Confession time: I am completely dependent on eye masks for sleep. If I’m traveling and forget one, I’ll use towels and t-shirts to cover my eyes. I look at people who can sleep on planes and trains without them with child-like wonder.
Related: The 14 Best Travel Pillows for Every Type of Seat Sleeper
For folks like me, sleep masks are essential. And, actually, they're pretty great for all travelers. After all, sleep masks are proven to help travelers adjust to different time zones and reduce jet lag.
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best sleep masks, ranging from the most innovative to the most luxurious. Read on.
Free People Starry Eyed Cooling Mask
This vegan leather sleep mask by Understated Leather — a Beyoncé-, Lady Gaga–, and Kendall Jenner–approved brand — is undoubtedly one of the most innovative on the market. A cooling gel pack inserts into a slit at the back of the mask and works to de-puff the area around tired eyes.
To buy: freepeople.com, $40
Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Sleep Mask
This is the ultimate eye mask in our book. The contours may look a little alien-like, but once they're on, the rest of the world (including the flashing video games of the kids seated next to you on the plane) totally disappears.
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask
Binchotan charcoal purportedly promotes blood circulation, relieves eye pressure, and helps reduce headaches. This mask is infused with the “miracle charcoal”—which is white, and native to Japan—making it a top-notch accompaniment for travelers who tend to get stressed out.
To buy: goop.com, $26
Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask
Another sleep mask known for its anti-aging benefits, this variation features Iluminage’s patented copper oxide technology, which is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging like wrinkles. We also love this mask because of its cushy, pillow-like texture and blackout capabilities.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $35
Flight 001 Molded Eye Mask
The molded shape and flexible strap make this sleep mask perfect for just about anyone. It’s slightly raised, so it doesn’t actually touch your eyes—which is more hygienic—and fully blocks out the light.
To buy: shopbop.com, $18
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
There’s a reason why you’ve seen this sleep mask in fashion magazines and beauty blogs; this industry favorite is hypoallergenic and made of the highest grade of mulberry silk, which helps hydrate skin while you sleep (unlike cotton, silk doesn’t tug at skin).
To buy: nordstrom.com, $45
Earth Therapeutics Dream Zone Sleep Mask
The classic. This sleep mask has been sold at stores like Whole Foods for years and remains a top-seller on e-retailers like Amazon due to its charming, celestial design, ability to conform to all head shapes, and delicate (cotton and silk) fabric.
To buy: amazon.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, $15
Sonoma Lavender Solid Silver Sleep Mask
This lavender-infused mask shuts out light, is super soft on the eyes, and—because of its calming scent—helps travelers to sit back, relax, and drift away into a restful night’s sleep.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $21
Catbird Cat Eye Mask
This mask has two sides: one black satin, one black-and-white gingham cotton. It makes for a perfect gift for travelers who aren’t afraid to have some fun with their style.
To buy: catbirdnyc.com, $24
Nap Plush Brookstone Eyemask
Brookstone’s trademarked sleep mask is made of an ultra-plush (hence, the name) fabric, which warms and soothes tired eyes. It also features an inner lip that blocks out light entirely, as well as an adjustable elastic band.
To buy: brookstone.com, $20
White & Warren Cashmere Eye Mask
Pair White & Warren’s cashmere eye mask with its must-have travel wrap (“It’s a like a blanket; I use it for staying warm, sleeping on the plane, or if I need a place to sit, I’ll roll it up—I can’t travel without it!” skincare mogul Tata Harper once told T+L), and get ready to have the most comfortable in-flight experience of your life. We especially recommend this mask for the traveler who always gets cold.
To buy: shopbop.com, $85
Morgan Lane Lanie Sleeping Mask Set
Illustrated by the designer—Morgan Lanie—herself, this charming sleep mask is made of extra soft silk charmeuse (so you don’t have to worry about waking up with any of those dreaded face lines) and features an adorable sketch of hopping sheep.
To buy: shopbop.com, $98
