23 Best Under

By Zoe Ruffner and Tracy Achonwa

Under-eye masks may have won over Instagram thanks to everyone from Victoria Beckham to Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford, but as it turns out, the double-tap-worthy treatment also delivers serious complexion rewards. Though not intended for everyday use, they offer a "boost" to the delicate area on especially swollen mornings, notes Hollywood facialist Mila Moursi. (The root causes of that puffiness? Pollution; poor sleep; hot, dry indoor air; inadequate make-up removal; and heavy creams, which can overburden the skin at night, she adds.) With that in mind, sleep soundly knowing that the latest wave of masks are formulated with a wealth of transformative actives for a supercharged appearance upon waking – no matter the previous evening's transgressions.

Composed of gel or woven sheets infused with concentrated serums, eye masks are an effective and targeted treatment for the delicate skin around the socket. Thanks to their occlusive fabric layer – which prevents moisture from being lost through evaporation – the hydration and actives an eye mask is steeped in are readily absorbed by the skin. Under this fabric, focused skincare penetrates more deeply than a stand-alone serum or eye cream, resulting in an eye contour that's immediately plumped and refreshed. And, with choice ingredients for firming (think peptides and collagen) as well as consistent use, they can improve deeper set concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. Here, the best eye masks to stock up on now.

111Skin's charcoal-coloured patches contain regenerative retinol, plumping hyaluronic acid, clearing yarrow extract (not to mention luxe black diamond particles) to transform tired eyes. No wonder they are Victoria Beckham's go-to.

Pros: retinol-rich formula is highly effective for wrinkles, as well as dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation | hydrogel patches adhere well without sliding | mess-freeCons: at the higher end of the price spectrum

Consider Chanel's luxe firming two-step system – a roll-on serum and hydrogel patches stamped with the French house's logo – the 2.55 of eye care.

Pros: massaging rollerball helps drain fluid from puffy eyes | roll-on serum can be used long after you’re out of patches | very InstagrammableCons: contains only two patches

Self-care and positive affirmations go hand in hand. Tick both off of your to-do list with Wishful's gold eye patches, masks every bit as empowering as the tag they’re emblazoned with. They energise the eye contour with a blend of skin-tightening peptides, plus supercharge collagen production over time with the help of rose extract. As if that wasn't enough, they also give a snatched guide for effortless eyeliner: simply place and trace with your kohl of choice for a lifted, feline flick.

By Hannah Jackson

By Emma Spedding

By Alice Cary

Pros: boost collagen | infused with firming, line-smoothing peptides | non-slip | travel-friendlyCons: not suited to those who like their patches dripping with moisture – these are the sticky, lifting variety

Stave off signs of ageing with Estée Lauder's celebrity-approved reparative eye treatment, a must-have for frequent travellers and evening revellers alike.

Pros: soothes sensitive eyes | improves the appearance of lines | plenty of essence for hydrationCons: excess essence can get messy

A critical component of most cell functions, NAD+ naturally declines with age. In a breakthrough formula that encapsulates the coenzyme in liposomes for direct delivery to the dermis, Intuisse's eye masks work to replenish natural stores of the molecule and reverse signs of senescence. Developed by leading Swiss scientists, these patches boast collagen, pharmaceutical grade NAD+ and peptides – a potent trio that supports healthy ageing, smoothing lines and firming the eye contour. Keep them refrigerated to prolong the life of their active ingredients, and enjoy a cooling refresh whenever your eyes call for it.

Pros: potent, scientifically-proven formula | renovates skin at the cellular level | smooths and soothes all skin types including sensitiveCons: requires assembly, which can be fiddly as serum is separate from the sheets

Designed to be used in tandem with its toning gel serum, BioEffect's glycerin- and hyaluronic acid-infused masks are the perfect treat for tired eyes. Expect softened, supercharged skin after a 15-minute treatment.

Pros: fragrance, oil, and paraben-free | plant-derived and safe for use during pregnancy | hyaluronic acid infused hydrogel patches are deeply moisturising Cons: the gel serum and hydrogel patches are sold separately at most retailers

Stay red-carpet-ready thanks to Jennifer Aniston's facialist, Mila Moursi, whose bio-cellulose patches are made with apple stem cells, royal jelly, and calming ginger root to naturally lift the under-eye area.

Pros: boosts microcirculation to reduce puffiness and dark circles | apple stem cells improve the appearance of wrinkle depth | calms skin with Wild Oat and Chamomile extractCons: steep price tag, but you get what you pay for

Relatively cheap and cheerful, Sephora Collection makes under eye masks that are also incredibly effective. Thanks to an ultra-thin weave of highly absorbent bio-cellulose, these serum-soaked patches boost moisture in just five minutes. Fast acting, they’re a convenient pick-me-up for bleary-eyed, hurried mornings – opt for the cooling cucumber or energising caffeine to start the day looking refreshed and awake.

By Hannah Jackson

By Emma Spedding

By Alice Cary

Pros: provide a rapid refresh | are affordable Cons: they work quickly before drying out, so aren't suited to longer pampering sessions

Infusing skin with Icelandic glacial waters and advanced antioxidants, these crescent-shaped masks deliver a blast of cool for rested and refreshed eyes.

Pros: intensely moisturising | refreshing cooling sensation | antioxidants protect under eyes against further damage Cons: great for hydrating dry eyes but do little to improve fine lines

Infused with a milky prebiotic serum, Jillian Dempsey's 100 per cent natural masks hydrate the eye area while diminishing fine lines – and feel like a second skin. Just ask Patrick Dempsey.

Pros: calms, soothes and nourishes under eyes with a blend of oils and hyaluronic acid | strengthens the skin barrier with balancing prebioticsCons: quite slippery

Patchology's Happy Face Eye Gels have earned such a name for a reason: made with hibiscus, coconut extract, and lotus flower – not to mention a feel-good rose aroma – the tea-infused treatment is a boost for both your skin and senses.

Pros: revitalises tired eyes leaving behind a radiant glow | broad gel design treats a wider area of the under eye | aromatherapeuticCons: contain fragrance which may irritate more sensitive skin types

Erase last night's sins with Stockholm-based Verso's moisturising mask, which is formulated with a unique retinol complex to supercharge the delicate area around the eyes.

Pros: ultra hydrating | hydrogel patches do not slip or slide | uses Retinol 8 (a stabilised form of Retinol) to regenerate skin without irritation Cons: care needs to be taken when peeling off due to tackiness

Free of sulfates and parabens, these all-natural eye stickers – shaped like shooting stars and infused with gold, rose flower oil, and bitter cherry extract – deliver a double-tap-worthy glow.

Pros: contains collagen to kickstart skin's own repair | retinol helps to resurface texture and dark circles that are the result of hyperpigmentationCons: not as big as other under-eye masks and target a smaller area

Experience celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas's sought-after touch from the comfort of your own couch with these brightening eye patches, which are the go-to among many a Hollywood starlet.

By Hannah Jackson

By Emma Spedding

By Alice Cary

Pros: big masks that cover the full under eye and extend down to the cheeks | brightens, lifts lax skin, depuffs, hydrates and firms | gel patches stay put where they are placedCons: handle gently – gel may tear with heavy hands!

Peter Thomas Roth's brightening hydra-gel patches – complete with vitamin C and a wealth of antioxidants – offer a fast fix after a long night out. Pro tip: Store them in the fridge for an instant boost upon waking.

Pros: nourishes and brightens skin with vitamin E and high-strength ferulic acid (vitamin C)Cons: delicate masks can be difficult to remove from the container

Shield the under-eye area against urban pollutants and blue light alike with Mz Skin's detoxifying masks, which are infused with five types of hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation and repair signs of oxidative stress.

Pros: provides a full detox for city-dwellers | treats a wide range of ills including dark circles, puffiness and lines | contains smoothing tetrapeptidesCons: so good, they’ll soon become a gateway to an expensive habit

Sarah Chapman's sculpturally-shaped hydrogel masks may be seemingly made for Instagram, but its active blend of peptides, botanical stem cells, and hyaluronic acid also delivers real-life results – no filter required.

Pros: effective | all-encompassing design targets under eyes, crows feet, and eyelids | can also be worn around the lips to address fine linesCons: best worn laying down as they tend to slide/need adjusting

Shine bright with Wander Beauty's gold foil eye masks, which reduce dark circles with the help of jojoba seed and lavender oils – and zero slip.

Pros: gold foil retains heat for optimum absorption of active ingredientsCons: rich in oils which may be problematic for oily skin types

Fitting snugly over the entire ocular orbit, RéVive's luminous hydrogel mask could pass for superhero fancy dress. And where your eyes are concerned, it does plenty of actual rescuing: this one treats lax lids, laugh lines, and puffy under eyes in one fell swoop, with a silky emulsion of firming proteins and a cooling, radiant serum.

By Hannah Jackson

By Emma Spedding

By Alice Cary

Pros: full coverage of the eye contour brings down swelling and smooths crow's feet | restores a healthy glow to dry skin Cons: you won't want to take it off

A favorite in the Vogue office, BeautyBio's collagen-infused gel masks – made with illuminating pearl and colloidal silver – fake the appearance of a full night's rest, even if life is running at a breakneck pace.

Pros: tightening, refreshing and cooling | colloidal silver soothes irritation | pearl instantly illuminates the eye contour | niacinamide improves skin tone over timeCons: requires regular use to see long-term results

Once carried back from Parisian pharmacies by the trunkful, Klorane's petite patches, laced with anti-inflammatory cornflower, are the not-so-secret weapon of French girls (and those who aspire to be).

Pros: contains natural astringent (cornflower) that relieves water retention and irritation | softens and soothes skin | cost effectiveCons: may dry up quickly

Dreamt up by the Veronika Heilbrunner-approved German beauty brand Magicstripes, these cooling, paraben-free patches, which quickly reduce the signs of a late night, are a favourite among the street style set.

Pros: super hydrating | smooths eye bags | awakens tired eyesCons: serum-soaked, these tend to slide and need adjusting often

Packed with organic aloe, cooling cucumber, and vitamin C to instantly quench dehydrated cells, 100% Pure's verdant biodegradable mask is a green juice for the eyes.

Pros: clean skincare in compostable masks that are kind to skin and the environment | brightens dull eyes with vitamin C | uses aloe vera to tighten and hydrate the eye contour Cons: little excess fluid