It’s no secret I love an eye mask! There is just something about taking a cold eye patch out of the fridge to de-puff my eyes while I drink my coffee that just makes me happy. Then there’s also the added benefit of de-puffing, hydrating and smoothing your under eye area. Did you know that dark circles are actually the result of dehydrated or thin skin? True story. Dark circles are actually the result of dark veins under your eyes and thin skin on top of them. The best way to improve the appearance of dark under eye circles is to plump up the under-eye skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen.
Another common under-eye concern is puffiness which can be treated with caffeine to improve circulation and ginkgo biloba that diminishes puffiness. Patches that are cold from being in the fridge also work wonders for puffiness! For smoothing the under-eye area it’s best to look for eye masks containing soothing aloe leaf, calendula, and peptides. If you don’t know where to start, I have rounded up 7 of my favorite eye masks below!
How to Apply Eye Masks & Patches
I always store my eye masks and patches in the fridge. Once I’m ready to use, I make sure my skin is clean and dry, then apply and allow the ingredients to soak into your eye area for however long the directions state. When I’m done, I pat in any remaining serum and discard the patch!
Where to Use Under Eye Masks & Patches
This is not a trick! You can actually use most under-eye patches under your eyes or around your smile lines! Yes, eye patches work for frown and smile lines because anything that will stay on and help lift, tone or give added hydration is great for under-eyes and frown lines
The other great thing about most eye patches is that they are reversible depending where you want the most bang for your buck. Have super dry & hollow under eyes? Put the larger end of the eye patch near the inside corner of your eye. Need more help with your crows fees and less with your under-eye? Put the thicker end of the eye patch near the outside corner of your eye!
When to Use Under Eye Mask & Patches
I think this is totally up to you! I always use my under-eye patches in the morning before I put on my makeup. I like to wear them straight out of the fridge while I drink my coffee so that the cooling temperatures also help to de-puff my under-eye. You can use them in the evening and some you can even sleep in!
Best Eye Masks & Patches
Here is a roundup of my favorite eye masks! From my least-used to most-used!
Bright Eyes Illuminating Colloidal Silver + Collagen Eye Patch
These eye patches have illuminating pearl to help eyes instantly appear brighter and more rested, calming aloe vera to help decrease puffiness, collagen to help firm and tighten and colloidal silver to help encourage skin rejuvenation.
Patches are also designed for use on nose to mouth lines. Store patches in refrigerator for an extra calming sensation. Brighten, hydrate, and restore the skin’s healthy bounce with daily or weekly use.
Buy: Neiman Marcus // Nordstrom // Sephora
Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels
These patches adhere to under your eyes, and work in just 5 minutes to replenish moisture with a proprietary blend of hydrating humectants that continually draw moisture from the air; even hours after the patches have been removed.
Caffeine also improves under-eye circulation to banish puffiness and brighten your skin. Centella asiatica boosts collagen production while vitamin C- enriched portulaca oleracea extract illuminates eyes. These are great for mornings when you are tire and on the go but need to look awake & alert!
Buy: Dermstore // Nordstrom // Revolve // Ulta
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are infused with hyaluronic acid and caffeine, it minimizes fine lines, dark circles, and crow’s feet, revealing a visibly refreshed appearance.Â
Buy: Amazon // Dermstore // Sephora // Ulta
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
These Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches delivery a luxurious spa experience at home. Genuine 24K gold infused with colloidal gold lifts and firms the contours of your eyes, diminishing signs of aging and imparting youthful radiance.
Hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen deliver intense hydration while caffeine stimulates your skin and calms signs of puffiness. They also containe lavender to calm the senses for a truly relaxing experience.
Buy: Amazon // Dermstore // Sephora // Ulta
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
These patches stay in place better than any others on this list. skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are easy-to-apply and work to firm, de-puff and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike the others on this list, these patches contain elastin to promote firmness. Hexapeptide reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, ginkgo biloba diminishes puffiness and antioxidant Co-Q10 neutralizes free radicals for a rejuvenated appearance.
Buy: Amazon // Anthropologie // Dermstore // Ulta
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
I love these patches for traveling! I pack them in my suitcase and put them in the fridge when I get to my hotel. Each mask is infused with aloe leaf, calendula, amino acids and peptides to soothe, depuff and awaken the delicate eye area. The innovative gold foil technology helps your skin absorb the formula for a more refreshed appearance. I also think that the gold foil helps make the patches extra cold when you gently set an ice roller on them!
Buy: Amazon // Dermstore // Nordstrom // Sephora
Pixie DetoxifEYE
These are the patches that I keep in my fridge at home and use on a daily basis. They are the most affordable and work amazing!! They will almost instantly reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles while moisturizing and soothing your skin. The only thing I don’t love is how difficult they can be to grab. You need to use the enclosed spatula to gently lift and separate each patch then apply onto clean, dry under-eye area. You can leave on for 10 min and pat the remaining serum into the skin.
Am I missing the Elemis info? I loved the sample I received recently when they ran their $10 deal. Interested to hear your thoughts on them. Thanks!
Ok my sister-in-law were just talking about gel eye patches going to have to order some stat…and what about the dreaded 11s?! Way more time on FaceTime/zoom/etc has me realizing how bad mine are!!! Eek!
Where do the Elemis eye patches fall in your list? Thanks!
What happens if you leave them on too long? I have done that more than once, in the evening, and they get thin and dry out. Is this “bad”? Are they still effective?
Thanks for sharing. I’m new to eye masks/patches. There are so many, it’s hard to know where to start.
Thanks for the post! The baggage claim eye patches are sold out on Sephora and I didn’t know much about the other brands. This def helps!
What are the best patches for forehead and cheek wrinkles?