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The 16 Best Under-Eye Masks for Puffiness, Dark Circles, and Wrinkles

This is armor for your insomnia.

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KNC Beauty
KNC Beauty

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Waking up feeling exhausted is one of the worst sensations, but plopping on one of the best under-eye masks while you sip your coffee is a tried-and-true method to get the day started right. If you are prone to circles or puffiness, you know that the under-eyes can signal to everyone around you that you spent the night binge-watching TV instead of sleeping a full eight hours. While eye creams, under eye filler, and a brightening concealer can make a difference, nothing feels more luxurious or soothing for a quick pick-me-up than an under-eye patch.

Keep in mind that eye patches are great for prevention, but they can’t cure any of your skin woes. “Patches can offer some minimal to modest improvement, so it’s important to the right expectations,” says dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi. “However, these are usually fairly well tolerated and come with minimal risk.” If you want to get the most out of your under-eye patches, keeping them in the fridge is a great way to maximize their benefits. Plus, even if you’re someone whose lucky to get a restful night’s sleep, products can come in handy as a relaxing makeup prep.

  • 1
    Faded Under Eye Masks

    Best for Quick Results

    Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks

    $22 at mytopicals.com
    Read more
  • 2
    24K Golden Under-Eye Mask

    Best Value

    The Hollywood Eye 24K Golden Under-Eye Mask

    Read more
  • 3
    24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

    Best for Early Mornings

    Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

    Read more
  • 4
    Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

    Best for Fine Lines

    111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

    Read more
  • 5
    Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

    Best for Dark Circles

    Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

    Read more

We looked to customer reviews and consulted skin experts to find 16 of the best under-eye patches to help brighten and rejuvenate, including ELLE editor favorites.

1
Best for Quick Results

Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks

Faded Under Eye Masks
$22 at mytopicals.com
Credit: Topicals
Pros
  • Exfoliating ingredients that brighten
Cons
  • Will need to re-up often

Every cool girl on Instagram has a photo with these pink-printed eye masks and i’ts not just for aesthetics. Underneath the design is a cooling formula packed with everything to brighten, depuff, and soothe the eyes, including niacinamide, caffeine, kojic acid, and more.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, transexamic acid, kojic acid, caffeine, arbutin

Pairs per pack: 6

Topicals rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Topicals reviewer said: “When I tell you the compliments I received after using these came so quick! Friends, family and even coworkers were commenting on how bright my eyes were and how my skin glowed. I recommend placing them in the freezer before application because the cooling effect is everything.”

2
Best Value

The Hollywood Eye 24K Golden Under-Eye Mask

24K Golden Under-Eye Mask
Credit: The Hollywood Eye 24K Collection
Pros
  • Non-irritating
Cons
  • May dry out quickly

If you love indulging in spa night on the regular, this pack of 24K Gold and hyaluronic acid-infused eye patches will have you covered. Amazon reviewers mention they visibly help plump and smooth skin, and are non-irritating.

Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera

Pairs per pack: 16

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love using eye masks, as it makes me feel very pampered. These are inexpensive and pretty effective. I have large bags under my eyes that seem less harsh since using these twice a week. Would recommend!”

3
Best for Early Mornings

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

On Sale
24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Now 36% Off
Credit: Peter Thomas Roth
Pros
  • Help firm and lift
Cons
  • Pricey

Alexa, play “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. These eye patches actually contain 24K gold, which has skincare benefits like firming and lifting. Meanwhile, hydrolyzed collagen helps airbrush out any fine lines, and caffeine shakes out that heavy feeling on your lids from an early morning.

Key ingredients: Collagen, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, gold

Pairs per pack: 30

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “These are the bomb!! Left them on for two to three hours yesterday, and the wrinkled, hollowed-out circles under my eyes were gone! (I’m 55, so these wrinkles are not a temporary situation). I’m leery of product claims in beauty items, but these suckers are worth their weight in gold! (See what I did there?).”

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4
Best for Fine Lines

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
Pros
  • Unscented
  • Visable results
Cons
  • Need to use regularly to maintain results

This uber luxe under eye mask will give the most sensitive skin on your face the pick me up that it needs. The formula contains diamond particles that exfoliate the skin so the active ingredients can get to work and soak into the skin for hydrating, brightening results.

Key ingredients: Diamond particles, hyaluronic acid, hexapeptide, rose hip

Pairs per pack: 8

Saks Fifth Avenue rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is one of the most luxurious eye masks, but I really think it’s one of the the best for an almost immediate result. It really feels like it forms a seal on my undereyes to infuse them with moisture, so that they look less dry and more plumped up. It also feels like it’s cool for hours. Maybe the fact that it’s black in color also makes it feel like it’s seriously working, or it could be its hydrating yet functional formula of retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

5
Best for Dark Circles

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Pros
  • Great for all skin types
Cons
  • Some may find the texture to be slimy

Dark circles vanish and under-eye skin tightens in just a couple minutes after wearing these eye masks. They’re made with a range of amino acids and peptides to hydrate and improve skin texture, as well as aloe to soothe inflammation and Camu Camu extract, which is rich in brightening vitamin C and believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Pack a couple on the plane for your redeyes and no one will know you’ve suffered a long flight.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C

Pairs per pack: 6

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “They visibly depuff my eyes! Easy to use and apply; they aren’t too slippery or fold over on themselves like some do. My dark circles are hereditary and pretty stubborn to diminish, so I can’t really speak to that, but the fact that they flatten out my under-eye area makes it much easier for me to apply concealer flawlessly! Will definitely keep buying!”

6
Best Bulk Eye Masks

Shangpree Eye Mask

Eye Mask
Pros
  • Expert-made
Cons
  • Can slip off face

If you are someone who enjoys using eye masks often, it might be better to invest in them in bulk. For just 30 dollars, this K-beauty set comes with a whopping sixty masks–or thirty pairs. That means you can use them liberally, and not worry about running out any time soon.

Key ingredients: Marine extracts

Pairs per pack: 30

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “It’s just simple, why would I want just 12 eye masks or some teeny number of them, versus 30? I like that this is literally a tub of eye masks, and that it’s minimal waste too, because they’re stacked on top of each other like cookies. My friend Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, was the one who introduced me to Shangpree, a legendary Korean facialist purveyor whose estheticians are required to do three years of training before they’re even allowed to touch a face. Naturally, their products are made with the same level of fastidiousness.” — Kathleen Hou

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7
Best for Sensitive Skin

Yes to Cucumbers Depuffing Under-Eye Masks

On Sale
Cucumbers Depuffing Under-Eye Masks
Now 26% Off
Credit: Yes To
Pros
  • Aloe keeps under-eyes soothed
Cons
  • May leave a tacky residue behind

You might not be at a spa with cucumber slices on your eyes, but this is the next best thing. These masks are nourishing, calming, and safe for even the most sensitive wearer. Pro tip: Pop these in the freezer for extra cooling effects.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, cucumber extract, aloe vera

Pairs per pack: 8

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “At 71, I’m still careful about not using oily products on my skin, which would cause a breakout. This gel is cooling, takes only a small pea-size bit patted under my eyes each morning, and has kept my eye area looking fresh.”

8
Also Great for Dark Circles

Pixi BeautifEYE Brightening Eye Patches

BeautifEYE Brightening Eye Patches
Pros
  • Brightening
Cons
  • Eye patches may stick together inside jar

Perk up tired eyes with an energizing blend of vitamin C, licorice, and ginseng. Note that these are paraben-free and great for all skin types, too.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice, ginseng

Pairs per pack: 30

Target rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Target reviewer says: “My eye bags constantly look like I haven’t slept in days (senior in high school things:)), but with these, my under eyes brightened after just two uses. These are now going to be a part of my daily routine, and they leave my skin super hydrated.”

9
Best Hydrating Reusable Eye Masks

Talika Eye Therapy Patch

On Sale
Eye Therapy Patch
Pros
  • Can be used multiple times
Cons
  • Pricey

These reusable eye patches were created to help smooth out and hydrate the under-eye area. If you travel a lot or are worried about losing a pair, this set comes with extras, so you can keep some at work, or let a guest borrow set when they come to visit.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides

Pairs per pack: 6

Target rating: 3.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Drew Barrymore loves these eye patches and I love them for the same reason. Much like the Dieux, they are also reusable but come in a set of three so that if you loose one or even two, you still always have a backup.” —Kathleen Hou

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10
Best Splurge

Joanna Vargas Skin Care Bright Eye Firming Mask

Bright Eye Firming Mask
Pros
  • Firming
Cons
  • Pricey

Give your eyes a much-needed break from being strained by screens with these refreshing patches, which moisturize with a boost of hyaluronic acid and reduce puffiness courtesy of chamomile extract. Meanwhile, the inclusion of peptides helps combat discoloration and thinning skin.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, chamomile extract

Pairs per pack: 5

Amazon rating: 3.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “They are easy to use, feel cooling, and absorb right into your skin without any greasy residue. They produce visible results. My crows feet were much smoother after the first use, and the skin around my eyes looked refreshed and replenished.”

11
Best for Puffiness

Patchology FlashPatch™ Eye Gels

FlashPatch™ Eye Gels
Pros
  • Fast-acting
Cons
  • Pricey

The unique jelly-like texture of these eye masks leaves a soothing, cooling sensation, providing relief after a long day. Caffeine fights puffiness and promotes circulation, as two antioxidant-rich plant extracts combat fine lines and encourage radiance.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, green tea, collagen

Pairs per pack: 30

Dermstore rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “When I’m having puffiness under my eyes, within minutes of putting these gels on, I’m back to normal. My under eyes have never felt more smooth or bright.”

12
Best for a Quick Fix

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, 8 count

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, 8 count
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Pricey

An ELLE beauty editor favorite, these refreshing crescents are packed with an inordinate amount of moisture, softening fine lines and plumping deep sockets in 10 minutes flat. What’s most unique about these is that they feature Icelandic Complex, a proprietary blend of natural ingredients sourced from Iceland designed to replenish nutrients that stress depletes from the skin.

Key ingredients: Proteins, peptides, antioxidants

Pairs per pack: 12

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve traveled with these masks for years, and they conquer my jetlagged, puffy eyes every single time.” —Kevin LeBlanc, ELLE Fashion Associate

An expert reviewer says: "I’ll be honest, I’m normally skeptical of the 'instant plumping' powers of under-eye patches. But of all the versions I’ve tried that have seemed to fall flat, these luxurious skyn masks are ones I’d actually reach for again. During WFH mornings when I’m really dragging, I’ll pop these on to help de-puff, nourish, and immediately cool my skin for a quick pick-me-up. And unlike many other designs, I like that they have a soft outer covering, so they're not as messy and easily stay put." —Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor

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13
Best Retinol-Infused

Loops Eye Mask

Eye Mask
Credit: Loops
Pros
  • Brightening
Cons
  • May dry more quickly on skin than other options

Pop on this niacinamide- and retinol-infused mask to help smooth the appearance of fine lines. Fun fact: These also contain pearl extract to give you an enviably radiant finish. You can compost the eye patches and throw the tray into the recycling bin when finished replenishing your under-eye area.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol

Pairs per pack: 5

Loops rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Loops Beauty reviewer says: “What a noticeable glow around my eyes after using these! They get rid of the puffiness, and I’m obsessed with the results. Officially a fan.”

14
Best Hemp-Infused

PÜR Mellow Eyes Hemp Infused Eye Patches

Mellow Eyes Hemp Infused Eye Patches
Pros
  • Good for puffiness
Cons
  • May not stay put very well

Don’t stress. Just throw on some of these hemp-infused eye masks and watch your worries drift away. These masks help hydrate and calm the sensitive skin near your eyes, thanks to green tea extract. The sweet kiwi smell might just trigger your cravings, too.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, cucumber extract

Pairs per pack: 30

Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very puffy eyes in the morning, and now that I’m 50, they don’t go away, even with caffeinated eye cream. I’m happy to say these eye patches actually work! I was skeptical, but they’re a new staple in my skincare regimen.”

15
Best For Brightening

Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches

Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches
Pros
  • Softening
Cons
  • May leave behind a residue

You put vitamin C on your face to deal with hyperpigmentation and dullness, so do the same for your under eyes. Plus, a jolt of caffeine in these works to banish puffiness. If your goal is to make everyone around you think you sleep for eight hours a night, these will do the trick.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C

Pairs per pack: 30

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely LOVE these gel patches! I start my morning off with these after I cleanse my skin; they feel sooo nice and are such a calming way to start your day. I leave them on for the time suggested, and the serum does make my under eyes noticeably brighter, soft, and hydrated.”

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16
Best Reusable

Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Forever Eye Mask
Pros
  • Sustainable
Cons
  • May bunch up under eyes

Forget about constantly refilling your stash with these delightfully reusable patches that have taken TikTok by storm. Made of soft, medical-grade silicone, they’re packed with potent ingredients like niacinamide, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid to visibly soothe, brighten, and plump. Bonus: They’ll also help lock in your favorite skincare products for even better results.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, peptides, niacinamide

Pairs per pack: 1

Dieux rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The idea of a reusable eye mask is clever, but it also works. I’ve tested this before–I’ve tried the Dieux eye mask (made of silicone) on top of my favorite eye cream one just one side. After a few minutes, one side: Tired, grey eye circles. On the other, slightly brighter, less crepey-looking under-eyes. And you can keep using it, if not forever, then for a long time.” —Kathleen Hou

What are the most common under-eye complaints?

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“Dark circles are multifactorial and can be due to loss of fat from aging, veins that are creating that dark appearance under the skin, and/or hyperpigmentation from chronic rubbing,” says Dr. Lal. “After dark circles, the next big complaint is wrinkling and crepiness. This is due to skin thinning as we age. Sun damage also contributes to skin thinning.”

Can under-eye patches really help with these issues?

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A good skincare routine coupled with professional treatments can you bring the results you desire. “The under-eye area is an area that needs procedures,” Dr. Lal adds. “Filler, neuromodulators, fractional ablative resurfacing, and or picosecond lasers are needed to truly make your under-eye issues better.”

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Are there ingredients people should look for when trying to treat puffiness or dark circles?

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“Yes, there are a variety of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, caffeine, green tea, and niacinamide,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “Ingredients like retinol or vitamin C can also help but beware, these may be more irritating.” If you’re looking for some gold under-eye patches, beware that some people can find them sensitizing. “Gold can actually cause hyperpigmentation, and some people can be allergic to gold,” warns Dr. Lal. Gold and other heavy metals can leave a blue-gray pigment behind, but in most cases, this hyperpigmentation is reversable.

Is there a way to make under-eye patches more effective?

elle line break

“Yes, applying them before bedtime and sleeping with them allows many uninterrupted hours of application where the ingredients will work,” says Dr. Ibrahimi.

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