23-02-2025
The best under-eye masks to depuff and hydrate, tried and tested
The best under-eye masks we tested
Best under-eye patches: Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Best budget under-eye patches: Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks
Best reusable under-eye patches: Talika Eye Therapy Patches + Travel Case
When it comes to skin care, there aren't a lot of quick fixes. Thankfully, under-eye patches are one of the outliers. These mini treatments can help your eyes look more awake and youthful in minutes. Cooling and refreshing, they can target dark circles, puffiness, eye bags and crow's feet. However, not all under-eye masks are wow-worthy, so we set out to test 20 of the buzziest ones to find the true winners.
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Thin, flexible and pretty, these lightweight eye masks deliver ample hydration and plumping to tired under-eyes.
Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks
These brightening eye masks gave our eyes a satisfying wake-up, and we didn't have to worry about them slipping or sliding down the face.
Talika Eye Therapy Patches and Travel Case
A favorite for sensitive skin, these eye masks are infused with nourishing oils and ceramides that gently moisturize and smooth. Each pair lasts up to three uses and you can store them in the chic compact case. I first heard about these metallic under-eye masks from our director of social Stephanie Griffin, who's been raving about them since 2022. Now that I've tested them myself, I see what all the hype is about. Unlike the usual gel under-eye masks, these are made with a foil top layer, elastic middle layer and cellulose bottom layer, which makes for impressively thin eye patches that don't slip around. I also like that the shape is symmetrical on both sides, rather than teardrop-shaped like many other eye masks. This means more coverage from the inner corner of your under-eye to the outer area where crow's feet and fine lines appear.
Out of the package, the eye masks are saturated (but not dripping) with a serum consisting of plumping hyaluronic acid, calming aloe leaf extract, a blend of 17 collagen-boosting amino acids and other natural extracts. They felt cool and soothing, rather than other eye masks I've tried that leave a tingly sensation. I found that the formula absorbed well, and there wasn't much serum to pat in after 20 minutes of wear.
They left my eyes looking and feeling more awake, which is my main priority with under-eye treatments. Dark circles and puffiness are my biggest under-eye concerns, and the Baggage Claim masks helped brighten them and make me look more refreshed. They might not be as cooling as a gel under-eye mask, but I preferred the lightweight, flexible feel of these.
They were also a hit with my 69-year-old mom, who uses under-eye masks regularly and has tried many brands. She prefers eye masks that are moisturizing and can help improve her eye bags and crow's feet, and she found that these gave a nice plumping effect. She also loved the amount of coverage they gave her under-eye area and how they felt refreshing without a slippery texture. (She's super averse to products that remind her of slimy animals.)
Of the many under-eye masks I've tried as a beauty editor, these truly stand out. They're undeniably pretty (did I mention they come in rose gold too?), effective and a fair price for the high quality. At $26 for six pairs, they're under $5 per set.
These affordable under-eye masks have been a longtime Underscored reader favorite, so it's about time they get some proper recognition as one of the best. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine loved the quality of the Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks and their brightening effect. 'I would use them first thing in the morning while getting ready for the day, and I saw a difference between my waking-up dark circles and my ready-for-the-day under-eyes,' she says.
The masks weren't sticky or messy and stayed in place during her morning routine. At first, she felt like there was minimal product on the eye masks, but they still felt cooling and hydrating. 'The thicker eye patches were filled with product in a way that wasn't sticky or messy,' McAlpine says. After she removed them, the product had been absorbed well, and there wasn't a lot of excess serum to tap in.
These masks are made with revitalizing skin care ingredients including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and sea moss. The formula is also vegan as well as paraben- and sulfate-free.
Grace & Stella's masks delivered a decent amount of hydration to Alpine's under-eyes and helped eliminate dry patches, but she felt they helped with depuffing and brightening more. 'If I had a glass of wine or a salty meal the night before and was a little puffy the next morning, I saw the puffiness reduced [after wearing the masks] and I looked a lot more awake and like my normal self,' she says.
While McAlpine tested the gold Energizing version, the masks also come in a number of other colors that target different concerns: blue are Illuminating, pink are Moisturizing, bronze are Revitalizing, white are Firming and purple are Restoring, the latter of which are infused with retinol. They are $30 for 24 pairs when full price, which comes out to $1.25 per pair, but they're often (and currently) on sale on Amazon. Right now, they're less than $1 per pair if you purchase the 24-pack for $22. We consider them a bargain worth the price.
Talika has been a pioneering name in French beauty for over 70 years, and the Eye Therapy Patches are a testament to the brand's innovation. They're made with a special dry-touch gel that delivers nourishing ingredients without the typical serum-drenched patches.
'It's difficult finding eye and face masks that won't make me break out, so the formula in these were a breath of fresh air and should be suitable for others with skin like mine,' says associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo. As someone who's tried a fair share of under-eye masks, she was impressed with the acne-prone-skin and sensitive skin-friendly formula, comfortable wear and cute reusable patches with 'Eye love you' printed on them. Unlike eye masks that soak in a serum, these patches consist of a matrix of skin-safe mineral oil, plant oils (like avocado and safflower), shea butter and ceramides infused into the gel. As you wear the patches, the ingredients gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the skin.
'Although you can't necessarily feel the shea butter and ceramides when holding the masks in your hand, it's clear that these active ingredients are doing the work when worn under your eyes for 30 minutes,' Matarazzo says. She loved that they felt like a second skin and likened them to a hydrocolloid or surgical bandage. 'The suction was unbeatable,' she says.
Matarazzo found the masks left her under-eyes feeling 'smooth and cool to the touch,' and there wasn't any residue or product left over to rub in. 'I have hollow under-eyes so the skin underneath is a bit discolored and thin. I don't necessarily have bags, but I do at times have dark circles and appear to look more tired,' she says. 'These masks improved my skin texture and smoothed out the fine lines under my eyes — again, maybe due to the shea butter and ceramides since I know both work when restoring the skin barrier on my face.' Along with this, she noticed her under-eyes appeared a bit brighter too. 'After using the masks for a week, I noticed an improvement, but that could also be from my skin being more plump, tight and hydrated,' she adds.
The masks' unique composition also makes each pair reusable up to three times. You can buy them solo or as a set with a luxe mirrored compact case that makes them easy to travel with and preserve for future use. Matarazzo found that the patches continued to adhere to her skin well with multiple wears, and I've had the same experience. I've personally traveled with these Eye Therapy Patches and love wearing them on the plane. A single pair can last me a weeklong trip, accounting for two in-flight applications and one midweek pick-me-up.
While they're on the pricey side, we think they're worth it. 'Since these aren't a fully reusable mask, I'd say the price is a bit steep compared to competitors like Dieux,' Matarazzo says of the $70 set. But let's do some number crunching: With the case, each pair comes out to $11.67, and you can reuse them three times, so that comes out to just under $4 per wear. The cost per wear goes down to $3.33 if you opt for a six-pack without the travel case. 'That isn't terrible compared to single-use masks in the Sephora checkout line that could cost you about $5,' she says. 'But compared to other long-term reusable masks, it could be hard for those who don't want to initially dish out $60.'
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From people who use them regularly to others who wanted to give them a first go, our team was undeniably excited to test under-eye masks. We had 10 Underscored staffers volunteer and 20 eye masks to test, so each member of our testing panel tried two different masks. Our testing pool consisted of brand-new launches, cult favorites and top sellers in the market. We added them to our self-care routines for two weeks and kept these points in mind:
Material and feel: How did the formula and masks themselves feel? Did they stay in place or were they slippery?
Absorption: Did the serum from the eye masks absorb into the skin or did you need to rub it in after?
Moisturizing: Did the eye masks help hydrate the under-eye area?
Brightening: Did the eye masks make a difference in dark circles or tired-looking eyes?
Eye bag reduction: Did the eye masks reduce eye bags and puffiness around the eyes?
Value: Did the overall experience and results of using the eye patches feel fair for the price? Would you be likely to repurchase? 'Under-eye patches are a fast, easy and fun way to address skin changes that affect the delicate skin around the eyes,' says Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York. 'Eye patches can help depuff swollen eyes, reduce the appearance of dark circles and hydrate crepey, wrinkly skin.'
They typically consist of a gel patch that is saturated with a serum. Sometimes the patch itself can be infused with skin care ingredients too. The patches then sit atop the skin to let the formula absorb into the under-eye area.
Like sheet masks, under-eye masks are a supplemental skin care product you don't have to use daily. 'They can be reserved for emergencies, special events or indulgences,' Camp says. 'If used more routinely, consider using an eye mask one to two times a week.'
Under-eye patches are typically a quick treatment that can deliver immediate improvement for puffiness and hydration, but the results aren't long-lasting. For long-term benefits, Camp suggests layering your under-eye products. 'After using an eye mask, consider applying an eye cream to heighten the effects of the mask and potentially improve penetration of eye cream ingredients,' he says.
'Before searching for eye patches, think about what concerns you want to address,' Camp says. Specific skin care ingredients can help you target these areas. Here are the dermatologist's recommendations on what to look for:
For depuffing: Caffeine is a common ingredient found in eye masks and eye creams. It helps with puffiness because 'caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which limits the amount of blood flow to the area,' Camp says.
For dark circles: 'Brightening ingredients include tranexamic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid. Each of these ingredients works differently to affect melanin pigment, which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation,' Camp says. He also notes vitamin C, green tea, bakuchiol and retinol can help improve dark circles.
For hydration: 'Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, oatmeal, aloe vera and jojoba oil are all hydrating ingredients that either help skin attract and retain moisture or trap water in the skin,' Camp says.
For crow's feet: Retinol is one of the most helpful ingredients for treating fine lines and wrinkles. It's a vitamin A derivative that promotes skin cell turnover and encourages collagen production. While included in some eye masks, it needs to be used regularly to see improvement. Hyaluronic acid can deliver quicker but temporary results by boosting the skin's hydration for a plumping effect that softens wrinkles. Besides the formula, Camp says you should also consider how often you'll use the under-eye masks, how many are supplied in the package and how much they cost. As we found in our testing, packaging makes a difference. Some eye masks come in individually wrapped pairs, while others come in jars. Based on our experiences, those who tried eye masks with multiple sets in a jar tended to struggle with getting the masks out of the jar and onto their face without making a mess. The individually wrapped ones were easier to handle and convenient for travel but created more waste.
Drmtlgy Brightening Eye Masks, 30 Pairs
We loved the refreshing effects of these caffeine-infused hydrogel eye masks that left our under-eyes feeling softer and brighter. These under-eye masks received a perfect score from social coordinator Gabriella Triolo. 'I loved this formula,' she says. 'It wasn't overly oily like some other eye masks I've used, but it still gave me a ton of hydration.' They're packed with caffeine, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, along with other antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberry extract, red algae extract and goji berry extract.
Although a bit slippery, she liked that they were quick and effective. After leaving them on for 15 minutes, her under-eyes were 'soft and hydrated, looked significantly brighter and saw a difference in the appearance of [her] eye bags.' She also appreciated the value — with 30 pairs per jar, they come out to be $1.47 per pair — and would repurchase.
CosRX Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches, 30 Pairs
These budget-friendly eye patches impressed us with their hydrating and depuffing power, but they were a bit messy to get out of the jar. Initially, home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman thought these eye masks felt like jelly and were a little difficult to scoop out of the jar using the included spatula. Once on the skin, however, they felt refreshing and stayed on well with minimal slippage.
'By the time I took them off after 15 minutes, pretty much all the serum was absorbed into my skin,' she says. 'This was surprising because they are especially goopy inside the jar, but it's probably because I massage the patches under my eyes to spread out the serum as soon as I apply them.'
Featuring four peptides, caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B12 and adenosine (an elasticity-boosting agent), the under-eye masks helped her eyes feel firm and smooth after use. 'These did a great job at reducing puffiness and inflammation, and it was especially noticeable the morning after a night when I didn't get much sleep,' Abdelrahman says. 'It's definitely not a long-lasting effect, but I don't really expect it to be for eye patches.'
The real kicker, though, is the price. 'At $23 for 60 patches, these come out to less than a dollar per pair — such a great value!' Abdelrahman says. 'I would actually repurchase these myself. They're less than half the cost of the other eye patches I tested but performed almost the same.'
Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels, 15 Pairs
These eye masks were slippery but felt rich and delivered a noticeable boost in hydration, leaving us with a nice glow. Associate programming editor Kevin Martinez enjoyed these under-eye masks. 'If you struggle with dry, patchy skin, especially under the eyes, as I do, these patches brighten, moisturize and reduce bagginess, so they're a triple win,' he says.
He called the formula rich, which isn't always the case with eye masks. In addition to caffeine, hydrolyzed collagen and centella asiatica, these masks boast benefits from glycerin, castor seed oil, snail mucin and a bunch of botanical extracts. The result is a super moisturizing treatment.
'I felt significant hydration in my under-eye area,' Martinez says. 'The formula was so rich that I skipped putting on my daily moisturizer around my eyes since they felt well-hydrated.' He also noted a dewy finish that reminded him of the glow you'd get after a facial and noticed a gradual improvement with his eye bags after several days of use.
The trade-off, however, is dealing with the slippery patches that were a bit messy to get out of the jar and sometimes slid around on his face. To avoid the mess, you can also buy individually wrapped pairs in singles and five-packs at Amazon and Ulta.
Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Under-Eye Masks, 6 Pairs
While we saw these brighten dark circles and minimize our eye bags, they lacked a moisturizing factor. Triolo loved the 'strong cooling effect' of Topicals' hydrogel under-eye patches, but they were less hydrating than she had hoped. She thinks they're a great solution for brightening the under-eye, however, and noticed a difference after just one use. The masks target discoloration and even hyperpigmentation with tranexamic acid and kojic acid. Triolo also saw a big improvement with her eye bags. 'They basically were nonexistent by the time I stopped trying [the masks] out,' she says.
Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Hydrogel Under-Eye Patches, 30 Pairs
A wallet-friendly choice, these fast-absorbing eye masks were above average in their ability to brighten the under-eye area. We'd reach for them to prep for special occasions. McAlpine says the Pixi under-eye patches felt 'pretty typical compared to other eye masks I've used.' Even though they're infused with gold, they don't feel particularly fancy. They offer soothing benefits from cucumber and energize the under-eye with caffeine. McAlpine says the serum absorbed quickly and left an immediate brightening effect, although it didn't last the whole day. 'For $24, it's a good value, especially if you're looking for something to use the morning of special events when you want to look a little more awake,' she says.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, 30 Pairs
Cool, refreshing and depuffing, these eye masks made our eyes feel hydrated and smooth, although they lost some points for being easy to tear. 'The patches are quite thin (at least compared to cheaper patches I've used in the past), which is actually a good thing because they stayed on my face much better and didn't slip down too much,' Abdelrahman says. They are made with multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid, which helps the hydrating ingredient penetrate the skin better, and they also feature caffeine for depuffing, which seemed to make a difference. 'They definitely decreased puffiness, and they felt good on my eyes after a long day of crying and seemed to bring down the inflammation,' Abdelrahman says.
Her challenge with these came from getting them out of the jar. 'These come with a little spatula to help you separate and lift each individual eye mask out of the jar,' she says. 'I couldn't imagine trying to get these out without the tool! In the beginning, I had a few of the masks tear while trying to separate them with the tool. I'm not sure if I just got used to it, but it didn't happen toward the end of testing.'
True Botanicals Chebula Multi-Corrective Eye Patches, 25 Pairs
Made with chebula, a powerful antioxidant that supports collagen production, these under-eye masks helped soften fine lines. They're also eco-friendly as the masks are 100% biodegradable and can be dissolved with warm water. Managing editor Rachel Quigley thought these anti-aging masks absorbed quickly and left her under-eyes hydrated and her fine lines softened. Although they didn't do much for brightening, Quigley says she kept the jar in the fridge and 'definitely noticed a reduction in puffiness after I put them on, especially when I put them on first thing in the morning.' Because they're on the pricier side, she doesn't plan on repurchasing. However, True Botanicals' under-eye masks may be worth it for those looking for clean beauty products. In a commitment to offering formulas that are better for people and the planet, the Chebula Multi-Corrective Eye Patches are Made Safe certified and 100% biodegradable.
Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Eye Mask
Rich with rosehip seed extract and jojoba oil, these nourishing eye masks differ from others we tested with an oil-based formula that we found helpful for tired eyes. Martinez liked the oil-based formula and how the masks were transparent and nearly invisible on his skin, but the hydration factor was lacking and didn't improve his eye bags. There was some leftover oil on his under-eyes, which was easy to massage in. 'It left me with an oily glow around my eyes, which brightened them, but for moisture, this didn't do what I had hoped it would,' he says. For Martinez, the product shined in the brightening department, and with a five-minute treatment time, he appreciated the quick illuminating effect.
However, those sensitive to fragrance may want to avoid this product. Martinez noted that the masks smelled strongly of the rosehip seed extract and even made his eyes a bit itchy.
Jaxon Lane Bro Mask, 6 Pairs
These are a solid option for the guy who's savvy about skin care. Made with redness-reducing niacinamide, anti-aging bakuchiol, energizing caffeine, antioxidant-rich green tea and plenty of other rejuvenating ingredients, these are nice for eyes that need some TLC. These eye masks feature more skin care actives than many others we tested. Aimed at depuffing and anti-aging, the gel patches were a nice addition to business coordinator Devin Zacchino's routine, who hasn't previously used eye masks. He found that the masks' serum absorbed well and didn't leave residue behind after he removed them. He noticed a faint brightening effect, and his skin felt smoother. While the visible results were limited, Zacchino felt his under-eyes were tighter.
Clearstem x Alyssa Lynch Matcha Eye Patches, 7 Pairs
These under-eye masks didn't wow us, but they woke us up a bit, and we appreciated the good surface area coverage and cute "wake me up" design. Copy editor Rena Behar says these caffeine and peptide eye masks gave her an 'interestingly tingly' feeling while on the skin. They were quite wet in the packaging and felt jiggly when she walked around with them on. She left them on for the recommended 30 minutes, and all the serum had been absorbed. Her under-eyes felt slightly smoother but also a little tacky to the touch — 'similar to other serums I've tried,' she says. She didn't see a difference in her dark circles or puffiness, so they are a middling option, especially for the price point.
Dieux Forever Eye Mask
These reusable eye masks are made from medical-grade silicone and can be rinsed and reused countless times. The plain masks are meant to be paired with your favorite eye cream or serum. Whereas many of the masks on our list come in single-use disposable packaging, Dieux's sustainable eye masks are meant to stay out of the landfill. They're made with washable medical-grade silicone and come in a reusable tin to keep them safe between uses.
Unlike the Talika eye masks, Dieux's are not infused with any skin care ingredients. Instead, you can apply your own eye cream and place the Forever Eye Masks on top. The masks then work like any other under-eye patches and help your skin absorb the serum or cream underneath. The brand recommends allowing your skin care product to set for 10 to 20 seconds to get a bit tacky, which will help the smooth silicone patches adhere better. I've been using Dieux's eye masks intermittently since they launched four years ago. I love that they're a zero-waste beauty product and can be customized with your preferred eye product or the brand's lightweight eye serum, which is a dermatologist favorite.
Quigley tried the masks out for this testing piece, but they didn't work great for her. 'I didn't love the material of these reusable eye patches … They weren't as gentle as the other eye masks I've used,' she says. She struggled with product absorption too. 'There was still cream on the patch and on my eyes when I took it off,' she says. 'I had to rub a lot of the product in.' While I haven't had this issue, I have noticed that if I leave the Dieux masks on for 20 minutes or longer, my skin will start sweating underneath the silicone since it isn't breathable. There's a sweet spot of 10 to 15 minutes where the product is completely absorbed and my skin doesn't get clammy.
I believe these masks are for an eco-conscious consumer who is willing to sacrifice some of the convenience of single-use eye patches for a lasting product. While their efficacy also depends on the quality of your eye cream, you're being more mindful about using what you already have.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Tired Eyes, 3 Pairs
These eye patches immediately had a cooling effect, but that was pretty much it. Zacchino liked that these eye masks weren't dripping in serum, although they had enough product that there was some serum left on his skin to rub in. They didn't deliver dramatic results but 'caused a slight cooling sensation pretty immediately,' Zacchino says. Although they're water-based, he also says they felt a little oily. They were decently moisturizing and helped reduce puffiness only slightly.
NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches, 30 Pairs
While refreshing, these masks were prone to tearing and difficult to apply. During testing, copy editor Danielle Poiesz had trouble situating these masks on her face. The masks toward the top of the jar were quite dry, the resulting stickiness requiring her to reposition them to get them in the right spot and to stay in place. During that process, the thin hydrogel material sometimes would tear. As she got deeper into the jar, the opposite occurred, with serum dripping off the masks and being so slippery it was a struggle to apply them. The curvature of the masks also made the fit a bit strange, causing them to either literally poke her in the eye or not sit close enough, leaving some of the under-eye area uncovered.
The biggest benefit of the masks was not NuFace's IonPlex electrolyte blend, which is supposed to give a 'wide-awake appearance,' but their cooling power. 'The best thing about these masks was simply the cooling effect, which increased the longer I wore them. It made my skin feel more refreshed in the morning, even if there was no visible change,' Poiesz says.
Augustinus Bader Eye Patches, 6 Pairs
These were by far the most expensive under-eye masks we tested. While they felt luxurious, they also didn't feel that special. I'm a big fan of Augustinus Bader's Rich Cream, which is made with the brand's patented TFC8 blend of amino acids and vitamins that makes the skin look and feel healthier. These hydrogel patches are also infused with TFC8, so it makes sense that I found them extra nourishing. They were saturated with the right amount of product, so they didn't slip around. However, they weren't particularly refreshing, and I didn't see a visible difference in my under-eye area. For that, you would need to use these regularly, and at $130 for six pairs, I'd much rather invest in Augustinus Bader's pricey TFC8 eye cream that would at least last me longer than a week.
Annemarie Borlind Rose Nature Cooling Eye Pads, 6 Pairs
Powered by peony, Black Forest rose and desert rose, these under-eye masks protect from the aging effects of blue light on the skin. We found that the botanical-heavy formula wasn't compatible with sensitive skin. Behar liked the 10-minute treatment time and thought the eye masks had just the right amount of serum. However, the rose-scented formula was pretty strong and didn't work for her skin. They gave an intense tingly feeling and left behind a notable red spot in the shape of the eye patches. Suffice it to say, she doesn't feel like they're a good option for sensitive skin types, although they may work just fine for others.
Peace Out Puffy Eyes, 6 Pairs
While the masks felt cooling and thick, poorly designed packaging and a lack of results put these at the bottom of our testing pool. These eye masks are infused with the usual suspects — hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and caffeine — but they didn't make much of a difference for Poiesz. She says they felt 'slightly moisturizing' and didn't noticeably brighten or depuff. The biggest issue, however, was with the packaging. 'The eye masks float freely in the individual packages, not in a tray, and they either stick together or stick to the sides of the plastic pouch,' Poiesz says. 'Each eye mask also has a two-sided gauze design, meaning that a thin piece of gauzy fabric needs to be removed from each side before using them; however, when trying to remove said gauzy fabric, the mask would tend to bunch or fold in on itself and then stick that way.'
Charlotte Tilbury Immediate Eye Revival Patches, 30 Pairs
These brightening eye masks are supposed to target puffiness, dark circles and eye bags, but they weren't compatible with our tester's sensitive skin. Known for its glamorous makeup products, Charlotte Tilbury also makes some great skin care. These masks, unfortunately, were a miss. For Matarazzo, the eye masks created a stinging sensation and caused irritated red marks (which other online reviews have mentioned as well). I've also tried these eye masks before, and while I didn't have such an extreme reaction, they did create a tingly sensation. I noticed a glowy, more awake effect, but it wasn't long-lasting. The masks are notably goopy inside the jar and oversaturated with serum, so they tend to slip.
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp and licensed esthetician Rachel Lozina.
Do under-eye patches work?
Do under-eye patches work?
'The under-eye area tends to become very dry and dehydrated. Typically, applying under-eye patches helps maintain hydration levels in the delicate, thin eye area,' says Rachel Lozina, a licensed esthetician and owner of Blue Water Spa in New York.
What do under-eye patches do?
What do under-eye patches do?
'[Under-eye] patches work to improve the appearance of under-eye skin because they are occlusive,' Camp says. 'This means they trap water in the skin, which makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable as a result of the skin being more plump with moisture.' They also promote better absorption of any active ingredients found in the under-eye masks, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide or caffeine.
How do you apply under-eye patches?
How do you apply under-eye patches?
Under-eye patches are applied directly to the skin in the — you guessed it — under-eye area. 'Eye masks should be applied to clean, dry skin,' Camp says.
Some eye masks have a teardrop-like shape and can be applied facing either direction, depending on your under-eye concerns. Facing the tapered end towards the outer corners of your eyes can help with puffiness since most of the surface covers the area in the hollows of your eyes. Facing the tapered end towards your nose can help with crow's feet, providing more surface area where lines are most likely to develop.
You can apply under-eye patches in your skin care routine whenever you need to depuff and hydrate. Camp recommends putting your under-eye masks in the fridge. 'Simply storing your eye patches in the refrigerator so that they are cold upon application can help reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels in the skin,' he says.
They're also a great makeup prep step. Lozina likes to wear under-eye masks after applying facial serums and right before putting on her makeup. This process gives her skin an extra dose of hydration before a night out, with the bonus that 'it prevents any eye shadow or eyeliner fallout from darkening the eye area.'
To help us decide which eye masks are best, we compiled a testing panel consisting of 10 Underscored staffers with a variety of skin types and conditions, skin care regimens and experiences with eye masks.
Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman has dry skin, which is her primary under-eye concern. She uses an eye cream regularly and reaches for eye patches a couple times a month.
Copy editor Rena Behar has acne-prone skin and wants an eye mask that's safe for sensitive skin and will also help with dark circles. She's a first-time eye mask user and doesn't use an eye cream.
Associate programming editor Kevin Martinez uses eye masks every now and then to help with his dry skin and dark circles.
Associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo uses eye patches often and has tried a variety of brands. She looks for eye masks that are compatible with her acne-prone skin and will help hydrate her under-eye area.
Updates writer Ellen McAlpline's main under-eye concerns are dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. She occasionally uses them before special events, and she keeps an eye cream in her daily skin care routine.
Copy editor Danielle Poiesz has used eye patches before but not with any frequency. She uses eye cream for dark circles, fine lines and puffiness, and looks for products that are safe for her sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Managing editor Rachel Quigley uses eye masks three times a week, along with regular eye cream use. She has dry skin and wants to treat fine lines and crow's feet.
Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw has tried many eye masks and uses them weekly. She uses an eye cream daily and wants an eye mask that brightens and hydrates.
Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo has oily skin and wants to treat her dark circles. She doesn't use an eye cream and has only used eye patches a few times before.
Business coordinator Devin Zacchino has oily skin and is looking for an eye mask to treat dark circles. He's new to eye masks and does not use an eye cream. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on under-eye patches.
Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
Rachel Lozina, licensed esthetician and owner of Blue Water Spa in New York CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately and speaking to the pros and cons of each item.
For this story, 10 Underscored staff members, including beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw, personally tested each of the under-eye patches featured to find the very best options.
