Eye Patches Before Makeup: Pro-Tips for the Perfect Application

under eye patches and eye masks pre-makeup tips

Let's spill the tea on the beauty secret that's taking over TikTok faster than you can say "get ready with me." If you're not putting on eye patches before your makeup routine, you're missing out on the kind of glow-up that would make anyone do a double-take. Trust me, your under-eye area is about to become your favorite feature!

Why Eye Patches Are Your New BFF

Remember that time you tried to cover up your dark circles, and your concealer decided to play hide and seek in your fine lines? Yeah, we've all been there. But here's the game-changer: prepping your under-eye area with patches isn't just another step in your routine—it's the foundation of that "I actually got my eight hours" look we're all chasing.

The magic happens when you give these little crescents of joy about 10-15 minutes to work their wonders. They're basically like a power smoothie for your skin, packed with ingredients that make tired eyes say "thank u, next" to puffiness and dark circles. And unlike your ex, these actually deliver on their promises!

The Secret Sauce: What Makes Eye Patches Work Their Magic

restoring night jar retinol peptides smoothing under eye masks

The Science Behind the Glow-Up

Let's spill the tea on why these little hydrogel heroes are the equivalent of giving your under-eyes a first-class ticket to Glowville.

First up: your under-eye area is basically the drama queen of your face—it's super delicate (like, "don't look at me" delicate) and your under-eyes have thinner skin than the rest of your face. This means it needs extra TLC, especially before you layer on makeup.

Ingredient All-Stars: The A-Team of Under-Eye Care

Eye patches contain a combination of ingredients that target common under-eye concerns. These ingredients work together to address issues such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, aiming to improve the appearance of the under-eye area.

Harnessing the Power of Ingredients

Indulge in the luxurious world of skincare with eye patches that are formulated with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C. Each ingredient plays a vital role in targeting specific skin concerns, working together to deliver visible results.

Hyaluronic Acid: Think of it as your skin's personal water bottle challenge. This hydration heavyweight can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! It's like having a microscopic moisturizer army plumping up your skin from within. When your under-eye area is properly hydrated, concealer glides on smoother than your favorite true crime podcast host's voice. See Rejuvenating >

Peptides: These are like your skin's personal trainers, encouraging collagen production like that one super motivational friend who gets you to sign up for 6 AM workout classes. They help firm and tighten the area, making your concealer less likely to crease than your silk pillowcase. See On Ice >

Niacinamide: The ultimate peace-keeper of your skin barrier, this ingredient is basically the diplomat of the beauty world. It helps brighten dark circles while keeping inflammation in check—think of it as sending your under-eye bags on a permanent vacation. See Bubbly >

The Immediate Gratification We All Crave

Here's where it gets juicy (pun absolutely intended)! The hydrogel material itself is like a sheet mask targeting an area of our face most likely to show puffiness, dryness, and dark circles—it's designed to slowly release these powerhouse, nourishing ingredients into your skin while also providing an occlusive barrier.

This means:

  1. Your under-eye area gets an intense moisture boost of nourishing ingredients

  2. The cooling effect helps deflate puffiness faster 

  3. The physical barrier prevents moisture loss, letting those nourishing ingredients really sink in unlike your eye cream

Why This Prep Step is Everything for Makeup

When your skin is hydrated and smooth, your concealer has something nice to hold onto instead of clinging to dry patches like a needy ex. 

The result? Your makeup glides on smoother than a pickup line at a bar, but actually works!

Choosing Your Perfect Eye Patch Match

For those 'I Need Coffee ASAP' Mornings

Let's be real—it might be a sleepless night, an early morning start, or just not enough hours in the day (or night) situation. That's where On Ice Eye Gels come in clutch. Pop these babies in the fridge (right next to your oat milk), and you've got yourself a spa-worthy treatment that takes "morning refresh" to a whole new level.

The cooling sensation isn't just feels-amazing-vibes; it's actually working to reduce puffiness, making On Ice patches ideal for the AM. Plus, the peptides and bakuchiol work to firm and smooth your under-eyes.

For the "Time Is Not My Friend" Situation

Meet your new secret weapon: Rejuvenating Eye Gels. These overachievers are packed with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and collagen that work overtime so you don't have to. Think of them as your personal time machine.

They're particularly amazing for those mornings when "just one more episode" turned into a full-season binge. 

For the "Need an Instant Pick-Me-Up" Moments

Enter Perk Up Eye Gels—the equivalent of a green juice for your under-eyes, but way more fun. These are your go-to when you need to look alive for that surprise Zoom call or impromptu brunch plans. Packed with brightening ingredients like green tea, white mulberry extract, and bergamot, they're basically a caffeine boost in patch form.

Application Techniques 

The Perfect Prep

Proper skin preparation is essential for maximizing the benefits of Patchology eye masks. Begin by cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This removes makeup, dirt, and impurities, creating a clean canvas for your Patchology eye patches.  

Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin's natural oils, potentially leading to dryness or irritation. After cleansing, gently pat the skin dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can tug at the delicate under-eye area and potentially contribute to wrinkles.  

A clean and dry under-eye area allows the Patchology eye mask ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, to effectively penetrate the skin and deliver their intended results, whether it's reducing puffiness, diminishing dark circles, or smoothing fine lines.  This preparation ensures optimal adhesion of the Patchology eye mask and enhances the overall experience and efficacy of your under-eye treatment.

Pro-tip: If you're doing a full skincare routine, apply your patches after toner but before serums. It's like building the perfect playlist—order matters!

how to wear eye patches under-eye masks patchology

The Placement Sweet Spot

Here's where we channel our inner makeup artist. Position the patches just below your lower lash line, with the wider end toward your outer corner. They should look like cute little crescents hugging your under-eye area. 

Remember to press gently to ensure good contact. Think of it like applying a sticker—you want it to stick, but you're not trying to seal an envelope here.

Making the Most of Your Patch Time

The Multitasking Queen's Guide

Those 10-15 minutes while your patches are working their magic? That's prime multitasking time! Browse your favorite beauty blog (hello!), plan your outfit for tomorrow, or do a quick kitchen cleaning session. Some skincare gurus even apply their eye patches first, then do their hair while waiting. 

Pro-tip: Set a timer on your phone. While they're gentle, you don’t want to overdo it. 

The Perfect Follow-Up: Your Makeup Game Plan

Prep for Perfection

Once you've removed your patches (gently, please—we're not ripping off a Band-Aid here), you'll notice your under-eye area feeling smoother than your favorite silk pillowcase. Take a moment to gently pat in any remaining serum. This is liquid gold, people—don't waste it!

Building Your Base

Now comes the fun part! Start with a hydrating eye cream—yes, even after patches. Think of it like double cleansing but for moisture. Then, go in with your favorite eye primer if you're using one. The combination of patches and primer creates the kind of smooth base for your makeup. 

Tips for Different Skin Types

Sensitive Souls

If your skin is more sensitive start with using patches once or twice a week. Look for patches with calming ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera. The On Ice collection can be particularly soothing, especially when chilled.

Dry Desert Vibes

For skin that's dry and thirsty for moisture (especially after a long flight), opt for patches rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The Rejuvenating Eye Gels are your best bet here. 

Why you’ll love Rejuvenating Eye Patches: 

  • Caffeine: improves micro-circulation for brighter tone and reduce puffiness sodium

  • Hyaluronate: naturally binds moisture to the skin

  • Centella Asiatica: encourages collagen production while inhibiting skin inflammation hydrolyzed

  • Collagen: improves skin hydration, elasticity, tone and density

  • Portulaca oleracea extract: brightens the under eye. Rich in vitamin C and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Pro-tip: Apply a thin layer of your favorite hydrating serum before the patches for an extra moisture boost.

Oily and Combination Crews

Yes, you can (and should) use eye patches too! Look for oil-free formulations that won't feel heavy. The Bubbly Eye Gels are perfect for this skin type, providing hydration without the heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Patches

Can I apply makeup immediately after removing the patches?

Absolutely! That's the whole point, bestie. Just make sure to gently pat in any remaining serum and wait about 60 seconds before going in with makeup. This gives your skin time to fully absorb all that goodness.

Help! My concealer always creases. Will eye patches fix this?

Okay, quick question—are you waiting for your eye cream to fully absorb before going in with concealer? Eye patches are your personal crease-fighting go-to! They prep the area by deeply hydrating and smoothing, which means your concealer is less likely to settle into fine lines. Look for concealers or this one from ColorPop with nourishing skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid.  

Pro-tip: After removing the patches, wait that magic 30 seconds, then use a tiny bit of eye primer before your concealer. 

Should I put eye patches on before or after shower?

This is giving major "chicken or egg" energy, but here's the deal: Post-shower is your bestie. Why? Your pores are all open and ready to soak up those juicy ingredients like a beauty sponge! Plus, you don't want all that shower steam and water messing with your patch game. Think of it like this: shower, skincare, patches, then makeup.

Can I do my eye makeup while wearing the patches?

Genius question! And yes, you totally can—welcome to the multiverse of makeup efficiency! Pop on your patches, then go to town on your eye shadow, liner, and brows. The patches actually catch any shadow fallout (we see you, glitter lovers!), keeping your under-eye area pristine. Just remember to finish your eye makeup before removing the patches and starting your base.

How often should I use eye patches?

woman wearing illuminating eye patches brighten dark circles

Like your favorite playlist, this depends on your personal needs. For maintenance, 2-3 times a week is perfect. If you're prepping for a special event or dealing with extra tiredness, daily use is totally fine. Listen to your skin—it usually knows what's up!

What's the deal with refrigerated eye patches?

Chilled patches are like an iced matcha for your under-eyes—so refreshing and de-puffing! While all patches work at room temp, popping them in the fridge takes them to the next level, especially if you're dealing with morning puffiness or post-crying sessions (no judgment, we've all been there!). Pro-tip: Keep a few pairs in a mini skincare fridge for those "need to look alive in 5 minutes" emergencies.

How do I stop my patches from sliding around?

Nothing's worse than your eye patches trying to ghost you mid-routine! Here's the tea: make sure your skin is clean and relatively dry before application—think of it like applying a temporary tattoo. Gently press them into place and avoid moving around too much. If you're still having slip-and-slide issues, try storing them flat in the fridge—the cooling effect can help them stick better.

Can I layer patches with other products?

You're giving skincare scientist energy and we're here for it! While it's tempting to cocktail every product in your beauty arsenal, let your patches do their thing solo on clean skin. Think of them like a diva performer—they need their moment to shine! Save your serums and creams for after the patches come off. Exception to the rule: a super-light essence or toner underneath can actually help the patches stick better and penetrate deeper.

The Perfect Patch Quiz

Not sure which eye patch is best for you? Take our quick quiz to find your perfect match! Simply answer a few questions about your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle, and we'll match you with your ideal eye patch bestie. Because finding the right eye patch shouldn't be difficult!

Shopping Guide: Building Your Eye Patch Wardrobe

The Starter Kit

New to the eye patch game? Start with our Eye-Tinerary Eye Patch Bundle, which includes:

  • 5 pairs of Rejuvenating Eye Gels
  • 5 pairs of Restoring Night Eye Gels
  • 5 pairs of Illuminating Eye Gels
  • 5 pairs of Rosé Eye Gels

The Pro Bundle

Ready to commit? The Night & Day bundle is your ticket to eye patch nirvana:

  • 30 pairs of Rejuvenating with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to give your under eyes a boost each morning
  • 30 pairs of Restoring Night with retinol and peptides to smooth and firm your eyes

Wrap-Up: Your Journey to Bright Eyes Starts Here

Remember when we thought cucumber slices were the height of eye care luxury? Oh, how far we've come! Today's eye patches are like those cucumbers got a PhD in skincare science and a makeover all at once. Whether you're dealing with perpetual tired eyes, occasional puffiness, or just want to level up your makeup game, there's an eye patch out there with your name on it.

The key to success? Consistency. Like your favorite coffee order or your signature scent, make eye patches a regular part of your beauty routine. Your future self (and your concealer) will thank you!

Ready to start your eye patch journey? Head over to our shop to explore the full collection, or take our quiz to find your perfect match. Your eyes are about to become your best feature—and yes, that's totally worth celebrating with a selfie!

Eye-Catching Eye Gels

Ditch the dull and dive into delightful! It's time to de-puff and elevate your glow.