Whenever My Dark Circles Act Up, I Reach for This One Product

When it comes to beauty, it's my job as an editor to know a basic amount about a lot. You see, I don't have dry skin or curly hair, for example, but I know enough about these things that I can advise people on the best products to buy and enlist expert help to cover any blind spots. However, when it comes to common beauty scenarios that I can relate to, trust me when I say I know pretty much all there is to know.

One beauty hang-up I know all too well is that of dark circles and sunken eyes. A combination of genetics, sun-induced pigmentation and a general state of exhaustion means that I've battled dark, tired-looking eyes for the entirety of my adult life. I've tried every glow-boosting cream there is, massaged my face silly and even considered injectables in a bid to make my eyes look more alive. 

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(Image credit: @SHANNONLAWLOR)

Believe me when I say I have tried every eye product out there. And while I stand by the fact that dark circles are inherently genetic and very few topical skincare products can change their appearance, I do know that there are a handful of products that help me look more awake—the most effective being under-eye masks. 

As someone who really champions sustainability in skincare, I would like for you to know that I don't advocate buying single-use products in bulk. In fact, every time I use a single-use product, I cry a little bit inside. However, after ditching sheet masks two years ago (seriously, I haven't missed them at all), switching my bottled products to refills wherever possible and making a conscious effort to recycle all of my beauty products in their entirety, I feel a little better about reaching for disposable under-eye masks once every few months (at least until I find a product that works as well). 

So if you too feel at a loss with tired eyes and don't find that your eye cream is up to the job, keep scrolling for the best under-eye masks out there, whatever your concern. (Just remember to use them sparingly for the sake of the planet!)

1. Dior Backstage Eye Reviver Patches

Best Luxury Under-Eye Masks

2. 111 Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask

Best De-Puffing Under-Eye Masks

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

Best Affordable Under-Eye Masks

4. Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

Best Tightening Under-Eye Masks

5. Uklash Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Best Hydrating Under-Eye Masks

6. The Body Shop Cooling Cucumber Eye Sheet Mask

Best Invigorating Under-Eye Masks

7. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Best Cooling Under-Eye Masks

8. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks

Best Smoothing Under-Eye Masks

9. Decree Revitalising Eye Mask

Best All-Round Under-Eye Masks

10. MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Masks

Best Expert Under-Eye Masks

11. Patchology FlashPatch Restoring Night Eye Gel Masks

Best Night-Time Under-Eye Masks

12. Wishful Eye Lift & Contour Double Peptide Hydrogel Mask

Best Lifting Under-Eye Masks

Next up, trust me—these are the best under-eye concealers to help disguise dark circles.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.