The Best Sleep Masks for Traveling

Courtesy of Retailers

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.

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 the effects jet lag. Plus, they're pretty great for those moments when your plane neighbor insists on being the only one to use the overhead LED light on a red-eye.

Below, we’ve rounded up the very best sleep masks, ranging from the most innovative to the most luxurious.

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Richard Quinn Cloud Rose-print Satin Eye Mask

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

Look no further for a gorgeously printed silk eye mask that's worth investing in.

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $61

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Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

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, $10

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Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask

Courtesy of Goop

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: needsupply.com, $26

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Flight 001 Molded Eye Mask

Courtesy of Flight 001

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

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Derek Rose Brindisi 34 Silk Eye Mask

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

Or go for something bold, like this colorful, silk eye mask.

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $69

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Slip Silk Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Nordstrom

There’s a reason why you’ve seen this sleep mask in fashion magazines and on beauty blogs; this industry favorite is hypoallergenic and made of the highest grade of mulberry silk, which doesn't dehydrate skin while you sleep. Plus, unlike cotton, silk doesn’t tug at skin.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50

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Slip Limited-edition Marble Silk Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Nordstrom

If you're looking for a stylish option, Slip now offers a Nordstrom-exclusive mask that gives new meaning to the term "beauty sleep."

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50

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Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

You may have heard of the positive effects of weighted blankets, and this unique eye mask has a similar goal. It's filled with microbeads that place a gentle pressure over your eyelids to deliver a calming sensation and help you fall asleep.

To buy: amazon.com, $30

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Earth Therapeutics Dream Zone Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

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, from $10

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Derek Rose Brindisi 37 Silk Satin Eye Mask

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

This eye mask comes with a silk bag that's perfect for travel.

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $69

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White + Warren Cashmere Eye Mask

Courtesy of White + Warren

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, $77

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Morgan Lane Lanie Sleeping Mask Set

Courtesy of Shopbop

Illustrated by the designer —Morgan Curtis — 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

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Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

This simple, 100 percent mulberry silk mask is Amazon's No. 1 best-seller in the sleep mask category and has racked up more than 7,700 five-star reviews.

To buy: amazon.com, from $10

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The Best Sleep Masks for Traveling

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Richard Quinn Cloud Rose-print Satin Eye Mask