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Readers have been looking forward to this DIY Under Eye Mask for Dark Circles, Under Eye Bags, and Fine Lines!
I shared a picture on instagram stories a few months ago about using my favorite DIY under eye mask, and I had so many messages about it! Everyone wanted to know what it was, where they could find it, and every detail.
Originally, I never intended on sharing it. It was just something I have used for a long time and enjoy.
But since everyone wants to know, I decided to share a good post on it today!
I have also tested out a few different methods, all are great. It depends on your preference!
Let’s check out the recipe first!
DIY Under Eye Mask for Dark Circles, Under Eye Bags, and Fine Lines
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (This one or any kind you cook with)
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera (The best natural brand)
- 1 tablespoon of Match green tea powder or instant coffee (See Notes Below)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (I like this one)
- 2 drops of lemon oil (OPTIONAL)
Directions:
- Combine ingredients together until well mixed. →If using the matcha green tea powder, it will be a more thick mask. →If using the instant coffee version, it will have the consistency of a serum. All are good! Read chemist tips below on why we use one of these items!
- Apply gently to under eyes.
- Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
- Wipe off with warm water and a soft towel. See more information under use.
Storage:
This will make enough to store in the refrigerator for a week or so. The matcha green tea version will get very thick in the fridge, so you might need to add a little more oil to it towards the end of use. The coffee based one can last a few weeks.
How Often to Use?
Every day is fine, but at least every other day! I recommend using it in the morning when you first wake up, then showering after. Turmeric can leave a slight pigment to skin, but this washes off with any water. You can also use it at night after cleansing your face. Apply the mask, then rinse off with warm water. Then apply your regular night time routine. I highly recommend following up with a really great eye cream, like the one I share in this post!
When Do You See Results?
You will notice after the first use the puffiness decreases! After one week of use, you will notice lighter areas around the eyes. The dryness will be better right away too! Fine lines decrease over time due to the nourishing oil and aloe vera. See chemist notes below for more detailed information!
Chemist Tips
You might be wondering how all these items work together for your under eye area. Well, there is some pretty neat science going on behind the scenes for all these answers!
Grapeseed Oil
The first part of this DIY under eye mask is grapeseed oil. This oil is high in Vitamin E, but also has lightening qualities. Many store-bought versions of eye creams and eye masks contain grapeseed oil for this reason. I like to work with this type of oil to because it is very affordable.
Grapeseed oil is good for dry skin too, so it helps that tender under eye area.
You can use almond oil in place of this because it also has a high level of vitamin E, but it doesn’t have quit the same lightening benefits.
Evaporated Milk
This is probably the one ingredient that may have you puzzled. The reason for using milk in skin care is for the lactic acid. Lactic acid can revitalize skin and tighten saggy areas or lines. The reason I chose evaporated milk is it has the highest level of lactic acid out of any milk since it is a concentrated version of milk.
You can also use buttermilk which is a popular item in skincare. It also contains lactic acid, just not as high of a dose.
Aloe Vera
I like to use organic aloe vera in skincare because it soothes redness, irritation, and it has a nice cooling effect. You can use aloe vera plant if you have some, but it might not have the same texture.
Caffeine Source
The caffeine source is a very important component for this DIY under eye mask. Most skincare products for the eyes contain caffeine because it can brighten dull skin, lighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and tightens skin.
The matcha green tea powder makes this a very thick, refreshing mask. It has a nice scent too! Matcha green tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee, but it still contains a higher level than other teas. The powder mixes really well with this mixture, so it works great.
Instant coffee is a great option because it has a good amount of caffeine and dissolves well. Using the instant coffee makes this more of a serum, it won’t be as thick as using the matcha.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a very popular skincare item. It has a chemical called curcumin which is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. I use it orally all the time for rheumatoid arthritis pain, but it can also be used topically. It reduces inflammation, helps with pigmentation, and brightens dull skin.
Chemist Tip on Turmeric: Yes, this does have a color too it. You might notice after using this mask, a little yellow pigment is left. This comes off right away after rinsing. If you have light colored skin, you might need to rinse twice, but it doesn’t actually stain the skin 🙂 I don’t recommend leaving this out because it really helps the under eye area. I have seen many expensive eye masks that contain turmeric also.
Lemon Oil
This is optional because the mask works great without it. But using cold-pressed lemon oil can really help enhance this mask! Lemon not only tightens skin, but it can really lighten dark pigmentation.
I don’t recommend using actual lemon juice (I tried it first) because it will make this solution sticky and isn’t as potent. You end up having to use more and it makes the solution to runny.
I love this lemon oil, but again, this is optional. It will just enhance the effects 🙂
Quick Chemist Tip About Dark Circles
PLEASE READ THIS before using mask!
Dark circles can be caused from a variety of things. Mine are genetic which are the hardest to deal with. I have an olive complexion since I am part Native American, so dark circles are intense.
You might also have dark circles due to diet, stress, health problems, or anything else lifestyle related.
Everyone should also treat dark circles and skincare internally (this will make such a difference!). I recommend the following:
- Drink A LOT of water. I drink 10-12 cups per day and it has done wonders for my skin over the years. Hydrated skin is not only tighter, but it also lightens dark pigmentation.
- Take collagen! It is so important to incorporate collagen as we age, and it will help your skin too. Read about my collagen concoction here.
- Sleep more.
- Use a good eye cream. My favorite is found in this post.
Following this tips will also dramatically help your eye area!
Hope you enjoy!
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I need to try this! Not so much for dark circles but more for fine lines and bags. Such interesting ingredients and I loved learning the science behind it! Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
It is a great nourishing eye mask along with the eye cream I talk about, it works wonders! 🙂
Oh wow, I really need to try this. I always seem to have faint dark circles under my eyes and I can’t seem to get rid of them no matter what I do. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I have really loved using this! Taking collagen is also a huge help for dark circles, I definitely recommend using that too!
I’ve been getting such bad circles under my eyes lately, I definitely need to try this! Nothing else I’ve tried seems to work and I can only use so much concealer lol!
I know! Concealer helps, but then it gets so cakey lol I have really loved this DIY mask!
Great post for an under eye mask. And I love how you explain how each ingredient is effective.
Thanks Laurie! I think it really helps knowing why each ingredient is so important 🙂
My sister could do with this she has terrible eyes they make her look so old at times
I hope she can enjoy using it! Along with some of these other tips 🙂
My hereditary dark circles NEED this! <3
Green Fashionista
Yes! I have them too, so hard to deal with!!
I found this article so interesting. I love remedies you can make at home. I could really use this. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
Thanks Jenny! I love homemade options too, they are always fun to make!
My undereyes are the bane of my existence but I have found that sweet almond oil has been working nicely to help with puffiness. Of course, if I eat a food I shouldn’t (have lots of allergies and intolerance) shit hits the fan, but tis life. I do feel as though I have it under control though… Or I say that now LOL!
I have used almond oil too, it is one of my favorites. The vitamin E in it is so high. This grapeseed oil works the same, but also does a great job of lightening the area which is my hardest thing! Under eyes are such a pain lol
I’m only 23 but I’ve had noticeable bags under my eyes for the past 5 months now, which have made me appear fatigued. I now use the Somaluxe Triple Collagen Eye Gel and my bags almost disappeared ENTIRELY within a couple days. No other eye cream/serum has worked as well. I’m so grateful to look my age again!
Collagen is very important for undereye care especially for bags and fine lines 🙂
Love this article! I have dark circles under my eyes and I want to get rid of them. I am going to try these eye mask. Thanks a lot for sharing the great article.
Hope you enjoy it!!
Hi Alexis,
New to your blog and love it! One quick question (and if I missed the answer somewhere, I apologize). How low do you leave this on before you wash it off?
Thank you! Glad you found it too 🙂 you will use this for about 20 minutes, then wipe off. It’s listed under the directions portions at the bottom 🙂 please let me know if you have anymore questions!
Can I use just milk instead of evaporated milk?
If you scroll down to the chemistry section, I talk a little about the evaporated milk. The only substitute would be buttermilk which has a higher lactic acid content although not as high as evaporated milk 🙂
I accidentally came across your post and I am so glad I did. I am Indian and have genetically inherited my dark circles. I made this but I added both Matcha Green Tea and Instant Coffee. I have been using it for two weeks and have definitely noticed a difference. My under eyes seem softer and lighter. In addition I started taking Collagen around the same time after reading your post about it.
I am noticing changes in my skin and my digestion improving.
Curious, in regards to the Under Eye Mask, with adding the instant coffee with the Matcha Green Tea will the mask store longer in the fridge?
I have been using it every day but seem to have a lot leftover and wondering if I need to halve the batch next time.
You can definitely store in the fridge! The matcha green tea will get a little goopy, so you will need to let it sit out a bit before applying 🙂 so glad you enjoy it!!
hi! thank you for this post. i’m curious to know if ground coffee can be used instead of instant coffee. i saw your post on the infused caffeine oil. can would it be okay to use a similar method or is instant coffee essential?
Instant coffee is beneficial because it dissolves well, so it makes the mixture better. It also immediately releases the caffeine and the regular coffee grounds do better in the diy caffeinated oil because it diffuses over 2 weeks. If you use the regular grounds, it won’t be as much caffeine. You can definitely try it out though. It’ll still work just not as strong 🙂
thank you for the quick reply! i’ll get my hands on instant coffee 🙂