ONE of the most frequently asked beauty-related questions is: What is the best eye cream?
Next to pimples and acne and skin texture, dark under-eye circles and eye bags are probably the most concerning of all skin issues. Sadly, these seem to be a genetical predisposition. Under-eye circles can be caused by skin pigmentation and eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in the family.
Nevertheless, these can be addressed by potions and creams and patience. Donât expect instant results when you use eye creams, however, no matter how expensive they are.
A relatively new trend in skin care is the use of hydrogel eye patches, which are said to have been invented in South Korea. Most of the eye patches in the market are made of hydrogel and essence or serum, and contain concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, moisturizing and other beneficial ingredients. Some eye masks and patches are made of cloth or some other materials.
These eye patches and masks come out to be more expensive than eye creams, but that is because they offer almost-instant results.
Basically, these patches are like eye masks, except theyâre for your under eye area. They moisturize skin under the eyes and minimize puffiness, as most of them have cooling effects. Theyâre meant to be used two to three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes. They arenât substitutes for a good eye cream but theyâre fun to use. Weâve rounded up some of the masks and hydrogel patches we have tried and what we think of them:
KOCOSTAR TROPICAL EYE PATCH (MANGO)
THIS Tropical Eye Patch made in Korea is a soft hydrogel patch that âsoothes and hydrates the skin around the eyes.
Infused with tropical fruit extracts, the Tropical Eye Patch Series protects the delicate eye zone from external damages, reduces fine lines and adds a healthy glow.â
Itâs called âtropicalâ because it comes in five flavors, each one with a different benefit. Acai berry brightens, coconut hydrates, mango conditions, pitaya (or dragon fruit) restores and papaya brightens. These come in single packs and jars (each one with 30 pairs of patches).
The scent of the mango is subtle so it wonât bother most people. Like most hydrogel masks, this one needs getting used to and they can be slippery but once youâve mastered using them, theyâre easy to put on.
I love the cooling effect and how moisturized the under-eye area looked and felt in the morning. We did not experience any eye irritation while using this.
A jar with 30 pairs costs around P1,700+ at Look at Me, SM Aura Premier.
ESTÄE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATED RECOVERY EYE MASK
THIS comes in a single pack and is meant to be used once a week. The pad and the serum are in one pack and theyâre not integrated. Youâre supposed to break the barrier with your fingers and massage the serum into the dry mask while theyâre both in the pack.
We loved how hygienic this was, although itâs quite expensive at around P2,750 for four pairs. It was worth every cent but if youâre on a budget, this can be quite expensive. If you consider what it can do for the amount you will spend, the eye mask comes off as a good buy. That depends on how badly you want that under-eye area to look and feel better.
Youâll see instant results with the EstÄe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask. After all, this contains their ANR serum, which is the brandâs best-selling skin-care product. Youâll wake up with hydrated under-eyes although youâll probably see its effect on puffiness after two uses. This has been one of the best eye masks/patches we have used. There was no eye irritation with this one, too.
SHISEIDO VITAL PERFECTION UPLIFTING AND FIRMING EXPRESS EYE MASK
THESE eye masks cost P4,200 for 12 pairs but considering that youâll see results after only one or two uses, itâs a matter of how badly you want a more hydrated, moisturized and less puffy under-eye area.
It contains Shiseidoâs âMATSU-ProSculpt Complex that helps to target the look of age-related puffiness in the eye area. KURENAI-TruLift Complex and ReNeura Technology++ strengthen skinâs natural support, while visibly lifting and firming.â Shiseido recommends using it in tandem with the Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream before application of the mask. Recommended use is twice a week.
This retinol eye mask visibly lifts and firms the skin around the eye area, without much effort. It was easy to use and didnât cause any irritation. Youâll see an effect after two uses. The mask, which is also one of the best weâve tried, is bigger than most eye masks/patches and the material is cotton blend.
GOOD MOLECULES CAFFEINE HYDROGEL EYE PATCHES
GOOD Molecules just launched in the Philippines (theyâre available at BeautyMnl) and one of the products we got was the jar of Caffeine Hydrogel Eye Patches.
Good Molecules said âthese caffeine-infused hydrogel masks work to brighten, hydrate, and reduce puffiness around the eyes in just 10 minutes. Theyâre the perfect quick pick-me-up for puffy, tired-looking eyes.â
These eye patches are so immersed in gel that you can barely see the patches when you open them. It comes with a small spatula.
Surprisingly, it was not difficult to use and it was effective in that we woke up to moisturized under-eyes like we had used a good eye cream. As per the instructions on the jar, you are supposed to use this before any skin-care product after cleansing. We used it after all skin-care products have been applied and it still worked.
You get 30 pairs of patches in a jar that costs around P1,125.
MARY KAY HYDROGEL EYE PATCHES
THESE shimmery pink (because itâs Mary Kay) under eye gel pads âdeliver a refreshing burst of hydration to tired, puffy eyes. Youâll see benefits by using these for just 20 minutes twice a week.â
Weâve always said Mary Kay skin care was underrated and this one is no exception. Used regularly, these eye patches addressed dryness and puffiness. Plus, like most hydrogel eye patches, we love the cooling effect.
We didnât experience any eye irritation after using it.
Recommended use is twice a week for 10 minutes each. These cost around P2,500+ for a jar of 30 pairs.