How to Make Easy DIY Under Eye Gel Masks at Home
Creating your own under-eye gel pads at home is not only a fun DIY project but also a great way to ensure you’re using natural ingredients that nourish your skin. These soothing pads can help reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, and leave you feeling refreshed—all without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into this simple and effective recipe for making under-eye gel pads that will have you glowing in no time!
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What are Under Eye Patches for and Do They Actually Work?
Under-eye gel patches have become a skincare staple for many, offering a quick and easy solution to common concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and tired-looking eyes. These small, crescent-shaped patches are typically infused with hydrating and soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and natural extracts.
When applied under the eyes, they deliver a concentrated dose of these beneficial ingredients, claiming to reduce swelling, brighten the under-eye area, and smooth fine lines.
- Reduce Eye Puffiness – The cooling sensation from most under-eye patches helps to tighten blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and puffiness. Caffeine also aids in this process by further narrowing the blood vessels.
- Hydration Boost – Many ingredients in gel patches are deeply hydrating, giving the delicate skin under your eyes a quick moisture boost. This added hydration can temporarily smooth out the appearance of fine lines, leaving the area looking refreshed.
The popularity of under-eye gel patches has surged in recent years, largely due to their convenience and visible, short-term results. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lack of sleep are common, these patches provide a quick fix that’s easy to incorporate into any skincare routine.
Influencers and celebrities have also played a significant role in their rise, often showcasing these patches on social media as a luxurious, yet accessible, part of their self-care rituals. Whether for a special event or daily use, under-eye gel patches offer an appealing blend of efficacy, ease, and a touch of indulgence.
Why Make Your Own DIY Masks Instead of Buy
Here are some reasons to consider making your own eye mask gel patches at home:
1. Customizable Ingredients: You can choose natural and nourishing ingredients that suit your skin type and address specific concerns, ensuring a personalized skincare experience.
2. Cost-Effective: DIY gel patches can be much more affordable than store-bought options, allowing you to create a high-quality product without the premium price tag.
3. Control Over Quality: By making your own gel patches, you can avoid potentially harmful chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances that are often found in commercial products.
4. Freshness: Homemade gel patches can be made in small batches, ensuring they’re always fresh and at their most effective when used.
5. Sustainability: DIY patches reduce packaging waste and can be made using reusable or biodegradable materials, making them a more eco-friendly option.
6. Fun and Creative: Crafting your own gel patches can be a fun, creative process, and a rewarding way to take control of your skincare routine.
7. Ingredient Transparency: You know exactly what’s going into your patches, providing peace of mind for those with sensitive skin or allergies. If you tend to have skin irritation from store bought skincare products then homemade is the way to go.
How to Make Gel Masks at Home – Basic Recipe:
Supplies Needed:
- Gel Mask Molds
- Small Microwave Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients:
- I – 0.25 oz packet of Knox Gelatine unflavored
- 3 tablespoons of your liquid of choice (more about this below)
You will use 3 tbsp of liquid to one pack of gelatin powder. This will make 8 gel patches. Today I’m using coffee as my liquid hence the brown color of the masks.
Step 1: Put your liquid in a small bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Stir the gelatin powder into the hot liquid. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved and no lumps are present.
Step 3: Use a spoon to carefully fill the molds.
Step 4: Place the molds in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set.
Step 5: Use immediately or store in an air tight container for a couple more days in the fridge. These will dry out if left too long which is why I like to make such a small batch.
Natural DIY Eye Mask Recipes
The liquid is how you customize the gel patches for your skin needs.
When it comes to making effective gel masks you have to take into account your own under eye issues and then adjust the ingredients you use to meet those needs.
I’ve got some great combo ideas for you to try when making your homemade under eye masks. These are based off of popular home remedies.
Here are some key ingredients to consider:
Caffeine
Wake up tired eyes with coffee, black tea, or green tea – Caffeine is a key ingredient in many skincare products designed for puffy eyes and under-eye bags. It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling, which can help diminish the appearance of puffy eyes. The thin, delicate eye skin benefits from caffeine’s ability to temporarily tighten and firm the area, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce the visibility of under-eye bags and puffiness.
Coffee – use instant, make a cup and use some for the mask and drink the rest, or repurpose old grounds by soaking them in hot water.
Tea – dunk your green tea bag (or black) in water like normal and then us that tea as your liquid base for the mask.
Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice is widely regarded as beneficial for the under-eye area due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. The natural antioxidants and silica found in cucumber help to soothe and refresh the delicate eye skin, reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. To get your juice, just grate a cucumber and then squeeze the juice from it.
Lemon Juice
It’s considered to be a natural bleaching agent so it’s used to reduce dark circles. Getting lemon juice in your actual eyes obviously doesn’t feel good so turning lemon juice into a gel mask is a great option for reaping these benefits. Lemon juice can irritate sensitive areas around the eye so be careful with your eye mask placement here.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is an excellent choice for the under-eye area due to its soothing and hydrating properties. The delicate skin around the eyes benefits from aloe vera’s natural ability to reduce inflammation and provide deep moisture, which can help in minimizing puffiness and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Additionally, aloe vera contains vitamins and antioxidants that promote healing and skin rejuvenation, making it a gentle yet effective option for maintaining healthy, refreshed eye skin.
Rose Water
The gentle hydration provided by rose water has soothing properties and can help to soften the delicate eye skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and under-eye bags. Additionally, rose water’s natural antioxidants help rejuvenate the skin, promoting a fresh and revitalized look.
Enjoy Using Your Natural Eye Patches
For best results use clean hands when putting on your gel mask. Gently peel the eye mask off of the mold and place under your eye. You’ll feel that immediate cooling since they just came from the fridge!
These DIY eye gel masks will start to melt after a couple of minutes once they start to return to room temperature, but that’s okay. They will stay put for long enough to get the benefits. Plus, they won’t end up in a land fill!
When you’re done you’ll scrape off the sold bits and either throw them away or rinse them down the kitchen sink.
You can use these right after you wake up to reduce those puffy eyes and to add some hydration to soften those crow’s feet before putting on your makeup for the day. Or you can use them to relax after a long day.
Do you think you’ll give this money saving DIY a try? Let us know if you do in the comments!
