The skin surrounding our eye area is 10 times thinner than the rest of our face.
So when you think about it, it’s really no surprise the signs of tiredness, fatigue and ageing often show here first.
It’s also why eye creams and eye serums cater to this area specifically, to ensure the ingredients are both gentle enough and potent enough to provide long-term results.
As for eye masks, the majority of these are about the instant effect.
Whether it’s to plump, smooth or brighten, under-eye masks are ideal for those ‘mornings after’ (caused by champagne, newborn or both), as a makeup prep-step or weekly treatment.
So whether it’s puffiness, dullness or darkness that’s getting you down, you’ll find a fast solution for your peepers in our edit of the best.
Patchology EyeRevive FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels, $24 at mecca.com.au
Best for: De-puffing the eyes
Soaked in caffeine and collagen, these silky-textured gels will instantly soothe tired eyes. Pop a pair in the fridge and keep restocking for S.O.S situations.
Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Pure Hydra Eye Patch, $117 at sephora.com.au
Best for: Dry eyes and crow’s feet
This golden pot of 30 patches is a godsend for dry, crepey eyes. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin deeply hydrate for plumper, glowing skin in 10 minutes.
Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Eye Mask, $99 at davidjones.com
Best for: Targeting wrinkles
Designed for use in the morning, these eye masks feature Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology to provide immediate anti-wrinkle benefits. They also work a treat on smile lines, so try popping a pair on each area pre-makeup for smoother foundation application.
Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer, $194 at myer.com.au
Best for: Dark circles
Rather than being pre-soaked, Chanel’s under-eye mask comes as a separate serum and patch pair. The anti-ageing serum, enriched with a brightening vitamin C complex, is rolled on first, and the patches are then applied on top, to help it penetrate further.
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, $51 at mecca.com.au
Best for: Plumping the skin pre-makeup
Used by Kourtney Kardashian on the regular, these eye gels diminish bags (saggy or puffy), in as little as 10 minutes.
Lancome Advanced Génifique Light Pearl 360 Eye Mask, $18 at lancome.com.au
Best for: A complete eye treatment
This mask works like a total superhero, and makes you look like one too. The sheet wraps all the way around the eye and across the brow bone to smooth and firm the entire area. It’s a slightly lengthier treatment too, with a recommended time of 20 minutes.
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Mask, $41 at sephora.com.au
Best for: Those on the go
If you don’t have time to lay back and treat your eye area, these gold sets have good grip. Pop them on while doing emails or tidying up, for a refresh without the slip ‘n slide.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask, $60 at esteelauder.com.au
Best for: Fine lines and dull skin
Fans of the Advanced Night Repair serum will fall in love fast with its eye mask sister. Providing a big hit of hydration, skin looks more rested and renewed after 10 minutes.
endota Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks 30 pk, $65 at endota
Best for: An all-rounder
A potent blend of hyaluronic acid, caffeine and nurturing plant actives promotes long-lasting hydration and a luminous appearance, gifting the look of a good night’s rest (even if you haven’t had one).