No matter the season, the best under-eye patches can elevate any beauty routine—just ask Salma Hayek Pinault, who sleeps in hers. But when cold weather rushes in, a good eye mask becomes essential for staving off dark circles, dry skin, and the puffiness that follows a late night of caviar, blinis, and martinis (‘tis the season to indulge, after all).
“Fall and winter bring colder temperatures, lower humidity, and more indoor heating—all of which can leave the delicate under-eye area feeling dry and tight,” says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Curology. “This is a great time to lean into hydrating under-eye masks a bit more often.”
Vogue’s Favorite Under-Eye Patches
Speaking of hydration, Dr. Tolpinrud recommends eye masks with glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants to ward off winter dryness. “These ingredients help protect the skin against the environmental stressors that are more common during the colder months,” she notes.
And if you’re traveling anytime soon, leave room for patches in your carry-on bag. “Airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating, so popping on a pair of patches before or after a flight can make a big difference in how refreshed your eyes look and feel,” Tolpinrud says.
In addition to hydrating the under-eye area—which is, by the way, great for pre-party makeup prep—eye masks can target concerns ranging from puffiness to fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
When it comes to under-eye patches for dark circles, “Look for masks that include antioxidants or brightening ingredients such as vitamin C or licorice extract,” Dr. Tolpinrud instructs. “These can help improve the overall tone and radiance of the under-eye area.”
Ready to add a set of under-eye patches (or a few) to your eye-opening routine? Ahead, pros reveal the best masks to keep in stock all fall, winter, and beyond.
In This Story
Best for Morning: Rhode Peptide Eye Prep
- Why We Love It: Per Instagram, Rhode’s new peptide eye patches are a part of Hailey Bieber’s everyday morning routine—but admittedly, the Rhode founder may be a bit biased. So, take it from an expert with no (under-eye) skin in the game: According to Rayva Khanna, MD, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center, “Rhode’s under-eye masks are cooling hydrogel patches perfect for morning use.” She explains that the eye treatment contains caffeine to constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. “They also contain hydrating powerhouses like sodium PCA and glycerin,” Khanna says. “The result is eyes that look refreshed, smooth, and awake in minutes.” A second endorsement comes from Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon in Austin. “This formula is a standout for its blend of peptides and hydrating ingredients that help smooth and strengthen the delicate under-eye barrier,” she says. “It instantly refreshes tired eyes while creating the perfect base for concealer or makeup—ideal for morning prep.”
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peptide, sodium PCA, glycerin
- Benefits: Improves puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles; cools, brightens, tightens, and hydrates the delicate skin area
- How to Apply: Apply to clean, dry skin for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times per week or as needed. Discard after use.
- Count: 6 sets of patches per box
Best Fine Lines: 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
- Why We Love It: Anne Hathaway is a fan of 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks, and has the lovely doe eyes to prove it. But it’s not just celebrities who back the sparkly under-eye patches. According to Sandrine Dixneuf, spa director at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, “The 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask is a client and esthetician favorite worldwide. It delivers an instant hydration boost with hyaluronic acid, plumps with marine collagen, smooths fine lines with retinol, and brightens with niacinamide.” (The patches are so esthetician-adored at the Grand Cayman property, they’re even used in its Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Face Lift Facial.) The masks are made from hydrogel, which, Dixneuf says, is particularly well-suited for dehydrated, puffy, and tired eyes.
- Key Ingredients: 111Skin’s peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, retinol, rose hip extract, hexapeptide, and diamond particles
- Benefits: Firms, tightens, plumps, hydrates, evens out skin tone
- How to Apply: Cleanse skin, then remove protective film from both sides. Apply the hydrogel patch under each eye and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Count: 8 sets per box
Best Rejuvenating: Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer
- Why We Love It: “Le Lift Flash Eye Revitalizer is ideal for patients looking for an instant refresh before an event,” Dr. Khanna says. “The hydrogel patches are infused with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and glycerin to plump and hydrate. They also contain Chanel’s proprietary eye complex for brightness, and escin to reduce puffiness.” Overall, she says, the luxe eye masks smooth fine lines and brighten the eyes in minutes, which makes them ideal for anyone seeking quick and visible results—a scenario she knows well. “These are my go-to eye patches before a big event,” Dr. Khanna says. According to Dr. Collins, the masks also offer benefits that last long after the party ends. “This is a true luxury treatment,” she says. “It delivers an immediate tightening and smoothing effect that’s perfect before an event or long day, while peptides and botanical extracts support long-term firmness and resilience.”
- Key Ingredients: Chanel’s Le Lift ingredient 3.5-DA (an extract from the edulis morning glory, dicaffeolyquinic acid), botanical extracts, camellia seed oil, arginine
- Benefits: Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness over time, while also smoothing out fine lines and erasing signs of fatigue. The metal roller ball also provides a subtle cooling effect.
- How to Apply: Apply the roll-on serum first, then place the hydrogel patches directly under the eyes.
- Count: 10 pairs of patches per box
Best for Travel: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches
- Why We Love It: A standby in Dr. Khanna’s travel kit, “Summer Fridays’ hydrogel under-eye patches are designed to minimize the look of dark circles,” she says. “Niacinamide helps brighten the under-eyes, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid deliver lasting hydration.” The royal-blue patches are also infused with caffeine, which, Dr. Khanna says, constricts blood vessels to reduce puffy eyes. “With all those ingredients together, these patches make the ultimate in-flight essential for refreshed, well-rested under eyes,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cucumber extract, panthenol
- Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, de-puffs
- How to Apply: Apply patches to clean, dry skin and leave them on for at least 10 minutes. Discard after use, and pat any remaining serum into the skin.
- Count: 6 pairs per box
Best for Night: Patchology FlashPatch Restoring Night Eye Gels
- Why We Love It: Salma Hayek Pinault’s secret weapon for pepping up her eyes overnight, Patchology’s restorative eye gels are designed to work the night shift. Infused with anti-aging retinol, peptides, and hydrolyzed collagen, the eye masks also contain hydrating and soothing ingredients such as glycerin and arnica extract. “This combination of ingredients makes them perfect for people looking to soften their fine lines and wrinkles over time,” Dr. Khanna says. While Hayek Pinault wears hers all night long, the technical instructions are to wear the masks for five minutes or longer, per the brand.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, arnica extract
- Benefits: Plumps fine lines, minimizes dark circles, hydrates
- How to Apply: Apply to clean, dry skin and keep on for five minutes or longer. Discard after use, massaging in the remaining serum.
- Count: 5 pairs per box
Best for Firming: Augustinus Bader The Eye Patches
- Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s golden eye patches are infused with the brand’s signature TFC 8 complex, which triggers cellular repair. The masks—which play into Dua Lipa’s skincare regimen—also contain green tea, sunflower root extract, and vitamin B5. “These are powerful antioxidants,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Julius Few, MD. “[They protect] against UV damage and stimulate collagen production.” What’s more, they’re easy to wear. Per Dr. Khanna, the masks feel “lightweight and refreshing” on the skin under the eyes. A great self-care beauty product to gift this season, too.
- Key Ingredients: TFC 8 complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, fermented polysaccharide, allantoin, vitamin B5, green tea, sunflower root extract
- Benefits: Hydrates, brightens, plumps, smooths fine lines; reduces hyperpigmentation and dark circles
- How to Apply: Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for up to 20 minutes. Use two to three times a week.
- Count: 6 pairs of patches per box
Best With Retinol: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
- Why We Love It: Shiseido’s Benefiance pads pack a one-two punch: In addition to smoothing the appearance of wrinkles near the eyes, they can target laugh lines when placed around the mouth. The masks are infused with pure retinol and Shiseido’s WrinkleResist24 Technology, which has hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline. As Dr. Shamban explains, “This combination can stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, hydrate, and improve skin elasticity, making it best for evening use to optimize the skin’s circadian rhythm and repair mechanisms.” For board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, it’s tough to beat the masks’ star ingredient. “Retinol is one of my most recommended ingredients in skincare—it is really the gold standard [for anti-aging],” he says. “Retinol helps boost the production of collagen and elastin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and expedites cellular turnover for a more youthful look.” Dr. Hartman recommends using Shiseido’s masks as part of an evening skin-care routine a few times a week.
- Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, Shiseido’s WrinkleResist24 Technology (featuring hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline)
- Benefits:
- How to Apply: After cleansing and before applying serum or moisturizer, apply one mask at a time under the eye. Leave on for 15 minutes, then gently remove. Because the formula includes retinol, we’d recommend applying at night and following with SPF in the AM.
- Count: 12 pairs per box
Best for Tightening: Goop Lift + Depuff Eye Masks
- Why We Love It: Granted, Gwyneth Paltrow has a stake in calling Goop’s lifting, depuffing eye masks “the best [she’s] ever tried.” Nevertheless, the Goop founder’s endorsement—and the masks’ clean and active ingredients—piqued my curiosity, and I’ve been testing them out over the past few days. Soaked in a milky serum made with honey locust seed extract, olive leaf stem cells, squalane, and niacinamide, the masks were designed to firm, brighten, and hydrate the under-eyes in just 10 minutes. A couple of things have stood out to me during my trial run: First, the masks’ durable material, VEOCEL Lyocell fibers, makes them adhere to the skin remarkably well, so they’re easy to incorporate into a morning routine, however rushed it may be (and mine is, regrettably, not leisurely). Secondly, I’ve noticed that the skin around my eyes is visibly smoother and dewier when I peel the patches off. Though the masks are packed with active ingredients, those with sensitive eyes shouldn’t necessarily shy away: these have also been ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, and they’re fragrance-free. That said, the brand recommends patch-testing before the first use.
- Key Ingredients: Honey locust seed extract, niacinamide, wild olive leaf stem cells
- Benefits: Firms, brightens, moisturizes
- How to Apply: Using tweezers or a spare spatula if you have, remove a pair of masks from the jar and pull them apart. Let the masks sit for 10 minutes under the eyes, discarding after use and patting in excess serum. Designed for daily use, the brand recommends patch-testing on the skin inside the elbow before introducing the masks to the under-eyes.
- Count: 30 pairs per jar
Best Reusable: Dieux Forever Eye Mask
- Why We Love It: You’ll never need to buy another pair of under-eye masks again. Dieux’s bestseller eye masks, designed—as their name suggests—to be used in perpetuity, are made of 100% silicone gel to be used with your eye serum or cream of choice. As Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban explains, the material creates a protective and occlusive barrier over the under-eye area. “[These masks are] ideal for nighttime use to keep the skin hydrated while allowing for better absorption of active ingredients, assisting in nighttime recovery,” she explains.
- Key Ingredients: Silicone
- Benefits: Sustainable, can be used with your go-to under-eye products
- How to Apply: Simply apply your favorite eye cream or serum, then place the mask on top for deeper penetration.
- Count: 1 reusable pair per box
Best for Dark Circles: Topicals Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks
- Why We Love It: “This is my go-to eye mask recommendation for anyone dealing with dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Khanna says. “They stick to the skin incredibly well and are packed with brightening agents like kojic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.” A common accessory for Dr. Khanna during a morning workout or coffee run, the masks have proven to be budgeproof, even as she buzzes around. “By the time I take them off, my under-eyes look refreshed and brighter,” Dr. Khanna reports.
- Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, caffeine, niacinamide
- Benefits: Brightens and evens out skin tone
- How to Apply: Apply the masks to clean, dry skin under the eyes and let them sit for 15 minutes, two to three times a week.
- Count: 6 pairs per box
Everything You Need to Know
Which under-eye masks actually work?
According to skin-care pros, the best under-eye masks—the ones that will actually work—come from brands such as 111Skin, Shiseido, and Chanel. The 10 under-eye masks in this list represent products that experts and Vogue editors hand-selected, because, well, they’ve worked for them—and they could work for you, too.
The important thing is to focus on finding a mask with ingredients that target your particular concerns, whether that means treating dark circles with a set of brightening masks or getting fête-ready with a pair that smooths and hydrates to prep the skin for makeup.
Lastly, try to manage your expectations around what it means for a mask (be it an eye or face mask) to actually work. “Under-eye masks are especially useful when your skin needs an instant pick-me-up after a long flight, a sleepless night, or exposure to dry air,” Tolpinrud says. “While they don’t replace targeted treatments or consistent daily care, they can provide a visible, short-term boost and help the delicate under-eye area look healthier, smoother, and more refreshed.”
What concerns are best treated with under-eye masks?
According to Dr. Tolpinrud, “Under-eye masks are most helpful for boosting hydration, softening fine lines, and reducing mild puffiness.” She notes that formulas infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin hydrate and plump the skin, while peptides and niacinamide can help improve firmness and smoothness over time. And she reiterates that the best under-eye patches for dark circles are those with brightening agents such as vitamin C.
How to Apply Under-Eye Patches
“Depending on the ingredients infused in the eye patches, they can be used daytime or nighttime to best support the skin’s circadian rhythm,” explains Dr. Shamban. “In the morning, after cleansing the skin, eye patches can help target morning puffiness and dark circles, as the skin is more receptive to treatments during this time.”
In general, Dixneuf recommends letting eye masks sit for about 20 minutes, though prescribed times vary per brand. She recommends following up with an eye gel or cream, serum, moisturizer, and (in the daytime) an SPF. Dixneuf also suggests using an essence before applying the masks to help prep the skin.
To support the skin’s natural repair process at night, Dr. Shamban says to apply under-eye patches after cleansing and moisturizing, then follow the masks with a serum or eye cream of choice.
When it’s time to take off the masks, be gentle. “If the product feels sticky or tugs when you peel it off, that extra pulling can stress the skin and contribute to fine lines over time,” Tolpinrud notes.
Which type of under-eye patch material is best for me?
While ingredients are key for targeted skincare, it’s also assess eye patches’ material, as different types fulfill different needs. According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, “Patches are made of a variety of different materials, depending on the brand. These range from gels to cellulose to collagen or even cotton.”
Here’s a cheat sheet on how the various materials work, and who they’re best for.
- Hydrogel: Dr. Shamban suggests hydrogel patches for morning use. “Hydrogel patches are hydrating and conform well to the contours of your skin,” she explains. “They help to lock in moisture, reducing morning puffiness and enhancing the absorption of active ingredients.”
- Bio-cellulose: For the evening, Dr. Shamblan recommends patches made from Bio-cellulose, which creates an occlusive environment for the under-eye area. “This aids in the skin’s natural repair processes,” she says. Because bio-cellulose masks hold hydration so well, Dr. Tolpinrud recommends them for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Gel: “Gel masks are ideal for soothing and depuffing tired eyes,” says Dr. Tolpinrud. “They naturally feel cool on the skin, which helps calm mild irritation and temporarily reduce puffiness.” She recommends using gel after travel, a late night, or a long day in front of a screen.
- Collagen: According to Dr. Tolpinrud, collagen-infused masks hydrate and smooth the skin, helping it appear plumper and more supple. “They’re great for those looking to soften fine lines or refresh the under-eye area before a special occasion,” she says. Katelyn Martinson, executive trainer at Face Foundrié, says collagen masks are ideal for mature skin.
- Cotton: Soft and breathable, Dr. Tolpinrud says that cotton masks are well-tolerated by most skin types. “They’re a versatile option for regular use and can be layered with serums for added benefit,” she notes. “Plus, their comfortable fit makes them a great everyday choice for maintaining hydration and skin balance.” Though cotton masks are generally well-tolerated, Martinson cautions that they may not be ideal for very sensitive skin types. Among other reasons, cotton can sometimes cause friction that irritates very sensitive skin types.
Single-use vs. reusable eye patches—what’s the better option?
Single-use and reusable eye patches can both work well, and which one you choose should come down to your personal preference and needs.
For Dr. Hartman, reusable eye patches have their perks. “I like the Dieux Forever Eye Mask because it enables you to reuse the under-eye patches with different serums and skincare products, so you can switch out the formula to address the most important concern,” he says. “For example, one week you could use a hydrating serum if your under eyes are on the drier side, and the following week you could use a retinol serum to address wrinkling.” Another perk? Dr. Hartman likes that reusable masks reduce waste. “Just make sure to properly clean them after each use,” he says.
Indeed, with any product intended for multiple applications, hygiene must be kept top of mind. “[Reusable] patches must be properly washed after each use to prevent microbial contamination,” Dr. Zeichner notes.
That said, anything labeled as a single-use product should be immediately discarded after use. Dr. Few says that reusing products intended for single-use poses a higher risk for contamination, which can lead to issues like styes and even conjunctivitis.
How to choose an under-eye patch
Under-eye patches aren’t all created the same, and they serve a variety of skincare needs. When choosing an under-eye patch that’s best for you, consider its material and its key ingredients. You may also consider whether reusable or single-use eye patches will best suit your needs on a given day, as both options have their pros and cons.
Since there’s a variety of under-eye patches to choose from, Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, suggests picking a product based on its formula.
Whether you’re looking to treat dark circles, fine lines, or other concerns, dermatologists recommend the following:
- For Dark Circles: “Vitamin K is an antioxidant that helps with dark circles by reducing the visibility of blood vessels,” Dr. Henry says. “Vitamin C is another popular ingredient, also an antioxidant, that will brighten skin and thicken the collagen, which helps to treat the thinning of under-eye skin.” Niacinamide is also a boon for brightening.
- For Fine Lines and Crow’s Feet: “Retinol is always going to be one of the top ingredients for treating fine lines and wrinkles,” Henry shares. Meanwhile, “Peptides that stimulate collagen are great to efface fine lines and wrinkles as well.”
- For Sensitive Skin and Redness: “Niacinamide and chamomile are ideal for calming and soothing skin in the under-eye area,” Henry notes. Additionally, aloe, arnica extract (used in Patchology’s formula), and Lactobacillus ferment (found in the Goop masks) are soothing salves to consider.
- For Dryness: “Humectants that draw in water and lock in hydration, such as glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid, are all great for moisture,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care. “Eye masks with antioxidants such as green tea and camellia, as well as nourishing oils, can also help with hydration and smoothing of the skin. I would just watch out for potential irritants such as fragrance.”
- For Repair: According to Kobets, peptides can help repair the skin barrier, as can soothing actives like oat extract.
- For Puffiness: “Ingredients like caffeine are great for addressing puffiness,” Kobets says. The depuffing ingredient is used in the masks from Rhode, Summer Fridays, and Topicals.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to under-eye patches, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
- Ava Shamban, MD, is a Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dermatologist.
- Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Curology.
- Sandrine Dixneuf is the spa director at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
- Rayva Khanna, MD, is a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.
- Dr. Julius Few is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of The Few Institute in Chicago.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, is the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care.
- Kristina Collins, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon in Austin
- Katelyn Martinson is the executive trainer at Face Foundrié.
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and an ACGME fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon.
#UnderEye #Patches #Eyes #Firm #Smooth #Bright
