Feel like you’re a bit of a white walker zombie at work but absolutely need to give off the illusion that you’ve got it together? Yep, yep. This artfully curated smattering of chic under-eye masks will blast those bags and give you a bright pep in your sweet little step.
We’ve singled out the cream of the crop, here. From the best budget options to the best overnight bedfellows, deep dive into the world of hydration, brightening and magic sleep dust. But first, we nut out some popular questions when it comes to under-eye radiance.
Are under-eye masks good for you?
The main benefit these pillows of delight offer is that they take down puffiness from lack of sleep, stress or crying. They’re versatile in that they’re great for all ages, soothing and hydrating skin of any age.
Can you get rid of under-eye bags?
If we’re talking top-line, topical solutions, under-eye masks are a great first port of call for eye bags. That, along with a healthy, balanced diet, adequate hydration from water, as much sleep as you can humanly get etc etc.
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These measures can certainly help to soothe and reduce the signs of swelling, but if you’re trying to reduce the size of fairly considerable under-eye swelling, in those instances more invasive approaches may be required.
Our pick of the best 9 under-eye masks
Best hydrating under-eye masks
Infused with hyaluronic acid and panthenol, these Ultraceuticals eye masks are the real dwal when it comes to plumping and soothing. Other key ingredients include niacinamide, peptides, green tea, bamboo, hibiscus and peppermint extracts, among others.
We love these Peter Thomas Roth masks because they’re akin to a facial in a (beautiful) can. Perfectly cooling, and soothing, these patches deliver refreshing lemongrass, and de-tox the look of tired eyes, both underneath and on the side (so-called crow’s feet).
The beauty of snail mucin power continues! COSRX has done it again with this k beauty formula that targets dark, tired skin and lifts, plumps and brightens the whole area. Simply plonk them on and let them work their snail-y magic.
The best value for money under-eye masks
These under-eye patches are pumped full of hyaluronic acid, collagen protein, and 24K gold particles to remove impurities and toxins. And with over 6K reviews on Amazon – with 69% throwing out 5 stars – this could be your cheaper, brighter NBF. We’re certainly big fans. The downside? These guys do come with a lot of packaging.
A great all rounder, Juyou’s eye masks are the number 1 best seller in the eye treatment gels department on Amazon. They cool that puffy skin under the eyes, reduce wrinkles and dark circles and won’t dry out your skin. Also there are loooaddsss in one pack, so expect to enjoy these for more than a hot minute.
The best brightening under-eye masks
Tired eyes? Forget it. These patches will lift you and zing you (in a great way), pulling you back into the realm of hydrated and happy. Vitamin C and licorice work together to bring the goods and brighten you right up. Big recommend for these, although if you’re not a fan of licorice, perhaps skip them.
A bit more on the luxe side but it’s time to treat yourself, and your eye bags. The brand’s Matsu-ProSculpt Complex contains, among other things, retinol to perk you right up and address dark circles. This is an express under-eye facial in a mask, although, again, this one does come with ample packaging.
The best reusable under-eye masks
Unique and fabulous, these reusable marks allow you to add your own serum to them so there’s no confusing revolving door of new products for your face. Simply add your favourite drops to them to boost hydration, and wash the pads afterwards. Also ideal for minimising waste, doin’ good to both the environment and your skin simultaneously.
Another winner when it comes to using your own beauty products, Skin Gym’s eye masks allow you to add your own serum each and every time. This means one day you can tackle dark bags, the next fine lines. The world is your eye mask oyster! Simply soak them in water beforehand, add your eye cream or serum and slumber with them on so you look fresh AF the next day. Enjoy.
How do eye patches work?
Skin specialist Tracey Beeby, lead educator at Ultraceuticals, explains that eye patches are generally made from hydrogel.
“The hydrogel base has the ability to hold a large amount of liquid / active ingredients. This is of huge advantage, due to their ability to adhere to the skin, this can help aid in the absorption of these active ingredients into the skin,” says Beeby.
How do eye patches combat dark circles?
According to Beeby, it’s not the eye patches themselves that help with combating dark circles but the active ingredients within the various formulas that have been embedded into the eye masks.
For example, the active ingredients in some that specifically target dark circles include some wonderful botanicals – peppermint extract, bamboo extract, and green tea, to name a few.
How often should you use eye masks?
Generally speaking, eye masks can be used up to 3 timers per week to enhance your regular eye care program. When treating the eye area, it’s ideal to combine the use of eye masks with the appropriate cleanser that is ophthalmologically tested to be suitable for the delicate eye area, as well as a suitable daily eye cream.And of course, of course, of course always SPF.
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