7 Eye-Mask Tricks That Actually Make A Difference

It’s often a combination of factors that results in eyes appearing dull and lackluster. It could be dehydration that makes lines look more prominent, dark circles that contribute to a tired look, and slack skin that makes you appear less perky than usual. When this is the case, look to formulas that treat the entire eye area rather than targeting smaller patches. Masks such as RéVive’s Instant De-Puffing Gel Eye Mask and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Everything Eye Patches are excellent because they saturate the surrounding skin with moisture and contain ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides, which all help to calm, brighten and strengthen skin.

Applying eye cream sounds straightforward, but for the best results, you should be more strategic in your application, according to expert facialist Georgia Louise. She recommends smiling broadly to identify where your fine lines appear and then liberally applying eye cream to those areas. Everyone’s pattern of lines manifests differently, and this technique will ensure your application method is the correct one for your facial features. It’s simple advice, but the best often is.

As for choosing the appropriate eye cream, rich lotions and oils feel luxurious, and they are great options for overnight use or on days when you plan on wearing little makeup. If, however, you’re following your skincare routine with a creamy concealer or foundation, a lighter-textured formula will reduce the likelihood of makeup slipping during the day. Both Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream and Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream are great options, as they plump, hydrate and, crucially, sink in fast.

Once you’ve tried the CurrentBody LED Eye Perfector Mask, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it. Harnessing the same light-therapy technology used in professional clinics, this sleek device targets everything from crow’s feet to the ‘eleven lines’ between the brows in just three minutes a day. With four powerful wavelengths – amber, red, deep-red and near-infrared – it works to stimulate cellular repair, boost collagen production and instantly enhance overall luminosity around the eyes.

Allergies and staring at a screen for hours on end can leave the skin around your eyes feeling sensitive and warm to the touch. A leave-on gel or cellulose eye mask will help take some of the heat out of skin, especially if you cool them in the fridge first. You’ll find the seaweed in MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask to be particularly soothing, while Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask is so discreet, we have been known to wear it at our desks.

Undereye puffiness can be genetic, but it is made worse by lack of sleep and excess salt and alcohol. If you wake up with puffy eyes, try a light massage with Omorovicza Cooling Derma-Globes. Pop them in the fridge the night before, then press the globes lightly around your eyes – the cool temperature will immediately help tighten skin and you’ll be blown away by the results.

Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum and Kora Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil work in a similar vein. Tilbury’s cooling metal applicator smoothes on the caffeine- and peptide-rich formula, while Kora Organics’ rose-quartz roller-ball applicator cools and lightly massages away congestion under the skin. Keep both in the fridge for an extra-cooling application.

Containing arnica, ginkgo biloba and horse chestnut to stimulate microcirculation, Sisley Eye Contour Mask is the ultimate in-flight essential. Designed to protect the delicate eye area against the low humidity of moisture-sucking airplane cabins, it delivers instant hydration while helping to prevent puffiness and dark circles caused by altitude, dehydration and prolonged sitting.

Unlike traditional eye creams, which can feel too light or too rich mid-flight, its unique gel-like texture creates a breathable, imperceptible film that continues to work even after application, perfect for long-haul flights. Apply a generous layer before take-off and reapply as it sinks in to keep your eye area smooth and refreshed, from boarding to landing.

111Skin’s Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches are incredibly satisfying to use. The masks are small, so you can place them exactly where you want to see results. This could be the lines around your mouth or frown lines, but we love to target the fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes. To use, firmly press the patch into place so the miniscule retinol, peptide and vitamin-C-infused spikes perforate the skin. It sounds medieval, but they are absolutely pain-free and, when you wake up in the morning, you’ll find that the spikes have dissolved while you were sleeping, ensuring the powerful ingredients have been absorbed into your skin.

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