As much as we love our adorable Instagram-worthy sheet masks and innovative charcoal mask formulas, sometimes a full face mask isn’t the best thing for our skin. Sometimes we need things that target specific concerns, like a honking zit or inflamed cheeks, but we are still looking for the fast and effective results of a mask. The solution? Patches.
The masking trend has spawned a subcategory of face patches for those who are looking to zero in on specific areas rather than their entire faces. The benefit of a face patch is that it offers the same benefits of a mask, but only to the required zone. That means there is less chance of irritation because the product isn’t being unnecessarily applied over the entire face.
What’s more, there are patches for almost every skin care concern. From zits to dark spots to fine lines, there are different face patches that will rectify each concern. You can even find body patches, too.
Fans of mask multitasking (wearing different clay or liquid formulas at once) will also like patches because they can be mixed and matched to target different areas at once. For example, someone can wear patches to brighten dark circles at the same time they’re treating laugh lines with another set of patches.
And there’s no need to look very hard to find face patches because they’re often on the shelf right next to our favorite masks. So stock up on your next mask haul.
[ Next: 8 Overnight Face Masks for the Best Beauty Sleep Ever ]
12 Face Patches That Are As Good As Sheet Masks
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Dark Spot Patch
Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Micro Tip Patches Dark Spot, $18 at Sephora
These self-dissolving patches are inspired by microneedling procedures. They melt deep into your skin’s surface to target dark spots. It’s all thanks to its combo of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that fades said spots while giving antioxidant benefits to boot.
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Acne Spot Patch
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6 at Ulta Beauty
Whiteheads, blackheads and cystic acne have met their match thanks to these patches. The circular patches are made out of a clear hydrocolloid material that is similar to a hydrogel sheet mask, which means that once they're applied, they won't budge. This allows the treatment to go deep down to heal and even stop new zits from forming. The patches can even be applied to picked pimples.
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Undereye Patch
Tarte SEA Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches, $22 at Sephora
The adorable briefcase packaging of these eye patches rivals some of the cutest makeup products, but it is the fast-acting results that make these patches a brilliant pick. The vegan patches are formulated with Tarte's proprietary Rainforest of the Sea antioxidant complex that targets dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Keep the refreshing patches handy after late nights out.
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Lifting Patch
Missha Speedy Solution Lifting Patch, $2.40 at Missha
We sometimes get in the habit of focusing on our faces from the chin up, but the jawline is somewhere that shouldn't be overlooked. This patch directly addresses the area. It hooks on to each ear to visibly lift sagging skin. Talking or eating while wearing the patch aren't the best ideas, but the patch only needs to be worn for 15 to 20 minutes. So when the time is up, everyone is free to gorge and gab.
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Wrinkle Patch
Frownies Forehead & Between Eyes Wrinkle Patches, $23.95 at Frownies
Noticing some fine forehead lines? Grab a package of Frownies facial patches and they will help soften wrinkles mechanically. The secret is that instead of using harsh chemicals, the patches stop the muscles from moving. With continued use, this can lead to improved muscle memory and smoother results. With 144 patches per pack, there is no need to constantly stock up.
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Lip Hydrating Patch
Patchology FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gels, $15 at Patchology
Lips need some masking love, too. With these pretty patches, we can literally kiss dry lips goodbye. Each hydrogel patch contains nourishing ingredients like green tea extract, niacinamide and peptides and the formula works in as little as five minutes. Try applying a patch at night or before makeup to make that matte liquid lipstick feel more comfortable.
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Eye Patch
Wish Formula The Bat Eye Mask, $3.60 at YesStyle
This is not the average teardrop-shaped eye patch. Instead, it allows everyone to channel their inner caped crusader thanks to the sweet bat design. As you're taking the obligatory #masking selfie, the undereye patch brightens the eye area thanks to a combination of fermented honey essence, vitamin C and soybean extract. And the more the patches are used, the greater the results.
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Acne Patch
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, $32 at Sephora
Dealing with a pesky pimple? Before bed, apply one of these clear patches on top of it and the concentrated formula will work to minimize that sucker. The patches are formulated with 0.5 percent salicylic acid and tea tree oil to heal skin without over-drying. Each package contains two different sizes of patches depending on the breakout that has erupted.
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Lip Plumping Patch
Skyn Iceland Plumping Lip Gels, $28 at Ulta Beauty
There are patches for almost every part of the face and that includes lips. Our pouts can lose volume and be negatively impacted by environmental stressors as we age. These innovative patches utilize marine-based actives to plump, hydrate and improve the overall health of thinning lips. And they do it all in 10 minutes.
