Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editors
Save this storySave this story
While we all wish we had the steadiest sleep schedules, the best undereye masks come in handy when we need a quick refresh. These supercharged, patch-sized doses of your favorite skin-care actives tackle puffiness, dryness, dark circles, and fine lines in record time—but, like with all skin care, show the best results when used consistently. Many are single-use for an instant hit of hydration and glow, while others are reusable, locking in your favorite eye creams or serums for deeper, longer-lasting results. Chill them in the fridge for a cooling wake-up call, or let them do their magic at room temperature—either way, they’re a treat your undereyes will thank you for. Below, we’ve rounded up the best undereye masks, with expert insights from dermatologists and insider picks from our editors.
Our Top Undereye Masks
- Best Overall: Dieux Forever Eye Mask, $25
- Best for Dark Circles: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask, $50
- Best Packaging: Barefaced Everyday Eye Hero $30
- Best for Nighttime: Beauty of Josean Revive Under Eye Patch, $22
- Best Non-Slip: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches, $24
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Mario Badescu Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, $32
- Best Hydrating: NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches, $55
- Best Firming: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask, $90
- Best for Puffiness: CosRx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, $22
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of using undereye masks?
- How do I know if an undereye mask is working?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Dieux Forever Eye Mask
Dieux
Forever Eye Mask
Sephora
Dieux
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen wearing the Dieux’s Forever Eye Mask
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: The aptly-named Dieux Forever Eye Mask locks your gels, serums, and creams in place, allowing them to fully soak in, resulting in extra-plump skin. Apply your product and let the silicone gel masks hang out under your eyes for 10 to 20 minutes before gently peeling them off, rinsing them with soap and water, and storing them in their tin, where they'll patiently wait for your next application. (Head’s up: The logo will begin to fade after a year of use, but you can 100% continue to use your patches.) A little product goes a long way when using these patches—too much, and the masks are at risk of slipping or becoming too tacky.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
LargeChevron
“My favorite morning ritual is to stop halfway through my skin-care routine—just after applying eye cream—to pop these undereye patches on and make myself a latte, giving the products I put on a moment to settle while completing another task I would have otherwise done after the fact. It doesn't just offer me a moment of peace in an otherwise hectic time of day; it gives my undereyes an instant boost of hydration that makes me look more alert and sets me up for makeup success." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Material: silicone
- # of patches: 1 pair
- Duration of use: 1+ years
Best for Dark Circles: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask
SkinMedica
Instant Bright Eye Mask
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: SkinMedica’s Instant Bright Eye Mask recharges tired eyes with a concentrated combo of antioxidants and moisture-boosting extracts. Golden root extract helps protect delicate skin against environmental stressors with its antioxidant properties, while baker’s yeast supports skin’s natural ability to retain moisture, leaving the undereye area soft and supple. The hydrogel patches also deliver an instant cooling effect that soothes puffiness and helps reduce the look of dark circles. “This option is great for those with mature, aging skin who may see more fine lines and wrinkles. It hydrates, brightens, rejuvenates, and brings a more youthful look, plus the gel texture feels amazing upon application,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
LargeChevron
"I usually find undereye masks to be slimy and generally annoying—and without enough payoff to balance out the drawbacks. Enter these, which actually feel luxurious—with a comfortable grip and smooth outer side, which makes them much easier to apply—and brightened my eyes in under 10 minutes. My entire eye looked more refreshed, which is why they've become my go-to before things like weddings and the rare night out." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: golden root extract, baker’s yeast, golden herb extract
- # of patches: 6 sets
- Duration of use: single-use
Best Packaging: Barefaced Everyday Eye Hero
Barefaced
Everyday Eye Hero
Barefaced
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han wearing the Barefaced Everyday Eye Hero patches
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: Similar to the Dieux patches, Barefaced’s reusable eye patches are made entirely from medical-grade silicone and are designed to enhance the effects of your favorite under-eye treatments. We’re big fans of the included carrying case, which not only keeps your patches fresh and makes them easy to take on the go, but also has a mirror so you can easily see where to apply them. To get the best results, layer on your full skin-care routine first, then apply the patches on top of your serum or moisturizer. The patches help lock in product, boost absorption, and smooth the delicate under-eye area.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
“I’ve been getting pretty choppy nights of sleep—lots of waking up throughout the night—and it shows in my shadowy (and generally puffy) undereyes. I typically only use eye cream at night, but my new morning routine includes splashing my face with water, slathering these Barefaced patches with Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, and leaving them on for about 10 to 15 minutes while I do the rest of my morning routine—brushing my teeth, making coffee, brushing my hair, etc. It’s so seamless and I’m happy knowing my undereyes are getting the hydrating, brightening TLC they need.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Material: silicone
- # of patches: 1 pair
- Duration of use: 1 year
Best Non-Slip: Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch
Beauty of Joseon
Revive Under Eye Patch
Amazon
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin wearing the Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: The Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patches are our go-to before-bed pick, thanks to a cocktail of firming and hydrating ingredients that work while you sleep. Retinal (a gentler retinoid) helps boost firmness and smooth fine lines—just don’t forget your SPF in the morning, since the active can increase sun sensitivity. Ginseng root water and collagen drench the delicate area in moisture, while bakuchiol refines texture and peptides support elasticity over time. They’re also some of the thinnest on this list, which makes them light enough to stay locked in place. They have a wing-shaped design made from non-slip hydrogel that hugs the skin comfortably, allowing you to move around (or sip your morning coffee) while they work.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
LargeChevron
“These patches feel so fancy; I'm actually shocked they're only $20. The texture is lovely—each patch is paper-thin and has a jelly-like feel that's gently cooling on the skin. I also love that they stick well, so I can leave them on for a full 20 minutes without having to adjust them. Every time I use them, my undereyes look much more hydrated and feel super-soft. Oh, and the patches look beautiful, too (they have a shimmery pink sparkle that's truly gorgeous).”—Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: ginseng root water, collagen, retinal, bakuchiol, peptides
- # of patches: 60
- Duration of use: single-use
Best Non-Slip: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches
Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Eye Patches
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin wearing the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches
Why it's worth it: You know that age-old trick of placing slices of cool cucumbers under your eyes? Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Eye Patches take it up several notches. Infused with cucumber extract, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, they drench the delicate undereyes in soothing, plumping hydration. Niacinamide brightens, panthenol calms, and caffeine helps deflate puffiness so you look more awake in minutes. In addition, peptides support elasticity over time, making these patches as good for long-term care as they are for an instant refresh. Their non-slip hydrogel design hugs the skin comfortably, allowing you to move around (or sip your morning coffee) while they work.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
LargeChevron
“Non-slip undereye masks? These are the small (but very notable) details that Summer Fridays pays attention to, and really make the brand feel like it gets you as a beauty lover. As a dedicated Jet Lag devotee (I have the moisturizer in so many iterations, from the classic to the travel mini to the serum version to the mist—and spoiler: I love them all for my dry skin), this was a very natural extension of my routine. They're cooling, hydrating, so cute to look at—that serene blue is so special—and, just like the other Jet Lag products, they leave my skin looking bouncier, dewier, and with a really pretty glass-like finish that feels as good as it looks.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cucumber extract, panthenol, caffeine, peptides
- # of patches: 6 pairs
- Duration of use: single-use
Best for Sensitive Skin: Mario Badescu Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
Mario Badescu
Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler wearing Mario Badescu’s Hydrogel Undereye Patches
Ingrid Fowler
Why it's worth it: Mario Badescu's Hydrogel Undereye Patches are what we like to call "the whole shebang." Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, these babies are loaded with skin-friendly hyaluronic acid, caffeine, red algae, niacinamide, and tiger grass to depuff, brighten, and soothe tired undereyes in one fell swoop. Use the included spatula to lift the powder-blue patches from their container, gently place them beneath your eyes, and soak up all that hydrating serum goodness for 10 to 20 minutes. Pro tip: Pat (don't wipe) any leftover serum into your skin—because why waste even a single juicy drop?
Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler
LargeChevron
"Masks and patches often make my face burn or tingle, but I don't get that at all with these Mario Badescu Hydrogel undereye patches. They feel very hydrating and cooling, which is exactly what I want from a relaxing eye patch experience. Each set feels very covered in product, but not so much that it is difficult to handle or apply. I also love that the box explains different ways to wear them—I prefer the wide side of the patch on the inside!” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, red algae, niacinamide, tiger grass
- # of patches: 30 pairs
- Duration of use: single-use
Best Hydrating: NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches
NuFace
IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches
Lexi Herrick
Why it's worth it: Sleepy, shadowy undereyes are enough to make your eight hours of sleep look more like two—that's where NuFace's IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches come in. Magnesium brightens while the proprietary IonPlex electrolyte blend floods skin with moisture. Amp up the whole experience by stashing your patches in the fridge before plopping them on or gliding atop the stickers with your NuFace microcurrent tool (may we suggest the Fix Microwand?). Even though these patches were designed with your undereyes in mind, you can place them anywhere on your face that needs a bit of energizing.
Herrick before applying the NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches
Lexi Herrick
Herrick after applying the NuFace IonPlex Hydra-Gel Power Patches
Lexi Herrick
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
LargeChevron
"Eight out of 10 times I try an undereye patch, I get some kind of reaction, whether it's burning or redness. But these are very gentle and work incredibly well. They breathe new life into my dark circles and puffiness. So gentle and hydrating. I leave them on until they're mostly dried out and find all that hydration has instantly transferred to under my eyes, making my skin full and soft all at once." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: magnesium, amino acids, electrolytes
- # of patches: 30 pairs
- Duration of use: single-use
Best Firming: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask
Shiseido
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask
Why it's worth it: You already know we’re big fans of retinol, and Shiseido’s Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask is packed with the rejuvenating ingredient to help soften fine lines and smooth the delicate eye area. The brand’s proprietary Matsu-ProSculpt Complex encourages circulation to visibly deflate puffiness and bags, while benibana flower energizes and lifts for a more awake look. Antioxidant-rich botanical extracts, such as those from camellia sinensis and olive root, also help defend against daily damage, so skin looks brighter and more resilient with every use. Bottom line: Tired eyes don’t stand a chance with the help of these undereye masks.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
LargeChevron
“I’ve tried plenty of undereye masks that feel like they skimp on product, but these are the opposite—the thicker fabric is saturated enough to feel downright decadent. The upper curve didn’t quite match my eye shape, but I loved how the larger surface area stretched across my cheeks, making it feel like a mini facial for my whole face. By morning, my skin felt deeply moisturized, less puffy, and I needed noticeably less concealer under my eyes.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: retinol, matsu extract, benibana flower, caffeine
- # of patches: 12 pairs
- Duration of use: single-use
Best for Puffiness: CosRx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch
Cosrx
The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey wearing the CosRx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why it's worth it: CosRx’s Peptide Collagen Eye Patches feature the kind of tried-and-true ingredients we actually recognize (and love). Niacinamide helps brighten and even tone, while caffeine visibly depuffs and energizes tired eyes. Vitamin B12 also soothes and calms, making the patches gentle enough for everyday use. To keep delicate skin supple, hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for a plumped, smoother look. And with adenosine—a molecule your body naturally makes—to nudge skin cells into producing more elastin, the eye area gradually looks firmer and smoother. Together with peptides and collagen, these patches leave the eye area looking bright and bouncy.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
LargeChevron
“After having an allergic reaction that left the skin around my eyes dry and sensitive, these eye patches came to the rescue. I love how light and hydrating they are—plus the serum left over after removing the mask is hydrating, making my undereye area feel soft, smooth, and supple.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, adenosine, vitamin B12
- # of patches: 60
- Duration of use: single-use
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using undereye masks?
David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, explains to Allure that undereye masks can offer a range of benefits. "Eye masks can occlude the undereye area to improve the delivery of active ingredients, whether for hydration or brightening," says Dr. Kim. Common ingredients may include vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, peptides to plump, retinol to help resurface, and the list goes on. In the case of reusable undereye masks, the silicone works as a vacuum-like seal to better deliver the aforementioned actives, courtesy of skin-care products like gels, creams, and serums.
The cooling effects of undereye masks can also be beneficial. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, explained to Allure that eye puffiness occurs from vessel dilation, and placing a cool object on the undereyes can help the vessels constrict to reduce swelling. Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC, added that in addition to reducing puffiness, coolness can help relieve itchiness in the eye area, which "can worsen puffy eyes due to rubbing them."
Can people with How do I know if an undereye mask is working?
"Undereye masks are just like your eye creams or any skin-care product in that you have to be consistent and use it regularly to see a difference," says Dr. Kim. "Don't expect doing the eye mask one time before a special event will magically solve your skin concerns. Be steady and consistent." With time, you'll begin to notice softened fine lines and less morning-time eye puffiness. Often, reusable undereye masks are a tool to improve the effects of your skin-care products, so keep in mind that if you aren't noticing improvement, consider adjusting the other products in your routine.
Meet the experts
- Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face oils, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
