Something to know about me: I’ve never been one to have a consistent sleep schedule. As much as I’d love to be one of those people with Tik Tok-worthy morning and nighttime routines, I value spontaneity too much, and can never turn down a “wyd tonight” text from my friends, no matter how much I told myself I’d stay in. As a result, I wake up looking tired and puffy a lot more than I’m proud of. And with such a forward-facing job—I’m constantly going to press events as a freelance writer—the last thing I want is to show up and have everyone ask me if I’m sick. This is why I’m always in the market for eye patches, especially if they reduce puffiness, like the Tula Cooling and Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks ($22 for four pairs).
They’re formulated with some powerhouse ingredients, including caffeine (to help reduce puffiness and provide an instant tightening effect), glycerin and niacinamide (to brighten and support hydration), and hyaluronic acid (to help plump and eliminate dehydration). Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AVA MD Dermatology says the ingredients are a “good blend for all skin types to help alleviate puffiness, dullness, and dehydration, which is common in the undereye area and should be well tolerated by all skin types.”
Pros
- Packed with powerhouse ingredients
- Visibly reduce puffiness after one use
- Deliver active ingredients efficiently and quickly
- Good for all skin types
Cons
- Limited-edition
- Single-use
- Expensive if used regularly
Additionally, there are prebiotics and probiotics to preserve the good bacteria, strengthen the microbiome, and maintain the pH balance and barrier of your skin. Chamomile is also included for its calming benefits. “Chamomile contains flavonoids, [plant compounds that] are exceptional for soothing and smoothing dehydrated skin around the eyes,” says Dr. Shamban. “It also has great anti-inflammatory properties.”
Dr. Shamban likes under-eye patches because they deliver active ingredients efficiently and quickly. “They help to seal the active ingredients without disruption and exposure to air and pollutants or other environmental factors. Also, there is no rubbing or tugging under the eye to distribute, as it supports the process of infusion to the stratum corneum layer and epidermis, allowing for more optimal penetration.”
Personally, I love under-eye patches because I can multitask while wearing them. After waking up and realizing the rumors were true: Not sleeping well leads to dark circles and puffiness. I washed my face, applied them underneath my eyes, and went about making breakfast. The instructions say to leave the Tula Cooling and Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks on for 10 to 20 minutes before removing and to press any excess serum into the skin for extra refreshment. I really like that these patches aren’t overly goopy and that they don’t slide off my eyes the way some eye patches do if you move around too much.
While I wouldn’t say I suddenly look like a new person, there’s a subtle difference that I, a vain person who stares at herself in every reflective surface she passes, definitely noticed. Compared to some of the other masks on the market, these are a great quick fix before a big presentation or life event.
These eye masks are limited-edition for the holidays, so it’s best to stockpile them now and hide them in your refrigerator—the cooling temperatures also help wake up tired eyes.