The right sleep mask can reduce headaches, relieve stress, or diminish the signs of aging.
This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com.
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 jet lag.
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best sleep masks, ranging from the most innovative to the most luxurious. Read on.
1
Milk Makeup Sleep Mask + Cooling Insert Set
This sleep mask, by Milk Makeup, is undoubtedly one of the most innovative on the market. A cooling gel pack inserted into a slit at the back of the mask works to de-puff the area around tired eyes. (Bonus points for being cruelty, preservative, and paraben-free.)
2
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.
3
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.
4
iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask
Another sleep mask known for it’s 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.
5
Catbird Cat Eye Mask
This mask has two sides: one black satin, one black-and-white gingham. It makes for a perfect gift for travelers who aren’t afraid to have some fun with their style.
6
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.
7
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).
8
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Eye Mask
For the stylish traveler, Bottega Veneta’s leather eye mask—which features the brands signature woven pattern—is a must-have. The backside, which lies against your eyes, is made of a soft, cotton fabric, and its unisex appeal makes for a perfect gift for the traveler who has everything.
9
Flight 001 Molded Eye Mask
The molded shape and flexible strap makes 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 light.
10
Sonoma Lavender Lilac Dot Sleep Mask
This dotted, lavender-infused variation 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.
11
Nap Plush Brookstone Eyemask
Brookstone’s trademarked sleep mask is made of an ultra-plush (hence, it’s 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.
12
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.