When it comes to miracle products, under-eye patches are truly the one beauty salve that can hit reset on the dull bags that plague most of us—especially the perpetually fatigued.
I'm one of those people. In fact, "I'm tired" is pretty much my standard response to anyone who asks how I am during the week. (Yes, I'm very much aware that I'm a total hoot.) It does, however, mean that my new party trick is being able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat—any time, any place.
Sure, it might not be as impressive as being able to tie a cherry in a knot using just my tongue (Side note: Do people actually do this?), but cat naps on the tube and weekend sofa snoozes are the only way to make up for a night of disturbed sleep. Well, that and keeping a stash of a certain product on hand for those occasional mornings when there's just no hiding the tiredness.
My beauty secret weapon of choice comes in the form of under-eye patches. A backstage staple in the kits of makeup artists—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Ashley Graham has been spotted wearing them to prep tired skin for photo shoots and red carpet events—they're brilliant at de-puffing and brightening dark circles in just a few minutes.
Although it's not a product that I recommend using every single day, they're heaven-sent on the days when you feel like you need something a little bit extra, making them the perfect addition to your routine.
What Are the Best Under-Eye Patches to Use?
In my opinion, the best under-eye patches are made with a gel-based formulation. Lots come individually packaged (although there are also some gems that come mass-packed in pots) and are saturated in hydrating serums specially designed to refresh tired peepers. Although I don't use them all the time, when I do I tend to pop a pair on after cleansing my face in the morning and then get on with the rest of my morning routine, as the best under-eye patches stay put so you don't have to worry about sitting still while they get to work.
Is it Better to Wear Under-Eye Patches at Night or Morning?
Under-eye patches are universal, meaning that you can practically wear them at any time of day and in any location. (See: as part of your in-flight skincare routine, at your desk or even while you're running errands if you're brave enough.)
Still, that doesn't answer if it's better to wear under-eye patches at night or morning—something we're all unequivocally thinking. Ultimately, it comes down to the specific ingredients featured in the under-eye patches you're using.
Patches infused with retinol are better applied at night, while brightening and de-puffing options are more suited to morning wear.
How I Tested the Best Under-Eye Patches
While I use under-eye patches regularly, I went back through my favourites and trialled a wide range to determine which pairs would be the crème de la crème.
Putting my under-eyes to the test, I challenged my crow's feet, inner corners and dark circles to be the most hydrated, firmed, tightened and even-toned as they've ever been.
If you're new to under-eye patches, knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming, as there's such a huge variation in price point and formulation. However, worry not—I'm pretty confident at this point that I've tried most of them and know which eye masks are genuinely worth the cash.
Keep scrolling to shop my 11 best under-eye patches to disguise late nights and sleepy mornings.
The 11 Best Under-Eye Patches to Shop Now
- The Best Luxury Under-Eye Patches: 111SKIN Cryo Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask, £80
- The Best Affordable Under-Eye Patches: Garnier Hyaluronic Acid and Orange Juice Hydrating Brightening Eye Sheet Mask, £2
- TheBest New Under-Eye Patches: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches, £58
- The Best Cult Classic Under-Eye Patches: PIXI Dream-y Eye Patches Smoothing Eye Patches, £22
1. 111SKIN Cryo Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask
Key ingredients: Seaweed, collagen and a peptide complex.
Pairs: 8
Editor review: "111Skin are the celebrity under-eye patches of choice, and they're definitely worth the money. These ones work like magic to cool the eye area (trust me—it feels like you've kept them in the fridge), so they're the ultimate pick-me-up on days when you're feeling really tired." — Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "I have this product on subscription as it really does do the trick when I need to give my eyes a lift and bit of TLC. Highly recommend."
For
- You can feel your eyes reduce in swelling thanks to the crisp temperature of the masks.
Against
- More pricey than other under-eye patches I tested.
2. Garnier Hyaluronic Acid and Orange Juice Hydrating Brightening Eye Sheet Mask
Key ingredients: Orange juice and hyaluronic acid.
Pairs: 1
Editor review: "Although I prefer a gel-textured eye mask, these tissue ones from Garnier are incredibly impressive for the affordable price tag. They have a cooling effect on the skin and make light work of brightening dark circles." —Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "Love these eye patches in the morning before an event. They make me feel awake and help reduce puffiness."
For
- Cost less than the price of your morning coffee .
Against
- The under-eye patches aren't made from a silicone or gel, making them slightly more fussy to apply.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches
Key ingredients: Marine biotech, glycerin and allantoin.
Pairs: 30
Editor review: "New from Charlotte Tilbury, these hydrogel eye patches are not to be missed. Not only do you get 30 pairs to use, but each mask is saturated in the brand's 'Bio-Smooth Eye Contour Complex', which works to moisturise and soothe the skin. They feel so lovely to apply and I always reach for these when my under-eyes are in need of a little TLC. One thing to note is that they do hold a lot of liquid so can be a little messy to apply." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor.
For
- These smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Against
- The shape of the patches aren't as contoured to your under-eye patches as other styles.
4. PIXI Dream-y Eye Patches Smoothing Eye Patches
Key ingredients: Vitamin A (a.k.a retinol), jasmine flower and chamomile.
Pairs: 30
Editor review: "This is one of my go-to brands for effective under-eye patches. I find this particular pair very refreshing and soothing on the skin, and I definitely notice that my skin feels moisturised and looks restored after using." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor.
Customer review: "These are so nice to pop on in the evening, so refreshing and love that they are biodegradable too."
For
- You get such a bang for your buck with these.
Against
- Retinol is a key ingredient, which means those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution when using.
5. Patchology MoodPatch Perk Up Eye Gels
Key ingredients: Green tea, pine leaf extract and white mulberry.
Pairs: 5
Editor review: "Tea is a morning essential for me, and these energising patches from Patchology are infused with green tea, which is known for its de-puffing benefits. They're an instant energy boost for eyes and bonus points for the cute petal-infused design too." — Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "These work wonders for under-eye bags."
For
- These under-eye patches are enhanced with antioxidants.
Against
- Not as multi-tasking as other options I tested.
6. STARSKIN VIP The Gold Mask Eye
Key ingredients: Rose of Jericho, butcher’s-broom and butterfly ginger.
Pairs: 5
Editor review: "Starskin is a Korean skincare brand that really knows a thing or 10 about sheet masks. The first under-eye patches I ever tried were from the brand and they were the ones that convinced me of their brilliance. These are formulated to specifically target dark circles, with the gold foil exterior featuring gently-heating technology extract to warm and reduce puffiness." — Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "I love these, I first got them in my beauty box and have purchased them twice since then I try to use them once a week. My under eye area is so smooth after it."
For
- Specifically targets dark circles.
Against
- These warm your eyes, which might feel slightly strange when you're looking to cool and depuff bags.
7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks
Key ingredients: Plankton extract, chlorella and hyaluronic acid.
Pairs: 6
Editor review: "I'm a major Elemis fangirl and love its pro-collagen cleansing balm, so it's no surprise its eye masks are on my list. These are especially good if you're looking to target fine lines, as they're so plumping and smoothing. Great for prepping skin for makeup." — Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "They hydrate, smooth, soften and tone the delicate area around the eyes very well. They are pricey but worth it."
For
- These under-eye patches tone and firm skin.
Against
- The individual sachets and excess packaging aren't the most environmentally friendly.
8. BEAUTYPRO Eye Therapy Under Eye Mask with Collagen and Green Tea Extract
Key ingredients: Green tea extract, aloe vera and marine-based collagen.
Pairs: 3
Editor review: "These affordable under-eye patches stand up against some of my more expensive favourites and have a dual function: They're one of the best cooling beauty products, making them so relaxing on the skin. Even better, you get three pairs for less than a tenner, so you can use them every day without feeling guilty." Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor.
Customer review: "I love these, have tried many other brands but can't beat these for value and results."
For
- These awaken and revitalise sleepy under-eyes.
Against
- The brand recommends wearing for 15-20 minutes to see optimal results.
9. UKLASH Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Key ingredients: Ceramides, marshmallow root extract, liquorice, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and caffeine.
Pairs: 30
Editor review: "These clever patches are packed with effective ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, awakening caffeine and smoothing vegan collagen which make these perfect for use in the morning when your under-eyes need a boost." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor.
Customer review: "I absolutely adore these eye patches! They always rejuvenate my under eyes, I look 10 times less tired than usual after these eye masks."
For
- These under-eye patches will last you all mask.
Against
- You have to sign up to become a member to receive a discount.
10. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Under Eye Patches
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cacao seed and caffeine.
Pairs: 8
Editor review: "I'm a big fan of Rare Beauty, so I was super excited to see that the brand has its own under-eye patches. The hydrogel eye mask has a cocktail of powerful ingredients to hydrate, plump and soothe and the 5-star reviews speak for themselves." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor.
Customer review: "These are the best eye patches I have ever used! I purchased a packet to take away on holiday. After a long day in the sun, it has been a welcome reliever to apply these eye patches. They have an immediate cooling and soothing effect on the skin. I love that they do not slip and slide around like many other brands of eye patches. Once removed, my under eyes definitely looked brighter and were well-hydrated. I will be purchasing a new packet when these run out."
For
- Consider these a pick-me-up for your eyes.
Against
- These aren't as intuitively fitting to the under-eye area as other styles I reviewed.
11. Peter Thomas Roth
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, caffeine, collagen, marshmallow root and arnica.
Pairs: 30
Editor review: "These under-eye patches from Peter Thomas Roth feel like a cold plunge for your dark circles. The concentration of different sizes of hyaluronic acid—which helps to absorb more deeply—reawakens and revitalises thanks to the deeply concentrated water cream texture. I use these on Saturday mornings before pilates to gently bring some life back to my face after a big week." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer.
For
- These diminish the appearance of dark circles as you wear.
Against
- They didn't come as infused with serum as I anticipated.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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