There's a time-honoured creative cliché you probably learned in high school English class: write what you know. Well, friends, if I know anything, it's how to hide a hangover. As a 23-year-old woman who's had her share of late nights, I've become somewhat of an expert when it comes to rolling into the office on Friday morning without looking like I just stepped out of a dive bar.
Whether you had a little too much fun last night or you just spent all evening tossing and turning like an insomniac, there's one thing you can do to look bright-eyed and alert when you're feeling anything but that. The cure is slapping on an eye patch. No, not a pirate-esque black mask, but an adhesive gel that awakens and revives dull skin.
Ahead, find 15 editor-approved eye patches that will help you fake a full night's sleep. Party on, Wayne.
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Not only is this Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Mask [1] ($25) made of gold (see above), it also contains aloe leaf extract to soothe stress. And the fancy appearance isn't just a gimmick: the luxe foil actually retains hydration, so all the hydrating hyaluronic acid goes straight to your skin, where you need it.
Blaq Hydrogel Eye Mask
I'm usually one of the first people at my office in the morning, so I actually keep a pack of these Blaq Hydrogel Eye Masks [2] ($29) at my desk. If there's no one around to catch me, I'll put one of these on. By the time my coworkers arrive, no one will know I drank an alarming amount of red wine the night before. That's because these gels contain activated charcoal that immediately draws out toxins that make me look like a Puff-asaurus Rex.
Guerlain Super Aqua-Eye Patches
OK, so the Guerlain Super Aqua-Eye Patches [3] ($132) might not be the most cost-effective option out there. But I blew last year's tax return on a single pack of these, and I have no regrets. What makes this luxe option so worth the splurge is the fact that the results last the longest. The desert rose flower complex-infused formula is seriously hydrating and takes years off your face. Seriously, I look about 5 years old after taking off one of these youth-inducing things.
E.L.F. Hydrogel Under Eye Masks
And yet, you can still ball on a budget. You want proof? Look no further than these affordable E.L.F. Hydrogel Under Eye Masks [4] ($8). Ingredients like purified water, seaweed, and licorice all work together to undo dark spots and hydrate like crazy.
Oh K! Awaken & Soothe Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye Gel Patches
If you've got time to spare and want to treat yourself, throw on one of these Oh K! Awaken & Soothe Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye Gel Patches [5] ($7) for 30 minutes. You'll notice visibly softer, brighter skin, courtesy of K-beauty ingredients like ginseng and eucalyptus.
Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Mask
Look past the creepy name: these Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks [6] ($47) are what dreams, not nightmares, are made of. The "dragon's blood" in question is actually sap from the Croton lechleri tree, which studies have shown [7] works as a natural deswelling agent. I learned this firsthand when a quarter-size dollop of shampoo got stuck in my eye and left the area super red the night before a party. I slapped on one of these bad boys and felt the irritation wither away. Just call me the mother of dragons.
Peter Thomas Roth Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Sing it with us: this Peter Thomas Roth Hydra-Gel Eye Patch [8] ($75) brings 24-karat magic to your eyes. Yes, actually. Although I think most of us leave the masking to nighttime, I actually pop these on while I'm getting dressed in the morning. It only takes 10 minutes for the hyaluronic acid, collagen, and caffeine-infused patches to pamper my eyes and leave me looking like a golden girl.
Masque Bar Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches
If you've got a small face, you might notice that some eye patches don't fit. I've even busted out some scissors to cut certain masks so things rest easy under my eye. I love how the Masque Bar Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches [9] ($10) are small, ensuring a good fit on just about everyone.
Lancome Absolue L'Extrait Ultimate Eye Patch
This Lancome Absolue L'Extrait Ultimate Eye Patch [10] ($50) has more of a soothing balm texture, so I put these puppies over my dark circles when I'm feeling (and looking) sick. This option is made of bio-cellulose, a natural fiber that can hold up to 100 percent of its weight in water. That ingredient helps deliver a blast of hydration that will nix any rough red patches.
Elisha Coy Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
These K-beauty Elisha Coy Hydrogel Eye Patches [11] ($14) utilize 70 percent highly concentrated snail extract. You might already know that viral ingredient is known to cure acne [12]. It works the same elasticizing magic under your eyes to keep you looking alert and awake. Plus, it has antiaging properties that help keep the very sensitive skin beneath your peepers bright.
Patchology Eye Revive FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels
You're a busy person who has important things to do, so you can't always wait around for 15 or 30 minutes to let your patch do its thing. Enter the Patchology Patchology Eye Revive FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels [13] ($15), which contain a catch-all mix of collagen and caffeine. So whether your target issue is antiaging, tiredness, red areas, puffiness, or all of the above, these will kill it fast.
Sephora Collection Rose Eye Mask
Relax before a big event with this naturally made Sephora Collection Rose Eye Mask [14] ($5). The floral ingredients contain vitamins that boost radiance and shine.
Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches With Soothing Cornflower
If you're traveling, you might want to slip a few of these Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches With Soothing Cornflower [15] ($24) into your carry-on. The star ingredient treats fatigue and dryness, and since the gel itself is see-through, you could almost get away with using one of these in public. Almost.
MDNA Skin The Eye Mask
If you wake up with puffy eyes, then you're in good (and badass) company. Total legend Madonna [16] told us that she does [17], too. Her solution? "If it's early in the morning, the first thing I have to do is put ice on my eyes and do things to make the swelling go down." She also copped to throwing her very own MDNA Skin The Eye Mask [18] ($120) in the fridge before use. I'm too lazy to do that, but whenever I use this thermal-water-infused option, my skin looks firm and contoured. No one ever knows that I danced to "Like a Virgin" at 2 a.m. the night before.
Tony Moly My Little Pet Eye Patch
Green tea and sunflower seed extract make up this beyond-cute Tony Moly My Little Pet Eye Patch [19] ($5). Unlike other options, it softens skin without leaving gooey residue behind — so your makeup won't slide around if you apply it after using this.