hen you’re sleep deprived, hungover or stressed, it’s always your eyes that betray you first – and in those moments, it’s time to call in reinforcements.
Under eye masks do as they suggest, affix in the periorbital region to give the skin some extra TLC.
Not quite as Hannibal Lecter-esque as the full mask alternative, the brave might even dare them for the supermarket where in just 10 or so minutes, you can fake that 10 hour-sleep look.
If you’re sceptical about creams and products designed specifically for your eyes, we’re here to tell you otherwise. The delicate periorbital region is said to be around 40 per cent thinner than the rest of your face, so it needs special care in the form of creams and serums. There are also less sebum-producing glands, which makes the area dry out more quickly and struggle to retain moisture – so pack them with the pampering that they need.
These specialised masks are designed to sit perfectly around your eyes without getting in the way of your tasks. They also tackle concerns directly related to your eyes – think crow’s feet and fine lines. Cold spoons and even cucumbers may have been your go-to in the past but today, nothing compares to the patches offered by the professionals that are packed with nourishing, skin-boosting ingredients.
The not-so best kept secret should form an essential part of your glam routine – Victoria Beckham constantly posts selfies on Instagram while she’s mid-masking. Keep in the fridge to double the soothing feeling. While they may not rid you entirely of dark circles (as some concerns are, in fact, genetic or can be a result of hayfever), these under eye masks can leave you with a fresh, bright and firm appearance and turn back the clock after a fun-filled evening.
Shop the best below.
111SKIN Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask Box
111SKIN is widely regarded in the beauty industry as having some of the best masks on the market and this includes the label’s eye offering. There are eye masks in every range where each address a specific concern. The Celestial Black Diamond is for firming, the Sub Zero is for de-puffing and our personal favourite, the Rose Gold is for brightening. The packs come with eight hydrogel masks in the box and all have a satisfying cooling effect when applied. They are also all packed with concentrated powerhouse ingredients like pomegranate seed cell culture to counteract pigmentation, colloidal gold for soothing irritation and rose extract for hydration.
WISHFUL Eye Lift & Snatch Instant Sculpting Mask
As part of Huda Kattan’s skincare range, the Eye Lift & Snatch masks are a real treat to tired eyes. Inspired by K-Beauty, they are crafted with vegan-friendly peptides and plant stem cells for a bright eyed and bushy tail appearance in just 30 minutes. Each of the patches has been crafted to sit under the area without budging or slipping.
Read our review of Huda’s Snatch masks
Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels
The summer feeling in mask form, Patchology’s latest eye gels take inspiration from our favourite blush hued wine. As soon as you apply these masks, your under-eye vicinity instantly feels more hydrated and soothed. They are infused with resveratrol that is found in grapes and strawberry extract – both of which are rich in antioxidants and will help fight against external aggressors that may cause skin ageing. There’s also a moisture hit from hyaluronic acid that feels enhanced when you store this product in the fridge.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask x4
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is legendary amongst beauty buffs, and these eye masks use the same proprietary anti-ageing technology. The eye patches have a potent combination of firming and hydration ingredients that act as a targeted treatment to counteract your concerns – leaving your periorbital area radiant, revitalised and silky soft.
STARSKIN The Gold Eye Mask
Luxury from the packet to the product, it is clear to see that STARSKIN’s masks are a boujee product for tired peepers. But while nailing it on the aesthetic front, it’s the innovative construction and ingredient combination that really gives this mask the wow-factor. The cellulose fabric that the product is made from effectively acts as a lock to trap in both heat and the serum for better absorption, really offering bang for your buck. The formula combines rose of Jericho – a supercharge anti-ageing hero, marshmallow for its anti-inflammatory properties, Butcher’s Broom for its illumination and Butterfly Ginger to shield against blue light.
Ciaté London Watermelon Under Eye Patches
Watermelon extract, niacinamide and a vitamin complex are combined in these eye patches to combat the look of tired eyes, fight puffiness and revitalise dark circles. The antioxidant-rich product is set on a hydrogel texture that brings a cold glass of water directly to parched peepers in an effective but still very gentle treatment. Oh, and did we mention the adorable watermelon shape? So cute.
Rodial Dragon’s blood eye masks
Rodial is beloved for thinking outside of the box with its formulations and the Dragon’s Blood range has reached cult status where the complex takes a starring role in this eye-mask that has impressive fatigue-fighting effects. It originates from the sap of the Crton Lechleri tree and is combined with hyaluronic acid to plump and firm, while delivering intense moisture.
Florence By Mills Swimming Under The Eyes Gel Pads
Florence By Mills was founded by Millie Bobby Brown to bring age-appropriate products to young adults just dipping their toe into skincare. These pads are perfect for pamper evenings: the masks are playfully shaped like whales, but they’re also brimming with skin-boosting goodness too. The pads are infused with coconut extract for soothing, sodium hyaluronate – a form of hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich pine extract that work in tandem to tackle tired eyes.
Sarah Chapman Platinum Stem Cell Eye Masks 4 x 8g
With thrice the power, these masks have a triple-action hydrogel construction where a potent combination of scientifically-backed actives work to combat fatigue, sagging and minimise the appearance of wrinkles. Using stem-cell technology, peptides and hyaluronic acid, the patches have a de-puffing, brightening and smoothing effect with immediate and long-term effects.
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