Korean hydrogel eye patches are the best express remedy for removing puffiness, reducing wrinkles and giving the whole face a fresh look.
My review of the best eye patches from the three best representatives of Korean cosmetics is dedicated to those who sleep little and then get upset looking at their circles under their eyes and to those who wake up in the morning as a “beekeeper’s wife.” How to use eye patches correctly, which ones are the most effective and what they are really capable of - I tell you and show you directly on yourself with visual “before” and “after” photos.
My review of the most popular Korean hydrogel patches: black pearl patches Petitefree, patches with Secret Key raccoon and patches with swallow nests SNP.
What do the patches look like?
Patches cannot be confused with anything else. As a rule, they are thin pieces of gel that are smooth to the touch and melt slightly in your hands. The shape of gel stickers usually resembles a crescent, one end of which has a rounded outline - this shape allows you to maximize coverage of the area under the eyes, where the skin needs special hydration and nutrition. Some manufacturers bring a playful aspect and make patches in the shape of a heart, which consists of two half stickers for each eye.
And the latest trend in Korea is fabric patches. They are made from the same fabric as traditional face masks. In essence, these are full-fledged fabric eye masks impregnated with a special composition. But in this article we will look at traditional ones on a water-gel (hydrogel) basis. We'll talk about fabric stickers separately.
What it is
The modern cosmetics market is very diverse. Therefore, girls who care about their appearance and beauty are able to find “helpers” of any effectiveness. Special masks for the area above the cheekbones are extremely popular today.
They were first released by Korean manufacturers. Soon this trend was picked up by companies from Europe, offering customers the same quality product. It consists of oval-shaped patches impregnated with various ingredients.
This is a worthy replacement for creams. There are several types of eye patches; you can wear them at any time of the day. This is very convenient: you do household chores, drive a car or work while the stickers serve you.
Usually the result is noticeable almost after the first use. With regular use, the skin smoothes out, becomes elastic and soft.
How patches work
Hydrogel patches are based on a dense and smooth-to-touch gel, which is obtained from brown algae. The hydrogel perfectly retains moisture, adheres well and, under the influence of temperature, deeply moisturizes the skin, giving it the beneficial substances with which it is impregnated. This material is environmentally friendly and safe; it is also used in the food industry.
The skin in the eye area is very thin and sensitive and requires a special approach. She is more susceptible to external factors and ages faster. And under modern living conditions: poor ecology, lack of sleep and constant stress, even young girls complain about wrinkles under their eyes. Well, dark circles and swelling have become constant companions for many. Patches help quickly tidy up the skin under the eyes and slow down the aging process.
Eye patches: composition
As we said above, hydrogel patches are based on a special gel made from brown algae. In the composition, it can be presented in two varieties: agar-agar (Agar) or carrageenan (Carrageenan / Chondrus Crispus Extract).
Gel stickers, which include more than 5 additives: extracts from plants, fruits and other components, are considered richer in composition and, accordingly, more effective. And the more, the better. Often in their composition you can find aloe extract, Asian centella, snail mucin, gold, pearl powder, swallow's nests and other useful ingredients.
If you want gel stickers to solve a specific problem, pay attention to the following ingredients in the composition.
- Rose extract is perfect for young girls. It delicately moisturizes the skin and stimulates its blood circulation.
- Shea butter, horse fat, swallow's nest extract - suitable for older skin, have a powerful nourishing and smoothing effect.
- Snake venom is good at smoothing out wrinkles, but in reality it rather has a prolonged antioxidant effect, like red wine extract.
- Seaweed is best for relieving swelling. The fact is that seafood contains a large amount of minerals, which ensure lymph flow and reduce swelling under the eyes.
- Aloe, collagen and hyaluronic acid are excellent moisturizers.
- Pearl powder and vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, removes dark circles and brightens well.
Petitefree Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch
Black hydrogel patches with colloidal colloidal gold look very impressive and elegant.
Compound:
Water, glycerin, calcium chloride, butylene glycol, ceratonia silica gum, xanthan gum, crystal crunch powder, hexanediol seed extract, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, bambusa textilis stem extract, pinus palustris leaf extract, ceg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, apex extract, brine shrimp extract, citrus junos fruit extract, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, chlorphenosine, flavor, synthetic fluorphopopite, titanium dioxide (CI 77891), CI 77491 , peat water, alcohol, sodium hyaluronate, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, rose centifolia, cabbage water, aloe barbadensis, leaf extract, gold (0.0001%), pearl extract (0.01%), betaine, allantoin, disodium, EDTA, mineral oil.
Well, now I’ll show you how I “adjust” the shape of the patches to my eyes.
Initially they look like this:
Well, in fact, with a slight movement of the scissors, I cut off the extra corner for me. Chick and that's it!
A large coverage area is one of the main advantages of these eye patches. Actually, their extravagant black color may be stylish and distract from dark circles under the eyes, but still, I don’t really like to attract attention to myself during beauty procedures and therefore prefer translucent “circles under the eyes.”
Otherwise, this is an excellent, efficient product that copes with the tasks exactly as well as the best patches from my review, which I demonstrate in visual before-after photos.
Now black patches can be bought very profitably for $11.66 on the iherb website (in Russia they cost twice as much).
How to use patches correctly
It is better to stick patches on clean and toned skin. It is believed that it is correct to apply them with a narrow, sharp edge to the inner corners of the eyes, and with a wide edge to the area adjacent to the temples. But in reality there is no single rule. You can apply the patches however you want, depending on the result you want to achieve. A wide area in the temple area will help relieve swelling and lighten circles, near the nose - smooth out wrinkles and additionally moisturize the dry skin of the wings of the nose.
Did you know that gel stickers can be used not only under the eyes? They are also applied to other areas of the skin that require hydration: to the nasolabial folds, on the forehead and even on dry elbows.
Most common questions
Let's look at the most common problems that arise before operation.
How to apply eye patches correctly and better
It depends on the type of petals. Hydrogel petals are applied to the skin on either side. But the fabric ones are where the protective film was attached, that is, the material should “look” outward. Crescent-shaped pads are applied with the narrow edge to the temples, and the wide edge towards the bridge of the nose.
How to shoot
This is done from the inner corner. It is recommended to use a special spatula for removal. But if there is none, then wash your hands thoroughly and carefully pick up the product with your fingernail.
Are additional care products needed?
The cosmetic patch sufficiently saturates the epidermis with vitamins and minerals, and also moisturizes, so there is no need to apply creams. But it is possible to use serums if the manufacturer recommends it.
When and at what time of day is it correct to apply eye patches?
The most optimal period is morning. Then the result of the petals will be visible all day. This is convenient in the sense that the patch will not interfere with doing household chores, driving a car or working on a computer. But there are varieties designed for night use. These include, for example, anti-aging masks or products with microneedles.
Let us remind you that we apply pads exclusively to clean skin. Rinse off your makeup thoroughly using micellar water or a specialized gel. This way the result will be more noticeable.
How often to properly apply eye patches
To get a cumulative effect and maximize the health of the dermis, it is recommended to use the petals daily. The minimum result will be obtained by performing procedures 2-3 times a week. If courses of 5 days were chosen, then their frequency is once a month.
How to store
Storage temperature should not exceed 25C. It is also recommended to leave the product in a dark place. Remember that you should only put the patch in the refrigerator if this is indicated in the instructions from the manufacturer. In other cases, the product may not have the desired effect.
For which zones are they intended?
In the classic version, stickers are attached to the area under the lower eyelid. But there are models for the nasolabial part, as well as eyelids, cheeks and cheekbones.
How long should the patches be kept on the eyes, can they be worn longer?
The cosmetic product must be left on for about 15-20 minutes, but some cosmetologists recommend increasing the period to 30-40. But if you purchased a fabric variety, you will have to keep it for about 1-1.5 hours.
It is allowed to leave it overnight, but this makes no sense. During the time allotted to it, it will give up all the beneficial substances, and in the remaining time it can begin to take moisture from the epidermis. This risk especially arises when using hydrogel options.
How long to keep patches under the eyes
The standard time for using the product is 20-30 minutes. The minimum time for them to take effect is 10 minutes. If you forgot to note the time, look at the condition of the sticker - you feel that it has given up all the moisture and has begun to stick to the skin - remove it. It is not recommended to keep the hydrogel on the skin in the eye area for longer than 30 minutes, much less leave it overnight. The fact is that it has a reverse reaction and after thirty minutes begins to “take away” moisture.
Remember the most important rule - patches cannot be overexposed!
What are they made from?
There are two types:
- Fabric. Non-woven cotton is impregnated with special ingredients that resemble classic eye cream. They are sold at low prices, but, according to customer reviews, they are not as high quality as the following.
- Hydrogel. They are made, as the name suggests, from a hydrogel, a jelly-like substance. They fit perfectly to the epidermis, repeating all its curves. Such products remain wet much longer and the period of action increases.
How often can patches be used?
Some people use gel stickers daily in courses of 30 days, some every 2-3 days, and some exclusively before an important event. In fact, there are no restrictions. It is not necessary to use patches within a month if there are 30 pairs in a jar. As a rule, the shelf life allows you to “stretch out” the pleasure for longer. But if you want to achieve lasting results - increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin and forget about circles and puffiness under the eyes - make it a habit to use them every morning before applying makeup.
An open jar should not be kept for more than two months. You can see the expiration date of an opened product on the packaging; it is indicated by an icon and is calculated in months. For example, “12M” means use within 12 months.
Application errors
If used incorrectly, the exact opposite effect can occur. Therefore, let’s consider the main errors:
- Wrong choice for skin type. If you have difficulty determining your type, it is better to purchase universal products containing hyaluronic acid. It is important that there is no intolerance to this component.
- Leave it overnight. You can't do that. After such a long time they dry out. If the ingredients are absorbed too quickly, it is better to apply in two layers.
- No more care. People use a mask, forgetting about other procedures for daily facial care. Remember that you shouldn’t give up other cosmetics.
- Repeated use. Here you should rely on the instructions. If such information is not indicated, then it is no longer possible to use eye patches correctly after the first use.
- Use only in emergency cases. Of course, you are allowed to do this, but you will not achieve the desired result. The product is intended for daily use, and even better - in the morning and evening.
How and where to store patches
Many manufacturers recommend storing patches in the refrigerator. This way they retain their properties longer and relieve swelling better. But this is not necessary, you can simply put them in a dark, cool place.
In an already open jar, it is necessary to close the lid tightly so that the moisture does not evaporate. For the same purpose, it is not necessary to tear off and throw away the protective membrane, this way you will protect the patches from drying out.
Storage rules
Many people value patches for their cooling effect on the skin, and to further enhance this effect, store the packaging in the refrigerator. However, such storage is not at all necessary. Hydrogel applicator strips are initially placed in an emulsion, which is saturated with useful components and retains the moisture content of the product.
The packaging can be kept at room temperature, but preferably somewhere cooler and not exposed to direct sunlight. However, the most important thing during storage is to follow three important rules:
- Close the jar tightly each time;
- Remove patches only with a spatula (usually included in the kit);
- Do not place already used strips in the packaging.
Compliance with these recommendations will preserve the quality of the stickers throughout the entire stage of their use and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora in the serum.
How to make patches at home
If you love DIY home remedies and want to experiment with gel stickers, the recipe is very simple.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar seaweed;
- 100 ml hot water;
- additional supplements depending on the goal you want to achieve (lemon juice, aloe, chamomile or green tea).
As a result, you will end up with rather large bars of gel with a very modest composition, which will most likely slide off in the process, and it will be completely impossible to walk with them. But if you want, experiment.
How to choose patches
To begin with, we note that you can use the product at any age. But experts still believe that the most suitable period is from 25 to 45 years. At 25 years old, the skin is still able to cope with problems and recover on its own, but after 45, more powerful products will be needed.
Thus, you should choose patches based on your age, current skin needs and problems that need to be solved. Our ingredient cheat sheet in point No. 4 (“what are patches for”) or our consultants will help you choose the ones that are right for you.
Right choice
How to choose the right patches for the skin around the eyes?
- Pay primary attention to the composition of the product. It is he who determines the main purpose. Collagen moisturizes and rejuvenates. The same goes for hyaluronic acid and peptides. Plant extracts refresh, and vitamins saturate the skin with beneficial microelements;
- It is not at all necessary to immediately buy a standard package of 30 or 60 pieces. You can purchase a pair to try and evaluate the effect. Moreover, it will be unpleasant if an allergy is discovered to the product, then the pack will be completely unsuitable for use.
- take into account the characteristics of the skin. Use products containing oil concentrates with caution if you are allergic to them. Consider the content of other irritants;
- study reviews from cosmetologists and consumers, read the description of the product. From these sources, sometimes you can glean important information that will push you to make a purchase or, on the contrary, make you refuse it;
- balance price and quality. Don't think that only an expensive product can be good. Patches from the middle price category also turn out to be worthy;
Where to buy patches? In St. Petersburg, Moscow and other Russian cities, you can purchase the product in retail cosmetics stores. From anywhere in the Russian Federation - in online stores, as well as through a catalog in a cosmetic network.
How much do eye patches cost?
The cost of patches varies depending on the brand, the number of stickers in the package and the concentration of certain ingredients. Let's say that some patches contain gold in an amount of 10 ppm (per mille), and in others - 100 ppm. The number of useful extracts can also vary: from 5 to 10 or more. So for one pair of gel stickers you can pay from 45 to 350 rubles, for 30 pairs (or 60 pieces - more often the quantity is indicated on the package per piece) - from 950 to 2,000 rubles and more.
We hope we have answered all your questions. And if not, we will be happy to answer! Ask them in the comments. Go to the website and choose the patches you like in our catalog.
Be charming!
Secret Key Pink Racoony
A long time ago I wrote my enthusiastic review of hydrogel gold patches with a “raccoon”, but this is their raccoon relative in pink.
Compound:
Water, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, carrageenan, colloidal gold, butyrospermum parkii (shea) oil, rose flower water, rose extract, rose Damask flower water, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, bambusa textillis stem extract, Pinus Palustris leaf extract, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, houttuynia cordata extract, citrus junos fruit extract, ceratonia silicone gum, butylene glycol, potassium chloride, sodium hyaluronate, glucose, synthetic fluorophoropite, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, titanium dioxide, carmine, tin oxide , disodium edta, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, ci 77491, phenoxyethanol, aroma.
The patches themselves in the packaging are laid out in these cute hearts.
If these patches are torn away from each other, you get this “broken heart” and at the same time, two patches.
In general, what can I say, I may have praised Gold Racoony, because... there was simply nothing to compare it to. But now, I’ll still say that I can’t call either the previous raccoons or these pink ones not just the best, but generally even functional. The shape is, to put it mildly, controversial, and the patches themselves are half the size of the other two competitors.
Mimimi? Undoubtedly! But will I buy them again? I doubt!
Now the price for patches with a raccoon is $18 on the iherb website
