The Best Under Eye Patches You Need to Fake a Good Night's Sleep

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You know that feeling of waking up exhausted after having an unanticipated late night? Instant regret. While you can always swipe on a bit of concealer to temporarily mask your sleepy-looking peepers, popping on a pair of under-eye patches for a few minutes first thing in the morning can instantly revive and rehydrate puffy eyes, brighten dark circles, and really help start your day off on a good note.

"Eye masks do work very well to drive hydration into the skin," says Dr. Nicole Hayre, a board-certified dermatologist based in Virginia. "They do this through occlusion by covering the skin with a solid layer." Dr. Dendy Engelman, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist agrees, adding that serum-infused eye pads are also "most notable for reducing puffiness" and "these effects lead to firming the skin underneath the eyes as well as brightening the area."

Ahead, the best under-eye patches and masks that deliver eye-opening results.

De-Puffing Under Eye Gels

Fake a good night's sleep with these cooling collagen gels that leave you looking wide-eyed and perky in mere minutes. Pop them on whenever you need an extra boost, whether that be when you're getting ready in the morning, jet-setting, or on the go. They are even specially designed to be worn overnight.

One reviewer raves: "They stayed on all night. When I took them off in the morning my under-eye area was so smooth, depuffed, and felt amazing."

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Collagen

Skin Type: All

Count: 30 Pairs

Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Dr. Engelman says these gold foil masks are among the best on the market because they come jam-packed with "ingredients that can prevent signs of aging and reduce puffiness." Key ingredients include camu camu extract to brighten dark circles, aloe extract to soothe puffy eyes, and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The result: Hello, bright eyes!

One reviewer says: "I have tried a lot of eye masks over the years and finally found these. They actually do what they claim which is to nourish the under eye area and reduce puffiness. I use them at night and when I take them off my eyes look refreshed and much less puffy. In the morning my eyes still look great. These are my new favorites."

Key Ingredients: Aloe Leaf and Calendula Extracts, Camu Camu Extract, Amino Acids, Pepties

Skin Type: All

Count: 6 Pairs

Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Perfect for those specifically struggling with dryness, these T&C-loved gel patches are infused with hyaluronic acid that add extra moisture and plump skin around eyes, as well as marshmallow root and caffeine for smoothing and awakening.

Pro tip: Pop these bad boys in the fridge beforehand for an extra cooling and refreshing feel.

One Sephora reviewer writes: "They not only moisturized my Sahara Desert under eyes, but they seemed to firm up the area as well."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Marshmallow Root Extract, Caffeine

Skin Type: All

Count: 30 Pairs

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

For a more budget-friendly option, these under-eye patches by Skyn Iceland are your best bet. A natural proprietary blend from Icelandic Glacial Water deeply hydrates the sensitive eye area, while hexapeptide reduces the appearance of fine lines and ginkgo biloba depuffs.

One Amazon reviewer writes: "Every so often I wake up with extremely puffy eyes and dark circles. I apply the Skyn eye pads, wait 15 minutes or so and their cooling magic makes me look normal again."

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Extensin, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Icelandic Complex

Skin Type: All

Count: 4 Pairs

Firming - Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer

According to Dr. Engelman, Chanel also makes a great eye mask. "The anti-wrinkle formula is a two-step routine that works to reduce indications of fatigue including puffiness and dark circles," says Dr. Engelman, while "the hydrogel patches contain 3.5-DA and a vitamin complex to tighten and brighten skin."

One reviewer writes: "These are actually quite amazing. I ordered them out of curiosity figuring I would be disappointed. But they actually instantly produce an awake look even when sleep is lacking and there is a cumulative effect as well. These went from a curiosity thing for play to an essential I won’t go without."

Key Ingredients: 3.5-DA, Vitamin Complex

Skin Type: All

Count: 10 Pairs

Eye Therapy Patches

Tired of looking, well, tired? Infused with ceramides and a nourishing blend of vegetable oils, these pads by the beloved French brand Talika do the trick to awaken, refresh, and plump your eyes within 15 minutes. Bonus: Each pair can be reused up to three times.

One reviewer says: "These actually work for inflammation and they are reusable. They stick and don’t fall off. They make my eye bags look so much better!"

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Shea Butter, Musquat Rose, Wheat Germ, Avocado Oil

Skin Type: All

Count: 6

WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask

Fine lines and wrinkles don't stand a chance against Shiseido's retinol-infused patches that gently help fight signs of aging, while also refining the skin's texture. Even better: the mask can be used around the mouth, too.

One reviewer raves: "They take 10 years off of my eye age! I always look like I've gotten the best sleep of my life."

Key Ingredients: Retinol, WrinkleResist24 Technology

Skin Type: Mature

Count: 12 Pairs

Hydrating Eye Masks

Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey's prebiotic-packed patches count the one and only Gwyneth Paltrow as a fan. With help from hyaluronic acid, they pack a serious hydrating punch in the under-eye area, feel incredibly soothing, and are also the perfect first-step prep before makeup application.

One Amazon reviewer says: "Love how moisturizing these feel. They really get in the wrinkles."

Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Type: All

Count: 10 Pairs

Forever Eye Mask

For a sustainable option, look no further than these reusable silicone pads that come housed in a sleek tin. Just pop them over your favorite eye cream, oil, or serum and watch the magic happen.

One reviewer said they "easily applied and stay put," noting that "the difference in fine lines and puffiness is unreal."

Material: Silicone

Skin Type: All

Count: 1 Pair

Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask (8 Pack)

If you want to soften the signs of aging around your eyes, 111Skin's masks with actual black diamond particles will no doubt be your best friend. They also contain a potent combination of Artificial Moisturizing Factor (AMF), vitamins, retinol, and peptides that work to increase hydration, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and deliver glowy results.

One 111Skin fan writes: "It was quite simply brilliant. Did exactly what I hoped it would do. 52 and fine lines and well lines around the eyes all beautifully diminished. I’m on the monthly subscription and have just ordered the serum."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Peptide Complex, Retinol

Skin Type: All

Count: 8 Pairs

Smoothing and Soothing Eye Patches

Klorane's plant-based haircare products have garnered a cult-like following, but the brand's hydrogel patches are just as impressive. Powered by a blend of cornflower water and plant-based hyaluronic acid, the under-eye essentials instantly soothe, de-puff, diminish the appearance of dark circles, and visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

One reviewer raves: "They make my eyes look significantly younger and healthier, and are gentle on my sensitive skin."

Key Ingredients: Cornflower Water, Plant-Based Hyaluronic Acid, Dextran Sulfate

Skin Type: All

Count: 7 Pairs

Bright Eye Firming Mask

Get your glow on at home with these patches from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas (her clients include Rachel Brosnahan and Greta Gerwig). Hyaluronic acid teams up with chamomile and algae extracts to firm and lift the look of thin, sagging skin while brightening the under-eye area at the same time.

One reviewer writes: "Feels like a true spa treatment, smooths, de-puffs, and wakes up my undereyes."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Avid, Chamomile, Algae Extracts

Skin Type: All

Count: 5 Pairs

Vitality-Enhancing Eye Mask Supreme

Not only does this Cle de Peau Beaute option effectively take on dark circles, dryness, and puffiness around eyes, but it delivers the same brightening, nourished results to the forehead and cheeks as well.

One fan says: "It felt like pure luxury and soothing magic on my skin. It's like an instant facelift."

Key Ingredients: Iris Extract, 4MSK, Illuminating Complex EX

Skin Type: All

Count: 5 Sheets

Eye Instant Stress Relieving Mask Smoothing Eye Patch

Another Dr. Engelman favorite, these made-in-Switzerland patches are packed with extremely rich minerals found in a triple algae biomaterial that works to hydrate and smoothen. Caffeine and arnica are also key powerhouse ingredients that boost the formulation’s efficacy by activating microcirculation, therefore reducing puffiness and dark under-eye circles.

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Arnica, Triple Algae Biomaterial

Skin Type: All

Count: 5 Pairs

Bright Eyes

If you're in a pinch, these jelly masks will come to the rescue. In just 10 minutes, they help plump, calm, and firm the look and feel of run-down under-eyes for a luminous, just-got-8-hours-of-sleep appearance.

One reviewer says: "Absolutely love these! They work like a dream with my puffy eyes. I wake up daily with bags under my eyes and these beauties take it all away!"

Key Ingredients: Pure Colloidal Silver, Illuminating Pearl, Natural Collagen, Aloe Vera

Skin Type: All

Count: 15 Pairs

6-Pack The Eye Patches

Nothing will perk your eyes up quite like an Augustinus Bader eye patch, which harnesses the powers of the same patented TFC8® complex found throughout the brand's products. Other key ingredients include hyaluronic acid which deeply penetrates the skin with moisture and niacinamide which tones down signs of redness and irritation.

One reviewer writes: "These eye patches are the best I have ever used for many reasons with the first being that they really stay on until you remove them unlike other brands. They are lightweight, refreshing and include great/beneficial ingredients for the sensitive eye area. I am very satisfied with the results and will be buying it again."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Fermented Polysaccharide

Skin Type: All

Count: 6 Pairs

Active NAD+ Eye Mask

New to the U.S. beauty market, Intuisse is a Swiss luxury skincare brand known for its patent-pending NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) technology that works to reverse aging and extend cell lifespan for healthier skin. Its eye pads also contain collagen and peptides to improve lackluster skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

One reviewer writes: "Eye mask really work on my bags!!!.These were gentle on my sensitive skin, and very importantly, didn't irritate my eyes.I saw immediate results with just one use. I definitely recommend it if you looking to relieve tired puffy eyes."

Key Ingredients: NAD+, Collagen, Peptides

Skin Type: All

Count: 4 Pairs

Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask

When you're dealing with dark circles and lackluster skin, these gilded MZ Skin eye masks are the gold standard. (See what we did there?!) Each pair comes enriched with gold and seaweed, as well as hyaluronic acid and collagen, that work to deliver revitalized, radiant results.

Key Ingredients: Seaweed, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Type: All

Count: 5 Pairs

Lift + Depuff Eye Masks

Leave it to Gwyneth to create a do-it-all patch that targets puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, and dry skin. Her version is made of sustainably sourced Lyocell fibers and saturated in honey locust seed extract, olive leaf stem cells, and niacinamide to deliver a fresh-faced appearance.

Key Ingredients: Honey Locust Seed Extract, Olive Leaf Stem Cells, Niacinamide

Skin Type: All

Count: 30 Pairs

Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Topicals's aptly-named eye masks pull double duty by fading dark circles and discoloration, while also pumping up the hydration to reveal a healthy under-eye.

One reviewer says: "I have loved these brightening eye masks, and I feel that my skin, after use, is hydrating and soft. I normally stock up bi-weekly."

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Kojic Acid, Arbutin

Skin Type: All

Count: 6 Pairs

SŌM SKIN Rejuvenate and Fill Microneedle Patches

Not only do these exosome-infused patches soothe and repair puffy eyes, they mimic the effects of an in-office microneedling treatment to stimulate new collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and tighten skin. For best results, wear overnight (don't worry, they stay in place!) so you wake up with a fresh-faced appearance.

One reviewer raves: "I've struggled with under-eye bags for years, but these eye patches have become my go-to solution. They're cooling and depuffing, leaving my skin looking and feeling refreshed."

Key Ingredients: Exosomes, Conotoxin, Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Type: Aging

Count: 4 Pairs

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks

Murad's eye masks harness the powers of retinol to visibly diminish the look of crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles, while being gentle on your delicate skin.

One reviewer raves: "The under eye masks are very large which is great! My under eyes look way less tired and completely refreshed which lasts the whole day as well! Visibly Firming, Virtually Erasing Lines and Leaving Eyes Looking Ultra-Refreshed!"

Key Ingredients: Retinol, Blue Agave Extract, Bio-cellulose Mask

Skin Type: Mature

Count: 5 Pairs

Eyes Wide Open Hydrogel Patches with Energizing Botanical Extracts

When your tired peepers need a pick-me-up, these dermatologist-backed hydrogel patches reinvigorate and refresh the delicate under-eye area with a slew of hydrating botanicals, including panthenol, chamomile flower extract, and centella asiatica extract.

One reviewer says: "I’m thrilled with these. If you wash your face and prior to moisturizing let these sit for fifteen, then eye cream and full face moisturizer- absolute fire! Giant difference for me!"

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Peony Root Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Centella Asiatic Extract

Skin Type: All, including aging

Count: 6 Pairs

Do eye masks actually work?

Under-eye patches are extremely effective at combating bags, puffiness, dark circles, and other signs of aging. On days when you're feeling sleep deprived or run down, popping on the cooling masks for 10 or so minutes can help you look and feel refreshed and awake.

Though, it is important to note that results are usually short-term. "The ingredients in them are very concentrated, therefore infusing quickly into your skin," explains Dr. Engelman. "Due to this, you may see effects shortly after use but not longer-lasting results."

Dr. Hayre also advises people with extra-sensitive skin should stay away from patches since "they can drive more product into the skin than a simple application of a cream or serum," and as a result, "this may trigger a reaction to a product which normally would have been tolerated in another form." If you're unsure, your best bet is to speak to a dermatologist first about tackling the under-eye area.

What are some ingredients to look for in eye patches?

When doing your research on the best under-eye patches, Dr. Hayre and Dr. Engelman say to look for ones with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide since both help with hydration, as well as caffeine which helps with de-puffing.

"Vitamin C is also great because it brightens the skin and helps to lighten dark spots," adds Dr. Engelman. "Along with these, it’s important to look for soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or aloe vera, to nourish the thinner skin under the eyes."

Dr. Hayre recommends reaching for patches that are fragrance-free and only have simple ingredients, too: "Fragrance can easily cause irritation to the skin and is really not necessary for the product."

What are the benefits of wearing an eye mask?

According to Dr. Hayre, a major benefit of applying patches is how rapidly they hydrate skin. "For those who can tolerate them, the rejuvenating pads may work faster than a simple topical application of the same ingredients," explains the Dr. Hayre.

In addition to hydration, Dr. Engelman also notes that masks are especially effective at reducing puffiness and firming sagging skin. "Some claim to help with dark circles and fine lines as well," adds Dr. Engelman, "but this is usually only due to the plumping effect that makes dark circles and lines less visible temporarily."

How often should you use under-eye patches?

"If possible, it’s best to use under-eye patches around two to three times per week, but applying them more frequently will give you better results," says Dr. Engelman. "I recommend using the eye patches either in the morning or at night to get the most out of the benefits of the product."

Meet the experts

• Dr. Nicole Hayre, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cosmetic Dermatology Center in McLean, Virginia.

• Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at NYC's Shafer Clinic.

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