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How to Apply Eye Patches to Banish Dark Circles, Puffiness, and Fine Lines

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Under-eye patches are a quick fix – delivering on the promise of depuffing, brightening, and hydrating. Below, we explain how to apply them correctly, explore their benefits, and discuss our top recommendations.
How to Apply Eye Patches to Banish Dark Circles, Puffiness, and Fine Lines

In an era of excessive screen time, stress, and a dearth of sound sleep, chances are you’ve had to resort to under-eye patches for a quick pick-me-up. While eye creams, gels, and brightening concealers go far to camouflage tired eyes and mature lines, there’s nothing like indulging in a mid-day pamper sesh with a moisture-boosting eye patch. Lay back, stick dem babies on, and snooze for a hot second.

But there’s more to the patch than what meets the eye (pun intended). Soaked in potent formulations, these hydrogel and bio-cellulose masks lend instant depuffing, hydrating, and brightening benefits with minimal risk. Though not intended for everyday use, they ‘boost’ your delicate under-eye region on days you haven’t managed to clock in 8 hours of sleep.

The Benefits of Using Eye Patches

Eye patches guarantee ample complexion rewards – from minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to instantly depuffing inflamed skin. They also tighten and tone the skin under your eyes, maximising hydration, healing, and nourishment. If you have crow’s feet, are plagued by hyperpigmentation, or possess dull, tired-looking skin, an eye patch is your best friend. Initially, use an eye patch twice a week for at least two weeks. Then, apply it once a week for long-term maintenance.

How to Apply an Eye Patch

Since eye patches are one of the most underrated skincare staples, chances are you’re applying them on your notorious problem zone, the under-eyes, incorrectly. Fret not, for it’s super simple. You should use an eye patch or mask after cleansing your skin but before applying a heavyweight moisturiser or cream to avoid interrupting adequate absorption of the concentrated formula. For an added boost, you can layer a serum under your eye patch for instant results.

When applying a patch, try to bring it as close to your lower lash line as possible – not along the bridge of your nose or high up on your cheekbones – without getting too close to your eye. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before removing it. Don’t rinse away the residue; rub in the excess formula in your under-eye region in circular motions. The best part about eye patches is that they are portable and can be carried on a flight or to work.

Eye Patches to Combat Dark Circles

Turn to under-eye patches infused with ingredients such as green tea, collagen, niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to fight stubborn dark circles.

Petitfee Agave Cooling Hydrogel Eye Mask
Petitfee Agave Cooling Hydrogel Eye Mask
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Pixi BeautifEYE Brightening Eye Patches
Pixi BeautifEYE Brightening Eye Patches
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MCaffeine Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
MCaffeine Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
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Eye Patches to Combat Puffiness

For instant depuffing, look for eye patches boasting ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine to intensify moisturisation in your delicate under-eye region.

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
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Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Hydrogel Eye Patches
Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Hydrogel Eye Patches
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d’you Eyes & Shine Reusable Eye Patches
d’you Eyes & Shine Reusable Eye Patches
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Eye Patches to Combat Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Crow’s feet? No more. Reach for patches featuring skin-tightening ingredients like retinol and retinol alternatives to treat mature lines.

UNICSKIN Uniccollagen Flash Eye Mask
UNICSKIN Uniccollagen Flash Eye Mask
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K-SECRET Advanced Regenerating Eye Gel Patches
K-SECRET Advanced Regenerating Eye Gel Patches
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FAQs

• Are eye patches reusable?

You shouldn’t reuse eye patches unless the product packaging mentions so. Depending on the brand and material of the eye patch, they can either be reusable or intended for single-time application, and you must follow the instructions when using the product.

• Do eye patches really work?

While eye patches offer temporary, short-term benefits, consider them the perfect pick-me-up on days you want to pamper yourself. The regular application of an eye patch can intensify hydration in your under-eye region, which helps reduce inflammation and gives you a brighter complexion. But bear in mind that they can’t miraculously turn back the collagen clock and make your mature lines disappear.

• What material are eye patches made up of?

Under-eye patches are generally composed of hydrogel. However, you may find cloth or bio-cellulose eye patches on the market, among other skin-friendly materials. They are safe to use on sensitive skin with minimal adverse reactions.

• Can you wear eye patches overnight?

While a few eye patches can be worn overnight to allow for deeper penetration of concentrated formulas, most patches are meant to be worn for not more than 15–30 minutes. As a rule of thumb, read the instructions on the packaging before use.

• Can I use an eye patch every day?

Eye patches aren’t intended for everyday use. You can apply an eye patch as many as three times a week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin and the beauty woe you’re hoping to tackle. A pamper sesh once or twice a week is ideal.

• Suggest the best eye patches on the market.

If you are open to splurging on a top-quality eye patch, invest in these luxe offerings:

If you’re looking for affordable, weekly indulgences, shop these pocket-friendly eye patches:

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