I'm a Beauty Editor—This Is the Quick-Fix Product I Swear By When I'm Tired and in a Rush

Disclaimer: I'm one of those people who's basically always tired. In fact, "I'm tired" is pretty much my standard response to anyone who asks how I am during the week. (Yes, I'm very much aware that I'm a total hoot.) It does, however, mean that my new party trick is being able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat—any time, any place.

Sure, it might not be as impressive as being able to tie a cherry in a knot using just my tongue (Side note: Do people actually do this?), but cat naps on the tube and weekend sofa snoozes are the only way to make up for a night of disturbed sleep. Well, that and keeping a stash of a certain product on hand for those occasional mornings when there's just no hiding the tiredness.

My beauty secret weapon of choice comes in the form of under-eye patches. A backstage staple in the kits of makeup artists—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Ashley Graham has been spotted wearing them to prep tired skin for photo shoots and red carpet events—they're brilliant at de-puffing and brightening dark circles in just a few minutes. Although it's not a product that I recommend using every single day as they aren't reusable, on the days where you feel like you need something a little bit extra, they are the perfect addition to your routine.

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(Image credit: @VICTORIABECKHAM)

What Are the Best Under-Eye Patches to Use?

In my opinion, the best under-eye patches are made with a gel-based formulation. Lots come individually packaged (although there are also some gems that come mass-packed in pots) and are saturated in hydrating serums specially designed to refresh tired peepers. Although I don't use them all the time, when I do I tend to pop a pair on after cleansing my face in the morning and then get on with the rest of my morning routine, as the best under-eye patches stay put so you don't have to worry about sitting still while they get to work.

@emmahoareau wearing an under-eye mask

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

If you're new to under-eye patches, knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming, as there's such a huge variation in price point and formulation. However, worry not—I'm pretty confident at this point that I've tried most of them and know which eye masks are genuinely worth the cash.

Keep scrolling to shop my 10 best under-eye patches to disguise late nights and sleepy mornings.

junior beauty editor @gracelindsay__ testing under-eye patches

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

We've tested some of the most popular under-eye patches on the market.

The Best Under-Eye Patches to Try Now

1. 111SKIN Cryo Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask

2. Garnier Hyaluronic Acid and Orange Juice Hydrating Brightening Eye Sheet Mask

3. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches

4. PIXI Dream-y Eye Patches Smoothing Eye Patches

5. Patchology MoodPatch Perk Up Eye Gels

6. STARSKIN Eye Catcher Smoothing Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Eye Masks

7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

8. BEAUTYPRO Eye Therapy Under Eye Mask with Collagen and Green Tea Extract

9. UKLASH Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

10. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Under Eye Patches

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Mica Ricketts