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The 11 Best Under-Eye Patches and Masks to Reduce Dark Circles, Byrdie-Tested
The secret to looking well-rested is in our favorite under-eye patches, selected after testing several top-rated options.
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Byrdie
TL;DR
Charlotte Tilbury’s Immediate Eye Revival Patches took our top spot. They are highly effective at plumping, hydrating, and depuffing the skin. Plus, they create a smooth base perfect for any makeup application. Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Foil Under Eye Patches were also winners after our extensive tests, helping to treat our under-eye areas for everything from dark circles to depuffing, even getting a dermatologist’s stamp of approval.
Tired of dark circles and puffy under-eyes? You’re not alone. The delicate skin beneath our eyes is prone to many common issues, like sleep-deprived shadows and morning puffiness. Thankfully, under-eye masks and patches offer a quick and effective solution—plus, they are wonderfully chic. Board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology, Dr. Nicole Lee, M.D., explains, “Eye masks allow for an occlusive delivery of specific, concentrated ingredients to improve their penetration and absorption into the skin,” she says.
With so many formulas featuring powerful skin-loving ingredients, choosing the best one for your needs can be tricky. Celebrity aesthetician Ian Michael Crumm adds, “Many patches are infused with caffeine, peptides, or antioxidants that penetrate the skin while the patches provide gentle compression, reducing fluid buildup.” To help you find your perfect match, we tested and researched the top under-eye patches and masks to create this guide for brighter, refreshed under-eyes.
Top Picks
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches at Amazon$70
Jump to Review
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks at Amazon$26$22
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Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks at Amazon$22
Jump to Review
YSE The Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks at Sephora$38
Jump to Review
Peace Out Retinol 360° Eye Lift Patches at Amazon$29
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Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Tired Eyes at Amazon$15
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Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask at Sephora$25
Jump to Review
Patchology Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels at Amazon$15$9
Jump to Review
Sephora Collection Eye Mask Patches for Dark Circles + De-Puffing at Sephora
Jump to Review
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Eye Patches at Amazon$75
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches
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Minimizes under-eye circles by waking up the skin
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Hydrating and plumping
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Great base for makeup application
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Packaging doesn’t feel as luxe as others on this list
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, smoothing | Amount: 30 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The crème de la crème of eye patches manifests in this beauty from Charlotte Tilbury. Perfect for a quick morning refresh or when you’re short on time, these patches instantly hydrate, smooth, and depuff the under-eye area. Like a drink of water for your skin, these babies are formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to nourish and plump—Hollywood’s secret to a rejuvenated look.
The translucent, gold-flaked patches work their magic in just 10 minutes, delivering visible results that speak for themselves. They also make for the ultimate makeup prep. Our tester loved how seamless her concealer applied afterward. We only wish the packaging matched the luxurious feel of other Charlotte Tilbury products.
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Byrdie
Taylor, tester: “I’ve been using these religiously for the last few weeks and am beyond obsessed. They’re perfect to pop on before I start doing my makeup, and the slight tingly sensation and bouncy, supple feel I’m left with has allowed my typically dry under-eyes not to crease or look cakey after I’ve applied concealer and setting powder.”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
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Blend of key ingredients targets a multitude of concerns
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Two luxe gold colors to choose from
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Depuffs and brightens
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Doesn’t yield dramatic results
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Only comes in a 6-pack
Active Ingredients: Panthenol, aloe, copper peptides, jojoba, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Soothing, smoothing, hydrating | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This eye mask helps with puffiness, dry skin, fine lines, dark circles, and makeup preparation. What more could we ask for? Made from biocellulose, a highly absorbent fiber, this mask delivers on all fronts. “Biocellulose masks are great for delivering active ingredients and are particularly beneficial for post-procedure recovery,” Dr Lee says. Infused with soothing aloe, calming jojoba oil, and humectant glycerin (among a range of other skin-loving ingredients), this multitasking pick is an excellent catchall for everything under the eyes. While its effects aren’t long-lasting, it’s perfect for a temporary, reliable fix.
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Byrdie
Karla, tester: “Immediately upon removing my first pair of masks—which was easy and didn’t tug at the skin—my under-eye area felt so soft and hydrated. As I continued to use all six under-eye masks, I noticed that my puffiness decreased, and the consistent hydration made my under-eyes feel soft and smooth. In the end, my under-eye area was noticeably plumper and brighter.”
Best Hydrating
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
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Hydrogel material improves hydration
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Brightens under-eyes
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Gently cooling
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Can be sticky when it’s time for removal
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, glycerin | Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, cooling | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For dry, swollen, or irritated skin, Dr. Lee recommends looking for hydrogel masks to deeply hydrate and depuff. This derm-approved eye mask is packed with niacinamide, glycerin, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid, delivering a powerful moisture surge while working to minimize dark circles and hyperpigmentation. To maximize the brightening effects, the brand suggests positioning the mask with the larger round closest to your nose. The girly pink and red patches come with six pairs per pack and only require 15 minutes of wear. While they can feel a bit sticky, especially when removing them from the packaging, the moisturizing and illuminating effects are worth it in our books.
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Byrdie
Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor: “Immediately after taking them off, my under-eye area felt more bouncy and hydrated. Over time, I’ve noticed that the skin around my eyes looks more radiant and less puffy.”
Best for Dark Circles
YSE The Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks
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Vitamin C illuminates under-eyes
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Minimizes fine lines
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Soothing
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May irritate sensitive skin
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, allantoin | Benefits: Brightening, depuffing, refreshing | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dark circles are a common concern, often caused by factors such as a lack of sleep, dehydration, or genetics. However, we completely understand the desire for a brighter, more awake-looking complexion. Thankfully, this illuminating pick is the solution. It works to instantly reduce the appearance of dark circles, helping you look your most awake self (or at least fake it). It’s worth noting that vitamin C can irritate sensitive skin, but thanks to the inclusion of allantoin, a soothing ingredient, we didn’t find it too harsh.
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Byrdie
Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “I’m impressed with how much these patches brighten my under-eyes after only a few minutes. It’s not just that my skin looks more hydrated, but any shadows actually look lighter.”
Best With Retinol
Peace Out Retinol 360° Eye Lift Patches
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Retinol improves fine lines and wrinkles
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Even out skin texture
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Firming
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Mask goes under the eye and over the lid
Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, peptide complex, triple hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Smoothing, anti-aging, plumping, firming | Amount: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Whether you’re new to retinol or a seasoned user, Peace Out has created the ultimate anti-aging treatment. Enriched with retinol, a peptide complex, and triple hyaluronic acid, this pick transforms your skin, one patch at a time. The powerhouse ingredients work to smooth, plump, and firm your skin. The biggest perk? Retinol will help improve fine lines and texture. To get the most out of the formula, the mask is also uniquely shaped to go around your eyelid. While it may initially feel odd, the benefits outweigh the out-of-the-box design. Plus, your lids can now reap the benefits, too.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Tired Eyes
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Nonirritating and soothing
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Turn translucent when it’s time to remove
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Doesn’t slip or slide around
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We wish it came with more pairs
Active Ingredients: Tri-hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, allantoin | Benefits: Cooling, depuffing, hydrating | Amount: 3 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Known for their popular pimple patches, Hero Cosmetics knows more than a thing or two about creating effective patches that treat common skin concerns. Infused with panthenol (to moisturize and soothe), niacinamide (to brighten), and three weights of hyaluronic acid (for deep hydration), this mask packs a mighty yet gentle punch. Our tester loved how refreshing they felt without causing any irritation, making them perfect for even the most sensitive skin. Plus, the user-friendly design ensures easy application: the patches turn translucent when it’s time to remove. These sensitive-skin-safe patches not only make it simpler to brighten your under-eyes, but they also leave you with a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
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Byrdie
Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “Almost every eye patch I’ve tried makes my under-eyes tingle, but these are one of the few that don’t cause any irritation. I love the cooling sensation of the gel-like patches, and they leave my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.”
Best Reusable
Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask
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Sustainable reusable eye patches
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Improves product absorption
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Chic design and packaging
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Must apply your own eye cream, moisturizer, or serum for the mask to adhere
Active Ingredients: None | Benefits: Plumping, hydrating, maximizes product absorption | Amount: 1 pair | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A one-time purchase for infinite under-eye care? Sign us up. The aptly named Forever Eye Mask is a sustainable, cost-effective option made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Unlike traditional eye patches, you use your own eye cream or serum and apply the mask on top. After letting it sit for up to 20 minutes, remove the mask, wash it with soap and water, and store it in its tin carrying case. The silicone material improves product absorption by holding the concentrated products close to the skin, locking in all the key ingredients. A bonus: It’s great to wear while you apply eyeshadow as it will catch any fallout and prep your under-eyes for foundation (a win-win).
Best for Puffiness
Patchology Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels
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Gentle cooling sensations
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Quick time requirement
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Can go in the fridge for additional cooling
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Contains fragrance
Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, cloudberry oil, peptides | Benefits: Cooling, firming, depuffing | Size: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While we love the refreshing chill of a jade roller straight from the freezer, sometimes time doesn’t allow for that luxury. Enter: Patchology Eye Gels. The cooling mask provides an instant, fortifying sensation (in just five minutes) that depuffs and firms your under-eyes. You can wear them as you get dressed or finish your hairstyle. Hot tip: We love storing them in the fridge to wake up our skin and provide a lovely, energizing feeling. We only wish they didn’t contain fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin types.
Best With Caffeine
Sephora Collection Eye Mask Patches for Dark Circles + De-Puffing
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Caffeine extract wakes up under-eyes
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Cucumber depuffs
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Slightly cooling
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Sold individually
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, cucumber extract | Benefits: Anti-fatiguing, depuffing | Size: 1 pair | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Sephora Collection’s eye masks are like a cup of coffee for your under-eyes. The individually sold masks are infused with caffeine to visibly reduce the appearance of tired eyes. Cucumber extract further helps to depuff and smooth the delicate under-eye area. We love using these in the morning, before a big occasion, or even at night to help reset your eyes.
Best Gel Masks
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Eye Patches
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Stays secure
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Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
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Plumps and lifts the skin
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Securely close the jar so patches don’t dry up
Active Ingredients: 24K gold, colloidal gold, hydrolyzed collagen, caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Lifting, firming, hydrating, depuffing | Size: 30 pairs | Cruelty-Free: No
While no eye patch can magically lift your eyes, this mask from Peter Thomas Roth is the next best thing. Formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, say hello to plump, lifted skin. Another bonus: this mask helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. To add to the sensorial experience (it comes with a luxe spoon), the gel patches use 24K colloidal gold, which helps reinforce the lifting and plumping effects. Just remember to securely close the jar after use to prevent the patches from drying out.
Best for Wrinkles
Live Tinted Rays Copper Eye Masks
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Softens fine lines and wrinkles
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Boost collagen and elastin production
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Cooling
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Not a ton of patches in the product
Active Ingredients: Copper peptides, bakuchiol | Benefits: Depuffing, cooling, brightening, nourishing | Size: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These anti-aging eye masks are a game-changer for tackling fine lines and wrinkles. Supercharged with copper peptides, they promote collagen production, improve elastin, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The patches are also infused with bakuchiol (the plant-based version of retinol), reinforcing the anti-aging effects by soothing the skin and stimulating collagen production. It delivers visible results, leaving your under-eyes smoother, firmer, and nourished.
What to Look for in Eye Masks for Dark Circles
- Hydration: To improve dry under-eyes, you’ll want to look for expert-recommended ingredients. “Peptides and ceramides support the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and reinforcing the thin skin under the eyes,” Crumm says. “For hydration, hyaluronic acid plumps up fine lines.”
- Brightening: If your main concern is dark circles, Dr. Lee recommends looking for ingredients to help minimize the pigmentation. “Vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid help reduce pigmentation and brighten the under-eye area,” she says.
- Puffiness: To minimize puffy under-eyes, Dr. Lee advises looking for masks with caffeine. This key ingredient constricts blood vessels, minimizing their appearance and aiding in inflammation.
How We Tested Eye Masks for Dark Circles
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Byrdie
To find the best under-eye masks and patches for dark circles, we tested the eye masks at home across skin types to find the best formulas that actually delivered results. We evaluated them on the following factors:
- Ingredients: We looked for eye masks containing the ingredients our experts recommend. Focusing on minimizing dark circles, we looked for hydrating and brightening reinforcements.
- Comfort: We considered how well the masks stayed put throughout testing. We noted if there was any slipping or sliding. We also noted if the mask felt pleasantly cooling or if there was any tingling or irritation.
- Results: We narrowed down our list to eye masks that actually delivered noticeable improvement to our under-eyes. We noted those that made our under-eyes brighter, plumper, smoother, and more hydrated.
- Value: Keeping in mind the price point and the number of pairs in each product, we evaluated whether the pick was worth its value.
Meet Our Experts
We tapped a board-certified dermatologist and a celebrity aesthetician to help dive right into all things under-eye masks and better understand how they work to minimize dark circles.
- Dr. Nicole Lee, M.D., MPH, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology based in Garden City, New York.
- Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity aesthetician based in New York.
Why Trust Byrdie
Amanda Rosenthal is a former beauty and style writer at Byrdie. She is an avid under-eye mask user and has tested some on this list. She prefers hydrating and cooling patches, as she wakes up with dry, puffy under-eyes. Some of her personal favorites include Dieux Skin, Hero Cosmetics, and Wander Beauty.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/eye-masks-for-dark-circles
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