There's a new, must-have accessory and all the 'it' girls are sporting it. It's not one (or five) of those funny-looking Labubu plush charms, it's not the new Gucci Giglio bag. The most covetable - and dare we say affordable - accessory to hit our social media feeds of late is the humble under-eye patch. It's not exactly new. Under-eye patches have long been a beauty essential for make-up artists getting A-listers ready for a big red carpet event and celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Anne Hathaway, but there's a fresh buzz around this beauty buy and it's largely down to a new legion of high-end fashion brands getting in on the under-eye act. Stamped with instantly recognisable monograms from the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, under-eye patches have fast undergone a transformation from skincare staple to status symbol.
There's no denying they make for a cracking selfie. Whether you opt for a high-fashion flex or an established skincare classic like 111Skin under-eye patches, which feature in the prep kits of make-up artists the world over, smooth a set of these onto your face for a picture and your content screams 'skincare savvy'.
Founder of Inde Wild Diipa Khosla recently launched the reusable, sillicone-based Luminary Under Eye Patches which are intended to be used in conjunction with the brand's Luminary Eye Concentrate, £30, to help deepen the penetration of its ingredients (though these are only available in the US for now), while rumour has it that Hailey Bieber is on board too, having teased Rhode embossed under-eye patches on Instagram last month. But, great selfie potential aside, how effective are these camera-ready products when it comes to caring for the delicate skin around your eyes? Consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall weighs in.
Do under-eye patches actually work?
'I see eye patches as a short term boost,' says Dr Hextall, 'most iterations work to cool the skin to reduce puffiness immediately, they cause vasoconstriction to reduce the appearance of dark circles, and they hydrate to plump the skin.'
There are a myriad of under-eye patches to choose from. A good one will start working instantly to cool and hydrate your skin, delivering de-puffing results a few minutes later. When picking the right patches for you, take care to consult the ingredients list. 'Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin will draw moisture to your skin and keep it there,' notes Dr Hextall, 'caffeine will reduce inflammation and vasoconstrict to reduce dark circles and niacinamide and vitamin C can brighten and reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation.' Dr Hextall continues, 'if you're trying to create more collagen, look for actives like retinoids and peptides which can provide long term benefits in this area.' Always do a patch test before using. The skin around your eyes is some of the most delicate on your face and often easily irritated.
When it comes to using under-eye patches correctly, Dr Hextall recommends always cleansing the area first to remove pollutants that could otherwise get trapped under the under-eye masks and damage or irritate the skin there. Apply patches to dry skin to create adhesion in the area and leave them on as per the pack's instructions. If there are actives in the formula, don't overuse the masks too frequently or for extended periods of time, which can lead to irritation. With that in mind, these are the best ones to shop now.
Shop: The best under-eye patches to buy now

What the brand say: 'Made in Korea, these hydrating, non-slip hydrogel eye patches are uniquely shaped to fit the under-eye area. Infused with caffeine and peptides, they help refresh, soothe and de-puff the appearance of tired eyes—anytime, anywhere.'
What we know: Those who know and love Summer Fridays will be well acquainted with the brand's cult classic Jet Lag Mask® + Moisturizer, a multitasking trailblazer that tends to compromised skin on-the-go or overnight. Now available in eye-patch form, the celebrity-backed launch (model Jasmine Tookes says she is 'obsessed' with them) boasts moisture retaining humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, depuffing and firming caffeine and peptides, and a comforting cocktail of niacinamide, cucumber extract and pantheno.
****Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'These are without a doubt some of my favourite under-eye patches. As a fan of the brand - I use the Jet Lag™ Deep Hydration Serum, £44, every day - these patches don't disappoint. They deliver the same refreshing hit and soothe instantly. Much like Tookes, I'm obsessed!'
Pros
- Soothing and noruishing formula
- Kind on sensitive skin
Cons
- Only six patches per pack

111skin.com
What the brand say: 'Introducing a revolutionary needle-free solution for fine lines and wrinkles. The Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches precisely target expression lines through innovative microcone technology that is clinically proven to give 2x the absorption speed and depth of active ingredients than topical skincare. These tiny needle-like structures dissolve upon contact with skin’s moisture to deliver a potent blend of Retinol, Vitamin C and a powerful Peptide complex.'
What we know: 111 Skin certainly know a thing or two about industry-standard face masks, in fact they are a staple backstage and pre-red carpet for a number of celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham.
****Sameeha Shaikh**, beauty writer, says: '**On my wedding morning, my bridal make-up artist, Roqa, applied a pair of these to my skin ahead of giving me the makeover of my dreams. The under-eye patches instantly signalled a moment of calm amid the wedding day chaos and primed my skin for a moment of full glam that lasted me all day.'
Pros
- Includes a potent blend of actives
- Celebrity-backed
Cons
- Not logoed like other options

www.selfridges.com
What the brand says: 'The first Dior Eye Patches, true digital fatigue saviours, visibly reduce signs of fatigue commonly linked to screen use. In just 10 minutes, the eye area is cooled by 4.5°C, and skin is twice as hydrated and appears brighter.'
What we know: Sealed with a duo of hyaluronic acids to plump, niacinamide to brighten and pure caffein to help decongest, this fashion forward set takes functional beauty to the next level.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Embossed with the immediately recognisable Dior logo, it's hard not to want a pair of these. Far from just being fashionable and easy on the eye (pun intended), these patches a loaded with a cocktail of hardworking ingredients that refresh and alleviate signs of fatigue.'
Pros
- Luxury option that is fashionable and functional
- Features Double Hydrogel technology for optimal flexibility and adhesion
Cons
- Pricey

www.sephora.co.uk
What the brand says: 'Fade the look of discoloration and wake up your under-eye area with these cooling, brightening hydrogel masks.'
What we know: Enter the disruptive beauty brand that really has made under-eye patches incredibly cool. Topicals' authentic approach to skin problems comes alongside science-backed, expertly created formulas that work across all skin tones and types.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'It goes without saying that when Topicals finally launched on home soil after making big waves in the USA, we were eager to try every single offering. One of my top takeaways were these masks. They combine a powerhouse of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and alpha arbutin, to help visibly reduce the look of discoloration. But it doesn't stop there. It also contains caffeine to depuff and energize, and before you ask, despite boasting some serious actives, it is suitable for sensitive skin.'
Pros
- Includes powerhouse of actives
- Works on sensitive skin
Cons
- Not as adhesive as others

www.dolcegabbana.com
What the brand says: 'The No-Puff Caffeine Eye Patches are the ultimate beauty accessory designed to instantly refresh and awaken the undereye area. With a bold DG monogram pattern inspired by the Dolce&Gabbana fashion codes, these eye patches offer a luxurious, picture-worthy self-care step to any skincare routine. The No-Puff Caffeine Eye Patches include 5 pairs of eye gel pads, packaged in individual sachets within a reusable tin case that matches the stylish monogram. These easy-to-apply patches leave the eye area looking refreshed, brightened, and ready for anything.'
What we know: D&G definitely got the memo with these. Designed with those social media sharable moments in mind, the masks are some of the most impressive to look at. Plus, they come equipped with hardworking ingredients, too, like Italian coffee extract to refresh and adenosine to firm.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This is as chic as beauty can get. Nude and decorated with the brand's covetable logo, these under-eye masks take a moment of self-care to new high-fashion heights. Easy to apply, after just 15 minutes of use, they leave me looking more awake and revived thanks to a clever combination of coffee extract and adenosine.'
Pros
- Accessible price point
- Comes with a stylist reusable tin case
Cons
- Offers less active ingredients than others

www.mzskin.com
What the brand says: 'A gold infused, anti-ageing eye treatment mask saturated with a complex of active ingredients to smooth and minimise the appearance of fine lines.'
What we know: Founded by oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani, MZ Skin has a special understanding of eye care, given its namesake is a leading expert in eyelid surgery and rejuvenation of the area around the skin. These masks boast collagen, hyaluronic acid and seaweed to help brighten discolouration and dark circles, reduce puffiness and boots hydration, and improve elasticity and firmness around the eye.
Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist, says: 'I like these eye patches is because firstly they are made by an oculoplastic surgeon, but Maryam Zamani has also really thought about making sure that the ingredients don't irritate or cause allergies in the eye area. I have no doubt that as a oculoplastic surgeon she has seen a lot of allergy problems around the eye and she wants to avoid that.'
Pros
- Created by an oculoplastic expert
- Gentle, effective formula
Cons
- More on the pricey side

www.selfridges.com
What the brand says: 'The expert duo that creates a youthful appearance in the blink of an eye. Flash Eye Revitalizer illuminates the eye area in two steps: a massage using the roll-on to release the anti-aging serum enriched with a vitamin C complex, followed by the application of revitalising patches. The awakening result is instantly visible.'
What we know: This two-fold treatment comes equipped with 10 eye patches and an anti-ageing serum roll-on, which is infused with vitamins B3, C and E for radiance, as well as an anti-dark circles and anti-puffiness complex. When layered over with the patches, the serum's effectiveness is heightened to help the active formula to penetrate deeper for instant results.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'The roll-on helps to set the mood with its instant cooling, depuffing effect and the patches really work to lock things into place, so it felt as if I was stretching out a well-earned self-care moment. And the results left me bright eyed and rejuivinated.'
Pros
- All-round formula
- Comes with a roll-on serum
Cons
- Some may find the two-step treatment labourious
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
Main image: Instagram @diipakhosla, Instragram @rhode, and Instagram @annehathaway