Summer reading season is here, and what better way to elevate your literary adventures than with the perfect skincare companion? Whether you're planning a staycation thriller marathon, beach romance binges, travel with creative nonfiction, or squeezing short stories into a busy week, we've curated the ultimate pairings of must-read books with Patchology's innovative eye gels and sheet masks.
Drawing inspiration from Sarah Jessica Parker, who recently revealed she reads two books a day as a 2025 Booker Prize judge, explore her recommendations shared on Variety here. And with The New York Times highlighting What To Read This Summer, there's never been a better time to combine literary indulgence with some much-needed self-care.
Patchology's innovative approach of sheet masks and eye patches that work to restore and rejuvenate your skin. Whether you have 5 minutes between chapters or a full spa day reading session, these treatments deliver results without interrupting your literary flow.
The brand's hydrogel technology ensures ingredients penetrate deeply while you're lost in a good book, making self-care as effortless as turning a page. From the cooling sensation that enhances a thriller's suspense to the luxurious hydration that matches a romance's indulgence, each pairing creates a complete sensory experience.
The real magic? Each pairing creates its own atmosphere. There's something deeply satisfying about the cooling sensation of an On Ice mask while you're unraveling a mystery, or the luxurious warmth of a Beauty Sleep treatment as you dive into a sweeping family saga. It's like your skincare routine finally gets your vibe—and honestly, isn't it about time?
This summer, let your skincare routine be as engaging as your reading list. With these perfectly paired combinations, you'll emerge from every literary adventure with both a satisfied mind and glowing skin - the ultimate summer glow-up.
1. "Our Last Resort" by Clémence Michallon - Perfect for fans of The White Lotus, this thriller set at a luxury resort follows estranged siblings whose reunion turns deadly when one guest is found murdered
2. "The Only One Left" by Riley Sager - A psychological thriller about a care aide who begins working for a woman accused of murdering her family decades ago, perfect for readers who love unreliable narrators and dark secrets. Read more about this thriller here.
3. "The Slip" by Austin Schaefer - Set in Austin, Texas, this novel follows a 16-year-old boxing student who disappears and another teenager seeking answers. Get your book or free audiobook at Barnes and Noble.
Beauty Sleep Hydrogel Face Mask + Rosé Toes Renewing Foot Mask
When you're deep into a page-turner that keeps you up past bedtime, these evening treatments work overtime while you're absorbed in the story. The Beauty Sleep mask delivers retinol and peptides for anti-aging benefits, while the Restoring Night Eye Gels combat those late-night reading sessions with plumping hydration. Rosé Toes mask pampers your feet - because they deserve to be treated too.
4. "Beach Read" by Emily Henry - Henry's latest features two aspiring writers who compete for the chance to tell the story of a lifetime, discovering the blurry line between hatred and love
5. "Pineapple Street" by Jenny Jackson - This GMA book club pick is a multigenerational saga perfect for poolside reading that is an addictive, escapist novel that sparkles with wit
6. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Classic beach romance with Old Hollywood glamour. Read more about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo here.
Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels + FlashMasque Hydrate Sheet Mask
As one editor noted, "reading swoonworthy rom-coms hits harder at the beach" - and so does proper sun protection and hydration. The cooling Rosé Eye Gels reduce puffiness from sun exposure while the Hydrate mask replenishes moisture lost to beach days.
7. "Culture Creep" by Alice Bolin - The highly anticipated essay collection from the author of "Dead Girls," exploring what our cultural appetites reveal about society. Read more about Alice Bolin’s work here.
8. "No Ordinary Assignment" by Jane Ferguson - A memoir from the Northern Ireland-born war correspondent about building an authentic career against the odds. Watch an interview on OPC America with Jane Ferguson here.
9. "Didion & Babitz" by Lili Anolik - This book examines Joan Didion's fascination with Hollywood and how movies intertwined with politics
FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels + Serve Chilled On Ice Hydrogel Mask
Perfect for long flights and travel days, these treatments combat altitude dehydration and travel fatigue. The Rejuvenating Eye Gels provide an instant refresh, while the cooling On Ice mask soothes and firms travel-weary skin.
10. "The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis" - Perfect bite-sized fiction for commutes and coffee breaks
11. "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout - Interconnected stories that feel like novels but read in satisfying chunks
12. "milk and honey" by rupi kaur - Though poetry rather than prose, these short, powerful pieces are perfect for busy schedules and offer moments of reflection and healing
moodpatch Perk Up Eye Gels + Hydrating Lip Masks Masks
When you're stealing reading moments between meetings or during lunch breaks, these 5-minute treatments are perfect. The energizing Perk Up gels combat midday fatigue, while the Hydrating Lip Masks provide an instant glow-up for busy professionals.
We also love this TSA-friendly travel companion On The Fly kit that has Hydrating sheet masks, Restoring Eye Gels, Rejuvenating Eye Gels, and Hydrating Lip Gel.
13. "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward" by Melinda French Gates - Featured on JPMorgan's 2025 summer reading list, this memoir explores navigating major life transitions
14. "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert - A guide to embracing creativity and leading a fulfilling life, perfect for women exploring new passions in their 40s. Explore the 4.5 stars and more than 23,000 reviews on Amazon.
15. "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle" by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA - Addresses why women burn out and provides tools to break the cycle. This book explains why women experience burnout differently than men—and provides a roadmap to minimizing stress, managing emotions, and living more joyfully. Explore more about this book here.
16. "Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife" by Barbara Bradley Hagerty - Aimed at women in their 40s-60s, arguing against slowing down and encouraging purpose, mental challenges, and life enrichment. Featured on Goodreads here.
SmartMud Detox Clarifying No Mess Mud Mask + Chill Mode Eye Gels
Personal growth requires deep reflection, and these treatments create the perfect self-care ritual for processing life's changes. The detoxifying Detox mud mask clears both pores and mental clutter, while the mood-boosting, antioxidant-rich Chill Mode eye masks remind you to prioritize joy during transformation. We love Hydrating Lip Masks while reading to smooth fine lines and soothe dry lips.
Because the best plot twists happen when your skincare routine is as organized as your bookshelf.
Night & Day Kit - For the Serial Novel Enthusiast
Perfect for the reader who transitions seamlessly from sunrise coffee with a memoir to midnight thriller sessions. This top-rated eye mask duo has your skin covered through every chapter, featuring both energizing morning treatments and restorative nighttime essentials. It's like having a personal skincare editor for your face.
On The Fly Kit - For the Jet-Setting Bookworm
Your TSA-friendly travel companion that ensures you arrive at your destination with hydrated skin and your latest page-turner intact. This compact collection fights cabin air, jet lag, and travel fatigue with the efficiency of a well-plotted airport thriller. Because good skin should never miss a flight.
Mask-nificent Bundle - For Genre-Jumping
Like having four different books to match your mood, this hydrogel bundle offers a mask for every reading occasion. From the energizing Bubbly mask for morning poetry sessions to the calming Beauty Sleep treatment for late-night literary binges, it's the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure in skincare.
Perfect Weekend Kit - For the Reading Weekend Warrior
Two powerhouse masks that work as hard as you do when you're determined to finish that entire book series by Sunday night. The Illuminate and Hydrate duo ensures your skin stays as radiant as your weekend reading marathon is ambitious because weekends are for books, masks, and absolutely no regrets.
Discover your literary skincare personality with our book club beauty guide.
Just like your favorite reading genre reveals your personality, it also hints at what your skin craves most. Whether you're the president of your neighborhood book club or a solo reader with strong opinions, your literary preferences can guide you to your perfect Patchology match.
The Thriller Enthusiast - You stay up way too late because "just one more chapter" turns into finishing the entire book
Your Skin Needs: Serious overnight repair and de-puffing
Your Patchology Match: Restoring Night Eye Gels + Beauty Sleep Hydrogel Mask
You're no stranger to 2 AM plot twists, which means your skin needs heavy-duty restoration. These retinol-powered treatments work while you're finally getting some sleep, undoing the damage of those late-night page-turning sessions.
The Romance Reader - You believe in happy endings and aren't afraid to cry over fictional characters
Your Skin Needs: Hydration and that natural "in love" glow
Your Patchology Match: Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels + Get Dewy With It Sheet Mask
Your emotional investment in every love story means you need skincare that's as romantic as your reading list. These treatments deliver that dewy, glowing complexion that matches your optimistic outlook on life.
The Literary Fiction Lover - You annotate your books and have strong feelings about book-to-movie adaptations
Your Skin Needs: Sophisticated, multi-layered treatment
Your Patchology Match: Detox mud mask No Mess Mud Mask + Illuminating Eye Gels
Just like your taste in complex narratives, your skincare needs depth and intelligence. This combination detoxifies and brightens, giving you that thoughtful, refined glow that matches your intellectual pursuits.
The Mystery/Crime Fan - You're always trying to solve the case before the detective
Your Skin Needs: Problem-solving treatments that target specific concerns
Your Patchology Match: Breakout Box + On Ice Mask
Your analytical mind appreciates skincare that tackles issues head-on. These targeted treatments work like a detective on your skin concerns, solving problems with precision and efficiency. Breakout Box is a bundle for pimples patches and skin skin-clearing charcoal nose strips. On Ice works to depuff and firm your skin.
The Self-Help & Memoir Reader - You're constantly working on becoming your best self
Your Skin Needs: Transformative, results-driven treatments
Your Patchology Match: FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels + Perfect Weekend Illuminate and Hydrate Duo
Your commitment to personal growth extends to your skincare routine. You want products that deliver visible results and help you look as good as you feel after implementing all that wisdom from your latest read.
The Fantasy/Sci-Fi Devotee - You can discuss world-building for hours and probably have strong opinions about magic systems
Your Skin Needs: Innovative, almost magical formulations
Your Patchology Match: moodpatch Eye Am Unstoppable bundle + moodmask Me-Time bundle
Your love for the extraordinary means you appreciate skincare that feels a little bit magical. These innovative treatments deliver results that seem almost otherworldly – perfect for someone who believes in the impossible.
Master the art of multitasking with skincare that works as efficiently as your reading schedule.
Let's be real: between deadlines, commutes, and that ever-growing TBR pile, finding time for an elaborate skincare routine can feel impossible. But what if we told you that you could achieve glowing skin in the time it takes to read a short story? Enter Patchology's 5-minute face masks – the speed reading equivalent of skincare.
The Morning Pages Method - 5 minutes before your day begins
The Product: FlashMasque Illuminate Sheet Mask
The Timing: While your coffee brews and you scan morning headlines
The Payoff: Vitamin C brightening that gives you that "I definitely didn't hit snooze three times" glow
Start your day like the productivity guru you aspire to be. Apply this brightening mask while you skim through news articles or check your reading app for daily streaks. By the time you're caffeinated, your skin is illuminated and ready to face whatever plot twists the day brings.
The Lunch Break Power Move - 5 minutes of midday reset
The Product: Rejuvenating Eye Gels
The Timing: During your "lunch break" (aka the 10 minutes you have between meetings)
The Payoff: Deep hydration that combats office air and afternoon energy crashes
Perfect for the working professional who eats lunch at her desk while catching up on industry articles. This hyaluronic acid-packed mask delivers instant moisture while you power through that think piece you've been meaning to read. Your 2 PM meeting will wonder why you look so refreshed.
The Commuter's Secret - 5 minutes on public transport (yes, really)
The Product: Serve Chilled Bubbly Eye Gels
The Timing: During your train/bus ride while reading on your e-reader
The Payoff: Brighter, more awake-looking eyes despite your 6 AM wake-up call with nourishing niacinamide
The ultimate multitasking hack for the commuter who treats travel time as sacred reading time. These under-eye patches stay put (even through subway jostling) while you dive into your latest book. Arrive at your destination looking like you definitely got eight hours of sleep, not six.
The Post-Workout Recovery - 5 minutes in the locker room
The Product: Serve Chilled On Ice hydrogel mask
The Timing: While cooling down and scrolling through fitness articles or audiobook reviews
The Payoff: Instant cooling and firming that counteracts post-gym flush
For the reader who squeezes in gym sessions between book club meetings. This cooling mask feels amazing on post-workout skin while you check your reading challenges or browse "best books for runners" lists. Leave the gym looking refreshed, not just athletic.
The Evening Wind-Down - 5 minutes before bedtime reading
The Product: Beauty Sleep Hydrogel Mask
The Timing: While organizing tomorrow's reading list or choosing your bedtime book
The Payoff: Overnight skin renewal that works with retinol and peptides while you dream about fictional characters
The perfect pre-bedtime ritual for readers who never skip their nighttime chapter. Apply this retinol-infused mask while you decide between that new psychological thriller or the comfort re-read. Your skin gets beauty sleep even if you stay up "just one more chapter."
Pro-Tips for the Time-Crunched Reader:
You don't need a 10-step routine to have great skin, just like you don't need hours of free time to be well-read. Sometimes the most effective approach is the most efficient one. These 5-minute masks prove that good things come to those who optimize – and that glowing skin and a well-read mind aren't mutually exclusive.
This summer, forget choosing between a good book and good skin—you can absolutely have both. These perfectly curated pairings prove that self-care isn't just about the products you use, it's about creating rituals that nourish both your mind and your complexion. Whether you're deep in a psychological thriller at 2 AM (hello, Restoring Night Eye Masks) or catching up on poetry between meetings (thank you, 5-minute Perk Up patches), the right combination of literature and skincare transforms ordinary moments into luxurious escapes.
Because let's be honest: there's something incredibly chic about applying a hydrogel mask while diving into the latest literary sensation. It's the kind of multitasking that would make even the busiest editor-in-chief proud—and your skin will thank you for it.
So go ahead, stack that TBR pile high, stock up on your favorite Patchology treatments, and prepare for the most well-read, well-glowing summer yet. After all, the best stories deserve the best skincare—and you deserve both.
Ready to start your summer reading and skincare journey? Shop Patchology's complete collection and discover your perfect literary-skincare pairing today.
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