The 8 Best Under Eye Mask for Every Concern, from Puffiness to Dark Circles

These cooling gel pads are a celeb fave (Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard love them) and for good reason: They give tired peepers a quick boost. Speaking from personal experience, I also appreciate that they stay in place better than some of the others I’ve tried and are instantly de-puffing. Just peel the backings away, stick them under each eye and go about the rest of your morning routine as they work their magic. Ten minutes later and poof! Eye bags are deflated.

Truthfully, I’d love these gold foil eye masks even if they didn’t work, because they’re just that fun to wear. Luckily, they’re also highly effective, thanks to their three innovative layers: The gold foil retains heat and prevents the serum from evaporating; the elastic prevents the masks from slipping; and the cellulose fiber condenses and delivers the key ingredients (hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil, to name a few) to brighten, hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles. I’ve honestly lost count of the number of times these de-puffing masks have come through for me over the past year.

If you’re looking for a bit more than de-puffing—like, say, softening fine lines or crow’s-feet around the eyes—these rejuvenating masks are a cut above your standard gel masks. Packed with active anti-aging ingredients like retinol and peptides, each mask hydrates the under-eye area immediately (which can help to minimize the appearance of those superficial lines) and plumps up deeper lines over time. Plus, the C shape of these masks is especially adept at covering more surface area, so you’re targeting all the skin around your eyes.

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This French pharmacy staple is an absolute godsend during allergy season. Steeped in soothing cornflower water, arnica and chamomile, they feel like a cold compress against puffy under-eye skin and offer sweet, sweet relief immediately upon application. Unlike other eye masks, they’re not slimy or wet in the slightest, so you never have to worry about them dripping onto your cheeks or leaving behind a trail of gloopy residue as you finish getting ready.

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For the ingredient-conscious folks and those of you with sensitive skin that’s easily irritated, I’d suggest trying these gentle gel masks. Formulated with cold-pressed avocado oil and a blend of lavender, calendula and chamomile, as well as hyaluronic acid, each mask gives tired peepers a quick pick-me-up without stinging or causing additional inflammation. Quite the contrary, I’ve found them to be extremely hydrating and soothing with each and every use.

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A longtime favorite for the most discerning skincare devotees (hi, Mom!), these retinol-infused masks are widely lauded for how effective they are at diminishing fine lines and brightening dark circles with continued use. Admittedly, they’re on the pricier side (which is why I save them for special occasions only), but boy do they get the job done.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a no-frills option that you can use whenever you need a boost, these hydrogel masks are a tad easier on the wallet (but just as easy on the eyes). Bathed in a trifecta of green tea extract, aloe vera and cucumber, they quell swelling and soothe the delicate skin around your peepers. Tip: Pop them into the fridge the night before for an extra-cooling effect to tamp down puffiness.

For the ultimate splurge, look no further than these extra-plumping and hydrating masks that are literally infused with teeny, tiny black diamond particles that help with the absorption of the other superstar ingredients in each hydrogel pad. Hyaluronic acid hydrates dryness, while retinol and peptides work beneath the surface to firm up any crepiness. Add to that Neurobiox, a unique yarrow extract that gently resurfaces dead skin, and you’ve got yourself a potent solution for panda eyes. Pack a set of these ahead of your next international or red-eye flight and emerge from the plane bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.