Disclaimer: I'm one of those people who's basically always tired. 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 as they aren't reusable, on the days where you feel like you need something a little bit extra, they are 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.
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 10 best under-eye patches to disguise late nights and sleepy mornings.
We've tested some of the most popular under-eye patches on the market.
The Best Under-Eye Patches to Try Now
- Best luxury option: 111SKIN Cryo Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask
- Best affordable option: Garnier Hyaluronic Acid and Orange Juice Hydrating Brightening Eye Sheet Mask
- Best new launch: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches
- Best cult classic: PIXI Dream-y Eye Patches Smoothing Eye Patches
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 patch 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."
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."
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
4. PIXI Dream-y Eye Patches Smoothing Eye Patches
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, 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."
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."
6. STARSKIN Eye Catcher Smoothing Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Eye Masks
Key ingredients: Coconut juice, liquorice root, allantoin and chamomile
Pairs: 1
Editor review: "These were the first under-eye patches I ever tried and the ones that convinced me of their brilliance. Starskin is a Korean beauty brand that really knows a thing or 10 about sheet masks. These are formulated with vitamin-rich coconut juice and brightening liquorice root extract to diminish dark circles and 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."
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 very well hydrate, smooth, soften and tone the delicate area around the eyes. They are pricey but worth it."
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 cooling and 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."
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 using 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."
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 have definitely looked brighter and are well hydrated. I will be purchasing a new packet when these run out."
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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