Why is it that after you hit your 30s, an evening of enjoyable finally ends up completely etched in your face for days—even weeks—after? It seems like I’m perpetually hungover (no alcohol wanted at this level), sleep-deprived, jet-lagged, or screen-shocked, and my under-eye baggage like to rub it in. So let’s simply say that these DIY gel eye masks patches are a mainstay of my medication cupboard.

They’re made to chill, de-puff, and hydrate delicate under-eye pores and skin, so you continue to appear like you’re a spring hen who might celebration all night time. You possibly can thank me later!

Gel Eye Masks with Pomegranate and Rosehip 

This masks will get its magic from pomegranate, which has been proven to have a myriad of beauty-boosting results [source]. It’s additionally what offers this masks its vibrant purple shade.

However should you’ve hung round right here lengthy sufficient, you recognize that I couldn’t cease there. So I additionally added rosehip seed oil and a little bit of hyaluronic acid for further soothing and moisturizing properties.  

Pomegranate 

Pomegranate has been used as a magnificence booster for 1000’s of years. The peel has astringent properties, whereas the seeds are mentioned to assist facilitate pores and skin restore. Alternatively, pomegranate seed oil has been proven to thicken the dermis and encourage collagen synthesis [source].

I used natural pomegranate extract powder in my gel eye masks as a result of it’s excessive in nutritional vitamins and antioxidants. However you should use a couple of drops of pomegranate seed oil both instead of or at the side of the powder for added magnificence advantages.  

Rosehip Seed Oil 

Considered one of my all-time favourite facial oils, rosehip seed oil will get its advantages from its potent antioxidants: ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds [source], in addition to its wholesome fatty acids [source], amongst others. I like to use it on to my pores and skin within the night after washing off my make-up.

However when my eye baggage rear their ugly heads, I ensure so as to add it to no matter masks I’m making on the time. Not solely does it hydrate drained pores and skin, nevertheless it additionally replenishes vitamins which will have been sapped from the pores and skin throughout occasions of stress. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is one other game-changer within the moisture division. Thought of a humectant, hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture into itself and holding it there [source]. When used on the pores and skin, it helps draw moisture into the higher layers of the pores and skin, making it look softer and extra supple [source].

You need to use both hyaluronic acid powder or serum in your gel eye masks, however I selected the powder as a result of it’s what I had readily available. No matter you select, a bit of goes a great distance, so ensure to pour with a light-weight hand. 

Gelatin 

Final however not least, gelatin is what offers this masks its form. But it surely’s additionally a great supply of amino acids and protein, each of that are constructing blocks of the pores and skin.

If you happen to’re vegan, you may make your gel eye masks with agar agar, a jelly-like substance derived from purple algae (simply see the notes part within the recipe card for alternate directions).

Easy methods to Make Gel Eye Masks Patches 

The toughest a part of making eye masks patches is discovering the molds.  

I used an previous pair of store-bought gel eye masks containers I had mendacity round, and so they labored completely. I used to be initially nervous about having the ability to get the masks out of the mould with out it tearing, however I by no means bumped into any points. Merely run a pointy knife across the edge earlier than pulling out the masks, and also you’re good to go. 

If you happen to don’t have any previous gel masks kicking round, you may really buy eye masks molds on Amazon. However for the value, it could be cheaper simply to buy a gel eye masks on the retailer and preserve the plastic container once you’re completed. 

You may as well make these with out a mould, however they gained’t look or match fairly as good. Simply line a small, flat container (similar to a 4” x 4” baking dish) with wax paper or parchment.

Then pour your gelatin combination into the container, distribute it evenly, and let it solidify. Use a pointy knife to chop the gelatin into an eye fixed masks form as greatest you may earlier than peeling it off the wax paper.  

Gel Eye Masks Components 

—2 packets unflavored gelatin 
—2 tablespoons cool water 
—¼ cup boiling water 
—2 teaspoons pomegranate extract powder 
—10 drops rosehip seed oil 
—½ teaspoon hyaluronic acid powder or serum 

Directions 

1. Place 2 tablespoons of cool water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cool water and let it sit for a number of minutes. 

2. Deliver ¼ cup water to a boil and pour it over the gelatin. Whisk till easy. I used a fork to interrupt up chunks towards the aspect of the bowl as greatest I might. What I couldn’t get out, I filtered out with a mesh strainer, however that’s not fully mandatory. 

3. Add the pomegranate powder, rosehip seed oil, and hyaluronic acid. Stir effectively.  

4. Spoon the combination into your molds and place within the fridge for half-hour or till stable.  

5. Earlier than eradicating it from the mould, run a pointy knife across the fringe of the attention masks to assist it launch cleanly. 

6. Apply to the under-eye space for quarter-hour. Because it’s made from gelatin, it’ll liquefy considerably when you put on it. Rinse off, pat pores and skin dry, and observe up with serum or moisturizer. 

Retailer extras within the fridge for as much as 1 week or within the freezer for as much as 3 months. 

Gel Masks FAQs 

How usually can I exploit a gel eye masks? 

I like to recommend utilizing them 2–3 occasions every week. Whereas it’s doable to make use of them extra usually, preserve an eye fixed out for itching or redness and take a break should you discover any irritation. 

Is it higher to make use of these within the morning or at night time? 

It depends upon what you’re utilizing them for. If you happen to’d wish to lower swelling and under-eye baggage once you first get up, then apply them within the morning earlier than placing in your make-up. If you happen to’d wish to unwind after a protracted, nerve-racking day, then make them a part of your p.m. skincare routine. 

Do I want to scrub my face after utilizing an eye fixed masks? 

You most likely don’t want to make use of cleaning soap to get the gel off. Merely peel off the masks as greatest you may, and use heat water to dissolve the lingering gel. If wanted, use a washcloth to softly wipe off any cussed bits. 

Craving pomegranates now?

To get pomegranate’s advantages from the within out begin your day with this pomegranate smoothie or this tasty energy elixir for an all-day vitality increase. However should you’d somewhat relax with a pomegranate champagne punch, we cannot choose!

This text was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified doctor who has been practising for greater than 20 years. Be taught extra about Hey Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As all the time, this isn’t private medical recommendation and we suggest that you just discuss along with your physician.

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