These days, it’s hard to scroll through your Instagram feed without seeing snapshots of what celebrities are wearing, eating, and using on their skin.
Whether they are prepping for an award show or hanging out at home like the rest of us, Hollywood’s hottest stars are happily sharing the secrets that keep them looking so damn good. And the latest trend to take over social media is gold under-eye masks. The gilded patches have become a popular prep step before big events and a common treatment when they’re traveling, as evidenced by the multitude of selfies, and aside from the guaranteed likes, there’s more to these masks than meets the eye.
Gold-infused eye masks (yes, we’re talking 24k gold) are designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness. “While I believe some of the hype rests on the luxurious aspect – gold connotes a feeling of luxury and richness – gold nanoparticles have been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Sejal Shah, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.
When combined with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen, as it is in many of these masks, gold can improve penetration to quickly restore hydration and revitalize the skin around the eyes. But perhaps what’s most enticing to tried eyes is that it can also impart instant radiance and luminosity to the skin because of its reflective qualities, says Dr. Shah.
And what’s more promising than a ringing endorsement by celebrities like Kate Hudson and Selma Blair? Scroll down to see some of the best gold-infused under-eye masks on the market.
MZ Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask (106; neimanmarcus. com)
Loved by Adriana Lima, Kourtney Kardashian, Camila Cabello, and Selma Blair, the gold patches deliver an extra dose of hydration with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and seaweed extract.
Chantecaille Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask ($195; nordstrom. com)
This luxurious pick has been revealed as Kate Hudson’s pre-show staple. Not only is it formulated with the precious metal, but it also uses a proprietary complex to reduce puffiness,plankton extract to help lift sagging skin, and peptides to smooth over fine lines.
Lonvitalite 24k Gold Eye Masks ($29; amazon. com)
Favored by Jessica Alba andRosie Huntington-Whiteley, these pretty patches also contain antioxidants like grape seed extract and vitamin C to brighten the skin.
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($75; sephora. com)
Created by celebrity dermatologist Peter Thomas Roth, these gel masks contain both 24K gold and colloidal gold. What’s more, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen deliver moisture deep into skin while caffeine goes to work on puffiness.
