Say goodbye to puffiness! These under-eye patches are the secret to bright, refreshed eyes.
On days when no amount of sleep is enough, eye patches are a quick fix if you have puffy and tired eyes. No matter how much sleep I get, my eye bags appear. Concealers can only do so much, so under-eye patches are the new heroes in my skincare arsenal.
Under-eye patches contain ingredients that tackle dark circles, puffiness, and dryness in one go. They’ve become a beauty industry obsession, especially after Topicals gained traction amongst beauty enthusiasts in 2024 when they launched their Faded Eye Mask. Suddenly, our favourite beauty girls were popping out in their selfies with under-eye patches.
Truthfully, these beauty items have long been a beauty essential, and I’ve tested a few of them to uncover which ones live up to the hype.
A skincare essential
Under-eye patches weren’t always the beauty staple they are today. They started as an exclusive spa luxury, where aestheticians applied cooling gel patches under tired eyes while clients lounged in plush robes and sipped cucumber-infused water. It was more than skincare; it was an indulgent experience.
As skincare evolved, the demand for instant, at-home solutions grew. By the 2010s and 2020s, the beauty industry realised that under-eye patches were the answer, delivering hydration, depuffing, and brightening in minutes. These little wonders are perfect for people with busy schedules or those constantly battling dark circles. Thanks to social media, the trend surged, with influencers swearing by their efficiency, and the once spa-exclusive beauty item became an everyday essential.
Under-eye patches have also become a status symbol of self-care. Meanwhile, as an advocate of sustainable skincare, I don’t think that treating them as fashion accessories is the best trend. The environment exposes the delicate under-eye area to airborne bacteria and pollutants, increasing the risk of skin irritation or infections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the improper use of eye cosmetics can lead to contamination by harmful microorganisms, potentially causing eye infections. There’s a place to wear them, and it’s definitely not on short flights, in cafés, or at the gym.
Prolonged use of facial coverings can lead to significant bacterial accumulation and generate skin issues. My advice is to minimise the outerwear of under-eye patches.
Best under-eye patches and how to use them
You can apply under-eye patches — with their packed nutrients — for 10 to 15 minutes. Just pop them on, kick back, and leave them to work their magic. Also, apply them before work, use them as a pre-event prep step, or reach for them when your eyes need an extra boost.
With so many options, finding the right ones can feel overwhelming. After testing more than I’d like to admit ( I do this for you), I’ve rounded up the best under-eye patches that deserve the spotlight.
Topicals Faded Eye Mask
Designed to target dark circles and hyperpigmentation, this product was a game-changer. Packed with niacinamide, caffeine, and tranexamic acid, it brightens and de-puffs the eyes. The hype is real and justified. I’ve tried it. It’s worth every bit of the buzz.
COSRX Snail Eye Patches
COSRX made a name with its cult-favourite: the snail mucin essence and all-in-one moisturiser. Their Snail Eye Patches are also a game-changer; taking under-eye hydration to the next level. Infused with the same beloved snail mucin, they deeply hydrate, firm and reduce puffiness and dark circles. One use and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Peter Thomas Roth Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
A classic, and for good reason. These cooling gel patches deliver intense hydration, instantly refreshing your tired eyes. This is the best eye patch if you need a quick fix for dryness and puffiness.
Fenty Beauty Patch Ya Bags reusable under-eye masks
The Patch Ya Bags masks boost the efficiency of your favourite eye creams and serums to absorb better. Made from reusable silicone, they have a cooling effect, are easy to clean, reusable and add a touch of luxury to your skincare routine.
KNC All-Natural Retinol-Infused Eye Mask
Infused with retinol, aloe, and gold, these masks smooth fine lines, hydrate, and brighten the under-eyes without irritation. They’re the perfect choice for anyone who wants the benefits of retinol without harsh side effects.
Under-eye patches have evolved from a spa-day indulgence to a skincare must-have, and I’m all for it. They’re my go-to for brightening dark circles and depuffing my eyes, especially when sleep isn’t enough. While these patches aren’t a magic fix, they keep your eye bags in check when you need that extra boost.
I’ve made peace with my eye bags, but these patches? They make life a lot easier.
