimen.”
You put vitamin C on your face to deal with hyperpigmentation and dullness, so do the same for your under eyes. Plus, a jolt of caffeine in these works to banish puffiness. If your goal is to make everyone around you think you sleep for eight hours a night, these will do the trick.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C
An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely LOVE these gel patches! I start my morning off with these after I cleanse my skin; they feel sooo nice and are such a calming way to start your day. I leave them on for the time suggested, and the serum does make my under eyes noticeably brighter, soft, and hydrated.”
Dr. Karan Lal is a celebrity dermatologist currently practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a dermatologist with Connecticut Skin Institute.
“Dark circles are multifactorial and can be due to loss of fat from aging, veins that are creating that dark appearance under the skin, and/or hyperpigmentation from chronic rubbing,” says Dr. Lal. “After dark circles, the next big complaint is wrinkling and crepiness. This is due to skin thinning as we age. Sun damage also contributes to skin thinning.”
A good skincare routine coupled with professional treatments can bring the results you desire. “The under-eye area is an area that needs procedures,” Dr. Lal adds. “Filler, neuromodulators, fractional ablative resurfacing, and or picosecond lasers are needed to truly make your under-eye issues better.”
“Yes, there are a variety of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, caffeine, green tea, and niacinamide,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “Ingredients like retinol or vitamin C can also help but beware, these may be more irritating.” If you’re looking for some gold under-eye patches, beware that some people can find them sensitizing. “Gold can actually cause hyperpigmentation, and some people can be allergic to gold,” warns Dr. Lal. Gold and other heavy metals can leave a blue-gray pigment behind, but in most cases, this hyperpigmentation is reversible.
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