The eyes are the window to the soul. They are also one of the first places to show signs of fatigue, wrinkles and dehydration. They can also be plagued by bad genetics. Puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles can all have an aging effect that makes people look older and tired, neither of which are the first things we want people to see when they look at us. If you are carrying excess baggage under your eyes and are tired of always looking, well, tired, it’s time to start using under-eye masks.
Under-eye masks not only feel great while they’re on your skin (like a tiny, cool massage for your under-eye area), they are also one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of all the things you don’t want on your face, i.e. puffy, dark circles and wrinkles. Infusing moisture into the area helps to plump skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, which makes hyaluronic acid and ceramide popular ingredients for eye patches. Collagen is also an important ingredient since it helps to provide density and firmness to the skin. Retinol has anti-aging benefits, while vitamin C, caffeine, and niacinamide can help to make skin appear brighter and lessen the appearance of dark circles.
Face masks are a great way to treat acne and improve the overall appearance of your skin since they deliver a concentrated formula and are designed to be left on the skin longer than face washes and cleansers. And yes, face masks, including under-eye masks, are definitely made for men as well. You have skin too, right?
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It’s always a good idea to apply under-eye masks to skin that has been freshly cleansed and patted dry. The skin under the eyes is delicate, so do not use masks for longer than the recommended time. If you feel like you are having a reaction to the mask, immediately remove it. Cold temperatures help to minimize inflammation and some eye patches can be put in the fridge before applied, which helps to decrease under-eye puffiness.
Ready to wake up your eyes? Check out our top picks for the best under-eye masks below.
1. BrightJungle Under-Eye Collagen Patch
BEST OVERALL
For an eye patch that checks every under-eye problem in one easy to use product, there’s the BrightJungle Under-Eye Collagen Patch. Sold in a set of 16 pairs, the patches are infused with hyaluronic acid, which provides intense moisturization while also protecting the skin from harmful environmental elements, like poor air quality. The patches also include collagen, which helps make the skin look and feel firmer and more youthful. Amino acids will also help to decrease the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. Safe for use on sensitive skin, the BrightJungle under-eye patches can be used up to three times per week.
2. Le Gushe Collagen Eye Zone Gel Mask
GOOD FOR DRY SKIN
If your skin is thirsty, the area under your eyes will be one of the first indicators that you need to hydrate. Pack some moisture into your skin with the Le Gushe Collagen Eye Zone Gel Mask. Sold in a set of 20 pairs, the eye masks are packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and collagen, which helps to reduce fine lines, puffiness, dark circles and make skin appear younger and firmer. Made with natural and organic ingredients, including oat peptide, seaweed and rose essential oil, the eye masks leave a protective layer on the skin to help prevent sagging.
3. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkleresist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
ANTI-AGING
If you are tired of your eyes making you appear older, it’s time to embrace the wonderful world of retinol. Japanese beauty brand Shiseido is one of the most trusted names in skincare and their Benefiance Wrinkleresist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles fast. Using retinol as well as chlorella extract, Mukurossi extract and gambir extract, the appearance of wrinkles can be reduced after only one use. The skin appears firmer and smoother, helping to create a more youthful, less exhausted appearance.
4. 24K Gold Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches by Peter Roth Thomas
FAST ACTING
If you don’t have time to sit around waiting for the area under your eyes to check their oversized baggage, the 24K Gold Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches by Peter Roth Thomas offer a splurge-worthy solution. The patches are made with 24 karat gold, which helps firm and brighten skin while also leaving it with a gentle glow. Hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen hydrate the skin while caffeine is used to reduce puffiness in the under-eye area. The cooling patches leave a gentle lavender scent that helps to soothe skin. Peter Roth Thomas has a wide range of under-eye masks available and the 24K Gold Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel our fan-favorite because of their fast-acting results.
5. Bright Eyes Illuminating Colloidal Silver + Collagen Eye Patch by BeautyBio
CALMS THE SKIN
When things are not calm is typically when we see breakouts, rashes, wrinkles, puffiness and dull, lifeless skin. BeautyBio’s Bright Eyes Illuminating Colloidal Silver + Collagen Eye Patch focuses on getting the under-eye area to a calm state by using soothing aloe vera as well as collagen, which helps to firm and tighten and, colloidal silver, which encourages skin rejuvenation and helps make skin appear more youthful. Together, these ingredients help to brighten the under-eye area and make users appear more well-rested and youthful. We also like that the patches are made without sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone and talc, which are all things that can aggravate the sensitive skin under the eyes.
6. Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
EXCELLENT STAYING POWER
Applying a pair of under-eye patches and relaxing for 20 minutes sounds pretty great, but it might not always be realistic. Do you have 20 minutes before you leave to give a big presentation and just realized that your face isn’t hiding the fact that you were up all night preparing? The Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches will keep your secret. The fan-favorite under-eye patches are made with 450 dissolving microneedles that adhere securely to the skin, letting you go on with your day while the patches inject an intense amount of hyaluronic acid into your dehydrated under-eye area. Retinal, peptides and vitamin C finish off the super patch, which helps to decrease the appearance of fine lines and crows feet and make the skin looked visibly younger and firmer. Good for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the patches contain less than 1% synthetic fragrance, which makes a great option for users looking for an unscented under-eye patch.
7. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Eye Patches
GOOD FOR PUFFY EYES
Puffy eyes can be caused by lack of sleep, dry skin, environmental factors or just a case of being genetically predisposed. Thanks, mom and dad. Thankfully, there are several under-eye patches to help combat puffiness, including the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Eye Patches. The cooling gel patch uses caffeine to help reduce puffiness and make skin look more energized. The patches also include seawater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Lavender, which soothes the sensitive under-eye area and helps to reduce redness. The fabric patches are made without the use of silicone, giving them excellent staying power and making them a great option for eye patches that can be worn while users are busy doing other things.
8. Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches by Tarte
HYPOALLERGENIC
Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, normal or combination skin, a puffy undereye area can be an issue. The Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches by Tarte offers a solution that is safe for all users and can help address common issues like dark circles, fine lines, dryness and yes, the dreaded puff. The vegan and hypoallergenic patches use jellified algae and coconut oil to hydrate the under-eye area while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. The Tarte under-eye patches have been tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists and are safe for users who wear contact lenses.
9. Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels
5-MINUTE TREATMENT
Need a fast pick me up for your under-eye area with an emphasis on speed? Enter the Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels. The fast-acting and biodegradable patches need only five minutes to deliver their skin-boosting cocktail of ingredients. Caffeine helps to improve circulation and make skin look brighter and more energized. Collagen adds much-needed hydration and makes skin appear firmer and more youthful. Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids brighten the skin to help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Sodium Hyaluronate keeps the moisture securely bound to the skin and Centella Asiatica curbs inflammation that can make skin appear puffy.
10. Brickell Men’s Restoring Eye Cream for Men
NON-MASK OPTION
If using an under-eye mask is outside your comfort zone or you want a daily product that you can gently massage into your skin in seconds, we like the Brickell Men’s Restoring Eye Cream for Men. The fast-absorbing and nongreasy cream uses caffeine to help reduce dark circles and puffiness. Organic ingredients like aloe, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid and green tea infuse moisture into the eye area, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Safe for all skin types, the daily use cream is designed to help men clesof any age appear younger.
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