Laneige's Eye Sleeping Mask Is the Extra Skincare Step I Never Knew I Needed

We put the Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

If you know me, you know I have some thoughts about eye products. It’s not that I don’t get the skin around the eye needs special care (because I do), but it’s more the fact that so many options I’ve tried fall short. Either they’re irritating, too rich (read: milia-causing), or do so little that I can’t be bothered altogether. In fact, there are probably only three or four eye products I've tried and actually liked, two of which I’ve written about here: Dr. Sturm’s and this one by Youth To The People.

But today, I eat my words, because I’ve come across the Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask. Being a K-beauty brand, Laneige is all about lightweight hydration and skin nourishment. This product delivers on both of those fronts, all without irritating or congesting. It’s also a true treat to use, despite the fact I initially scoffed at the concept of an overnight mask for the eye area specifically. 

But before I give it all away upfront, let’s take a look at some of the features and benefits, shall we? With eye care products, the details matter, which is why we tapped Jodi Shays, esthetician and owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa, to break down some of the details. Keep scrolling for my full review.

About My Eye Area: Dehydrated, puffy, and prone to milia

The skin around my eyes is thin and a little sensitive, as it is with many people. "[This skin] is extremely delicate and much thinner than the rest of the skin on your face," explains Shays. "There is less fat beneath this skin so there is more chance of injury."

I’m only 27, so lines aren’t a big deal for me right now. But I am prone to dehydration, so I want something that’s going to plump up the area and prevent my concealer from creasing. I am also pretty puffy in the area, so anything that will constrict blood flow and assist with fluid retention is a big yes from me. 

I’ll finish by explaining that, adversely, I am so prone to milia (those tiny white lumps under the skin). So I have to strike a delicate balance to nourish my under-eye area without causing this buildup, and anything that’s too rich will sadly get the boot from my skincare kit.

The Feel: Smooth enough to glide on

This lightweight product gglides easily on to the sensitive under-eye area — but, as it's a mask and meant to be worn overnight, won't be the kind of product you can wear under makeup. It is slightly tacky as it dries, so it's the kind of product that needs to be worn on its own.

The Ingredients: Energizing nourishment for the eyes

The Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask formula, made with hesperidin, caffeine, beta-glucan, and vitamin P, works on hydrating, brightening, and de-puffing the eye area, as well as locking in moisture. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not well-versed in vitamin P, but luckily, Shays is.

• Vitamin P is not a vitamin, it’s a flavonoid, according to Shays. "They benefit the skin greatly especially since they exist in many of the antioxidants we consume—fruits, vegetables, red wine, cocoa, and teas," she says. "Bioflavonoids help your skin absorb Vitamin C, increase circulation thus protecting your skin's natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. There is also evidence that they can help fight microbes."
• Caffeine is also great for constricting blood flow and reducing puffiness, while beta-glucan is thought to create a layer to lock the good ingredients in and prevent further moisture loss—which is why the words sleeping mask seem to make sense.

How to Apply: Massage it in

As with many K-beauty products, the application of Laneige's Eye Sleeping Mask is a feature all in itself. The product comes with a ceramic massage ball that works to gently move the mask around the eye contour, while also massaging away fluid. Simply pat the product on, and work it in while moving from the inner corner outwards under the eye, under the brow, and on top. It’s light but slightly tacky, so you get a few minutes of slip that make the above process a seamless one. 

Shays adds that during facials at her spas, they use products designed for this area sparingly and with a very light touch, and recommends depositing creams/serums with a light dabbing motion. You can also use circular motions gently around the eyes. "We prefer to go outward as this gentle motion can also help with sinus drainage," she says. "I would not use a tool close to the eyes, and do not use hard pressure."

One important note is that you don't have to let the mask's "sleeping" title stop you when you could use a bit more of its effects: according to the brand, you can also apply it in the morning if you happen to wake up feeling puffy or dehydrated.

The Results: Revived eyes with hydrated, soft skin

So I’ll be the first to admit that an overnight eye mask seems a little excessive, but Laneige's Eye Sleeping Mask works, especially when the skin around your eyes is really dried out. I applied it with the roller ball after serums, went to bed, and woke up to really soft, bright eyes (not puffy and squished like they normally are). I thought maybe it was just the product of proper sleep, but I’ve since used it maybe six or seven times and have had consistent results. 

I think the secret is that it de-puffs and hydrates while you sleep, so when you wake up you don’t look as if you’ve just crawled out of bed. I also found the texture really balmy and long-lasting, so the moisture is no joke. 

I wouldn’t use it every night, and you could probably get similar results from a humble eye cream, but if you’re big on skincare rituals or want something to really plump up dehydration lines, this might just be it.

The Value: Not bad

At $34 a pop, I think this is a product for skincare enthusiasts or those who don’t mind a few extra steps at night. Likewise, it’s nice for anyone who wants a really effective eye mask to combat serious signs of dehydration. Personally, I think it works pretty well, but it’s not for those who like to get in and out of the bathroom. That being said, it's a decent value for an eye mask of this quality, so can definitely be worth it if indulgent nourishment is what you're after.

Similar Products: You've got options

Clarins Total Eye Hydrate: This lightweight under-eye mask from Clarins ($40) is a great 10-minute pick-me-up if your eyes are feeling dry or tired. Just pop it in the fridge, smooth it across the eye contour, and make yourself a cup of tea (or whatever your preferred drink). By the time it’s done, the botanical extracts will have worked their magic to visibly revive your eye area.

Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask: It may be expensive, but this mask from Sisley Paris ($163) is a dream after a bad night’s sleep. Boosted with arnica, panthenol, vitamin E, and rose water, it’s light and soothing and promises a more awakened eye look.

Fenty Skin Flash Nap Instant Revival Eye Gel-Cream: While technically designed for daily use, this gel cream from Fenty Skin ($42) is seriously effective at hydrating and waking up tired, puffy eyes. It even comes with a metal roller applicator—perfect for pushing out built-up fluid.