Whether you worked late, binged Netflix past bedtime, or got lost in a late-night TikTok spiral—we've been there. While some nights it’s impossible to get eight hours of shut-eye, it's unfortunate that your swollen, puffy, and dark under-eyes are there in the morning to give you away. But when you need to feel refreshed in a pinch, there's one skincare product that does it all: under-eye patches (also known as under-eye masks). These little miracle workers can tackle everything from dark circles to puffiness to fine lines. Trust us, they'll wake up tired eyes faster than your screeching alarm clock can.
Unsure of what to do while your under-eye patches go to work? Click play for 10 things to do while you mask (which, incidentally, you can conveniently watch while eye masking).
Ava Lemons, LE, is a licensed esthetician at Heyday Skincare with more than 16 years of experience specializing in facials and skincare.
According to Lemons, "Under-eye patches are basically little sheet masks made specifically for the delicate skin beneath the eye. They infuse ingredients onto the surface of the skin in order to improve the appearance of the eye area." And just like regular sheet masks, these paper and hydrogel-infused cutouts are packed with glow-getting ingredients. Lemons says, "Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants (such as vitamins A, B, and C), collagen, and peptides are all good ingredients to brighten, hydrate, and firm." And if you think the benefits stop there, try applying your patches before makeup—it's pure magic. "Under-eye patches can make the eye area appear plumper, smoother, and more hydrated," she adds. "This will allow for better makeup application and a well-rested appearance."
Eye patches are easy to apply and go on faster than it takes to order your morning coffee. In most cases, you peel off the backing and simply press them onto your under-eye area for an instant pick-me-up. But you can actually use eye patches on other areas of your face as well. Lemons says, "Eye patches are great to wear while you wear a different type of mask on the rest of your face to give that area a little extra love. Some people also apply eye patches to necklines, or on dry, flaky skin around the nose area." And for an extra boost, pack them in the fridge a few minutes before you apply them to your face.
If you have some deeper wrinkles around the eye area that you're looking to minimize, these patches are known for their ability to "steam press" away the appearance of wrinkles. The key is SHISEIDO's Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles in as little as one application. And with each use, the skin's texture is refined and improved for eyes that also look more vibrant and youthful over time.
We're partial to a jelly-textured under-eye mask, because the gel texture gives you an instant cooling similar to chilled cucumbers, even when you don't store them in the fridge. They also have a way of staying in place, which is perfect for multitasking.
A blend of potent (and healthy) botanicals makes these patches one of our favorites for all-around under-eye care. Cornflower water helps soothe, soften, and decongest, while arnica extract helps drain the eye contour and chamomile extract refreshes and relaxes tired eyes. Bonus: If you have sensitive skin, these are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested to be safe to use.
Ipster KaitlinMilton says, "I love these. I noticed instant results. My under-eye area is pretty bad. I have large pores, dry skin, and bags under my eyes. This product lightened my under-eye area and smoothed my skin out. It also reduced the look of my pores. I highly recommend this product!"
We love wearing eye masks while applying our makeup. Not only do they catch eyeshadow fallout, but they also make our skin super smooth and bright for all our eye looks. This gold foil eye mask feels as luxe as it looks, and has three layers of ingredients that make it perfect for prepping for your close-up. The top foil retains heat to lock serum in, the middle elastic keeps it in place, and the bottom delivers hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf, and 17 (!) amino acids to brighten dark circles, treat fine lines, smooth and plump skin, and more.
Ipster b.vasquez1234 says, "Loved this product used it while doing eye makeup. Helped with any fallout and was refreshing under the eyes."
One look at the ingredient list on this baby and you know you're in for a treat. Ginkgo biloba extract helps improve blood flow to the under-eye area to reduce puffiness, while the brand's Icelandic Complex (made with mineral-rich Icelandic glacial water) hydrates and detoxifies. In addition, arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils deliver omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that tone, nourish, and boost skin luminosity.
Ipster hannachristinelong says, "This is quite an expensive brand so I was very pleased to receive something from them in my Glam Bag. The eye gels are refreshing and feel super cooling on the skin. It delivers a ton of product to your undereye that makes you look like you got 8+ hours of sleep! Love love love."
If you live in an urban environment, your skin is, unfortunately, more exposed to environmental stressors like pollution. Without proper protection, these factors can contribute to premature signs of aging. Thankfully, you can protect your under-eyes from all that using these fun rosé eye gels. Formulated with free radical–fighting antioxidants and strawberry extract, these patches protect against environmental stressors while hyaluronic acid offers the eyes a megadose of hydration. Pro tip: Like a real glass of rosé, keep these in the fridge for the most refreshing experience.
ingredients found in these fun star-shaped eye patches. In addition to being infused with retinol and real gold, they also feature licorice root extract, aloe, vitamin A, and rosemary extract to soothe the skin and reduce dark circles.
"Left my under-eye looking bright and refreshed," one Ipster says. Another adds, "I finally used these last weekend after sleeping in bunk beds in a hostel. Did a pretty good job and went to work without looking like I slept like crap."
If hydration is priority number one, reach for these cooling gel patches from the famous K-Beauty brand TONYMOLY. The deeply moisturizing formula uses ingredients like plankton extract and sea water to restore hydration in a flash, while spirulina extract improves radiance and cell turnover to promote a more youthful complexion over time.
Not sure what your top eye concern is? These hydrogel eye patches cover basically all your bases. The hero ingredient here is cannabis sativa (hemp) seed, an oil that moisturizes, calms, and soothes in one fell swoop. But the benefits don't end there. Green tea and antioxidant-rich kiwi fruit extract fight signs of aging, cucumber depuffs, caffeine energizes, niacinamide improves texture, and diamond powder gives the skin a soft-focus, illuminated look.
Vegan skincare is having a moment—and we're here for it. Leveraging science and plant-based ingredients, these formulas are a great way to feel good about the skincare you wear. While this vegan formula may steer clear of animal products, it hits hard with results. These flexible, hypoallergenic gel patches are water-infused to quench skin upon contact. They also fight puffiness, dark circles, and crow's feet using ingredients like anti-aging marine extract and hydrating coconut oil.
If you're in need of a brightening boost of hydration, this eye treatment has you covered. The natural biocellulose eye patches are infused with trusted skin brightener vitamin C and hydration powerhouse marine plant extract. Together, they create the perfect A-team for all your under-eye woes.
Infused with a super potent peptide ingredient, this brightening eye mask prevents wrinkles and dark circles while reducing the appearance of puffy, sagging skin. The hyaluronic acid in these concentrated gel patches also works to brighten, firm, and deeply hydrate tired under-eyes.
For moments when you're feeling particularly fancy, this two-part eye treatment from CHANEL includes a highly concentrated roll-on version of the cult-favorite Le Lift serum to firm under-eyes and 10 sets of patches to seal in all that moisture. The best part? These make for an Instagram moment like none other.
Infused with the same ingredients as one of the most iconic beauty products of all time, the ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Serum, these patches are made to provide smoother, more radiant under-eyes in just 10 minutes flat. If this isn't sleep in an eye patch, we don't know what is.
Made to mimic the benefits that ice-cold temperatures provide, this hydrogel patch uses a blend of peptides and a marine complex to help you appear more rested. And aside from fighting signs of fatigue, including puffiness, dark circles, they also help hide all traces of stress lines.
The skin under your eyes tends to be thinner than the rest of your face and can show signs of aging faster. To help smooth fine lines or crow’s feet now and minimize future ones, apply this anti-aging, rejuvenating mask made with retinol 8: a vitamin A complex that helps boost collagen production (key to keeping skin plump and firm) and is more effective and much gentler than your standard retinol-based skincare.
These absolutely adorable gel eye patches help you fake the look of eight hours of sleep in 15 minutes. The ultra restorative under-eye patches are designed to target dark circles specifically. With a combination of retinol, vitamin C, and caffeine, they treat discoloration by brightening, stimulating blood flow, and permanently fading dark spots. While they work in record time, make sure you budget a few minutes for a quick selfie in these eye patches that come with a charming nightscape printed on them. They're so cute you may not want to take them off.
A fun Saturday night out often makes for a rough Sunday morning. If you wake up in need of an eye treatment and a detox treatment, this eye mask is a convenient blend of both. Activated charcoal acts as a magnet for toxins, while witch hazel helps to reduce swelling and discoloration. To restore hydration, hyaluronic acid also comes into play, plumping and nourishing this delicate area.
"These smooth out the under-eye area nicely," one Ipster writes. "I wore them while applying eye shadow and thus they doubled to catch any eyeshadow fallout!"
PATCHOLOGY FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels are like an espresso shot for your under-eyes, but with amino acids, antioxidants, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and titanium dioxide. And since these fast-acting patches go to work in just five minutes, you can kick tired eyes quicker than it takes to brew yourself a cup of joe.
If you find yourself sifting through skincare innovations like a mad scientist, this out-of-the-box ingredient list is cool enough to impress the most seasoned skincare alumni. Combining ovine and plant placenta stem cells, encapsulated hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, retinol, and fruit acids, these patches reduce inflammation and repair signs of oxidative stress.
For a supercharged boost, reach for gel patches. Lemons explains, “Gel patches tend to be thicker than paper eye patches. This helps with smoother application, and prevents the patches from tearing.” These TULA hydrogel patches are infused with probiotics, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and green coffee caffeine to smooth, hydrate, and help reduce puffiness—plus, the cooling effect instantly reinvigorates tired eyes.
"These are wonderful," says Ipster melnole76. "Dark circles and puffy eyes are a real problem for me. My eye bags almost disappear after wearing these!"
OK, we couldn’t resist snapping some selfies in these lightning-bolt-shaped eye patches—the bright hue and jelly-like texture are super cool. But looks aside, they’re perfect for giving your under-eyes a quick burst of moisture (thanks, hyaluronic acid) and brightness (hello, vitamin C). Oh, and the indigo color? It’s not just for show: Indigo helps soothe and soften your skin, too.
Looking for more ways to look rested? Take our Beauty Quiz now to discover more IPSY Glam Bag glow-getters. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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