Let’s face it: we all know those mornings when we look into a mirror and wonder who the hell is that person looking back at us. Our face looks different and almost like we are still sleeping or we were partying several days in a row. Yep, I am talking about puffy eyes and dark circles. While staying up late and lack of sleep are more likely to blame, there are also other possible causal factors, such as stress, bad pollution, hot days and dry indoor air.
If applying some sort of remedy, we need something which holds the ingredients in place and ensures they are absorbed in the right areas. That’s why under-eye patches come in handy. On top of that, they also help to fight the fine lines and signs of ageing which are especially visible around the eye area.
While it might be a relaxing evening routine for many, I prefer to apply them in the morning for an instant boost to those swollen eyes. And then in the evening before my bedtime, use eye cream instead.
So what are these ingredients we are looking for? Primarily caffeine, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, but let’s not get nerdy as there are many more. This list makes your life easier and prevents you from all those hours of googling on your phone for the right product. Thank me later (and your skin will too).
BioEffect – Imprinting Eye Mask (8-Pack)
These patches are my favourite go-to option. Their gel-like texture provides an instant cool and calming feel and helps to decrease puffiness and dark under-eye circles. After use, your skin in this area looks brighter and smoother. Plus it contains only pure and clean ingredients which work pretty well for my sensitive skin.
Peter Thomas Roth – WATER DRENCH™ Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-gel Eye Patches
These under-eye patches are super moisturising with, once again, a nice cool and calming feel, especially when they are cold. Their ingredients help to de-puff the look of the eye area, reduce the appearance of dark circles and smooth the look of the lines. It’s an affordable option to the previous one, plus it comes with 30 pieces in a package.
Joanna Vargas – Bright Eye Firming Mask
These masks quickly help to give the appearance of a firmer, fresher de-puffed under-eye look, thanks to deeply hydrating ingredients. They are a bit different from the ones mentioned above. The side facing your skin is covered in small dots that add a gentle grip and prevent it from moving, while still being saturated in its silky formula.
Shiseido – Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Express Eye Mask
Their new unique shape covers broader areas around the eyes, while their cotton blend material holds better and releases more serum to the skin. That helps de-puff and hydrate the entire eye area and will leave the skin nicely soft after use. The skin will feel tighter and smoother with every use. You’ll love these.
Chanel – Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer
In case you want to feel particularly fancy, this eye treatment from Chanel will do the trick. Their eye treatment set starts with a roller containing Chanel’s Le Lift serum and 10 sets of patches to seal in all that moisture. And as a bonus, you’ll be wearing the Chanel logo even when getting ready or relaxing…
A few more tips. Use them twice or three times per week. And stash them in the fridge. Cold masks will increase the de-puffing process.
If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your skincare routine and to reduce puffiness under eyes areas, it may be worth trying a face massage roller.
And if under-eye patches or masks, in general, aren’t your thing, in the meantime, look at the list of eye creams which Graham made. I’ll come with my favourites later too.
