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The 15 Best Sleep Masks to Ensure Top-Notch Beauty Rest

Featuring picks from Alaska Bear, Manta, and Lunya.

In This Article

In This Article

Best Face Masks

Byrdie / David Hattan

Sleep masks (the cloth variety, not to be confused with their skincare counterpart: overnight face masks) are essentially mini personal blackout curtains designed to block any outside light that may get in and interfere with you catching your z's. "Light plays a huge role in sleep because it can impact our melatonin production as well as circadian rhythms," explains product expert Keith Cushner of the Sleep Foundation.

He goes on to say, "Light-blocking eye masks can help create a dark sleeping environment, which can improve your sleep quality." To find the best available, we conducted hours of research evaluating each mask on material quality, light cancellation, comfort, and extra features. After consulting with our expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on these picks worthy of the Byrdie stamp of approval.

What We Like
  • Adjustable

  • Skin-friendly fabrics

  • Comes in lots of colors

  • Affordable

What to Consider
  • Hand-wash recommended

Materials: Mulberry silk, cotton | Colors: 32 colors

Our top pick is the Alaska Bear Natural Sleep Mask. It's made out of mulberry silk, a buttery-smooth material that's inherently breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial, meaning it won't harbor bacteria. The inner padding is cotton, which is also naturally airy and has sweat-absorbing abilities.Cushner recommends sleeping masks with natural fabrics like this one, noting that the silk component is lightweight and nonirritating against the skin, while the cotton helps block all external light. We also appreciate that it comes in 32 colors and has an adjustable strap to accommodate all head sizes. Plus, it's super affordable.

What We Like
  • Skin-friendly fabric

  • Machine washable

  • Chic colors

What to Consider
  • Doesn't block all light

Materials: Mulberry silk | Colors: White, black, blush, star print, + more

The crème de la crème of silk masks is this Brooklinen select. Why? It’s also made of mulberry silk (created from the cocoon of a silkworm that exclusively eats mulberry leaves) and features a sumptuous smooth charmeuse weave (which gives the front of the fabric a smooth finish and the back a matte finish). This means it's breathable and gentle against sensitive skin (here's how to uncover your skin type), and unlike other silk products, it's conveniently machine washable. And if you like pastels and fun patterns, you're bound to find a design you love in this range.

What We Like
  • Complete blackout

  • Contours to eyes

  • Breathable materials

  • Machine washable

What to Consider
  • Not available in other colors

Materials: Tactel, mesh | Colors: One multicolor design

If sleeping in complete, 100% darkness is important to you, investing in this high-tech eye mask could be a worthwhile investment. We also love that the materials are extremely comfortable and breathable, and the mask is adjustable in the back to help you nail the perfect fit. It offers total light protection, and the design features C-shaped eye cups, which were engineered specifically with side sleepers in mind. The cups taper at the edges so they won’t put pressure on the sides of the face and temples when sleeping on your sides, and the molded cups ensure that no fabric is pressing on your eyes.

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Adjustable

  • Comes in a pack of three

What to Consider
  • Not machine washable

Materials: Silk | Colors: Black, navy, purple

This wallet-friendly eye mask comes in packs of three, so you can keep one by your bed and another one in your travel tote while still having one to spare. It's made of silk to ensure softness and breathability, while an adjustable strap provides a secure, comfortable fit.

What We Like
  • Long-fiber silk

  • Won't leave marks

  • Doesn't tug hair

What to Consider
  • Not machine washable

Materials: Mulberry silk | Colors: Pink, black, blush, white, navy, burgundy, silver, tie-dye, animal print, + more

Willing to spend a little extra on the perfect mask? This long-fiber mulberry silk number from the buzzy line, Slip, is splurge-worthy. Long-fiber mulberry silk is great for your complexion and hair since it can help reduce static and tangles, and most importantly, the smooth fabric won’t leave any marks on your face. We also love that it comes in neutral shades and some fun prints and colors.

What We Like
  • Skin-friendly fabric

  • Offers total darkness

  • Thick band around the sides

What to Consider
  • Not adjustable

Materials: Silk, polyester | Colors: Beige, gray, black, white, navy, + more

Silk is inherently delicate and often not machine washable, but Lunya's washer-friendly sleep mask is a different story. The outside is skin-friendly silk (remember, silk is a super smooth fabric that won’t cause wrinkles!), and the inner padding is polyester to ensure utter darkness while you doze. So although this model is a bit more pricey than competitors, we think the quality construction is worth it. We also appreciate that the bands on the sides are wide so they don't get caught on the ears or dig into the skin.

Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Breathable

  • Offers total darkness

  • Ergonomic

What to Consider
  • Hand-wash recommended

Materials: Cotton | Colors: Gray, black

If you're partial to the natural breathability and sweat-wicking properties of cotton, go with this option from Mavogel. Thanks to its unique ski-goggle-shaped design that covers even the smallest gap over the bridge of your nose, it promises to block out all light, no matter where you are or what time of day it is.

What We Like
  • Cooling

  • Adjustable

  • Minimizes puffiness

What to Consider
  • Band could be more comfortable

Materials: Fabric, gel beads | Colors: Pink

Craving a cooling sensation? This eye mask from Grace & Stella is filled with gel beads, which conform to the shape of your face. Even better, it can be chilled in the freezer, which de-puffs around your eyes.You can also heat it in the microwave for soothing warmth. We wish the band was a bit more plush and comfortable, but if you're looking for a gel option, this one is a great place to start.

What We Like
  • Comfortable cushioning

  • Doesn't leave creases

  • Offers total darkness

What to Consider
  • Not machine washable

Materials: Satin | Colors: Blush, charcoal

You’ve probably got enough stress in your life, and you certainly don’t need stressed-out skin—that’s where Kitsch comes in. The Pillow Eye Mask is made of 100% satin, a silky smooth and exceptionally soft fabric that promises to prevent sleep lines and won't irritate your skin. What's more, the soft padding comfortably cushions your face while blocking out all outside light, and it's also super comfortable, even for side sleepers.

What We Like
  • Skin-friendly fabric

  • Offers total darkness

  • Comes with travel bag

What to Consider
  • Slightly tight fit

Materials: Mulberry silk | Colors: 30+ colors

Out of all of this list, this pick delivers on color variety. The Blissy Sleep Mask comes in over 30 colors, including black, burgundy, bronze, blush, and tons more. There are even a few chic prints, like black-and-white marble and playful tie-dye. It's made of mulberry silk, a naturally skin-friendly fabric that's airy but also tightly woven to ensure complete darkness.

Best Contoured

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

MZOO Contoured Sleep Mask
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cushioned to support eyes

  • Adjustable

  • Comes with travel bag

What to Consider
  • Hand-wash recommended

Materials: Silk, memory foam | Colors: Black, blue, purple, red, silver, + more

If you have eyelash extensions or just don't like the feeling of fabric right up against your eyes, go with this clever contoured number. The three-dimensional design consists of silk-wrapped molded memory foam to alleviate pressure on your eyelids and allow you to open your eyes and flutter your lashes without being exposed to light. We also like that it has a fully adjustable buckle strap for a customized fit.

Best Adjustable

YiView Sleep Mask

YiView Sleep Mask (Pack of 3)
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contoured

  • Affordable

  • Pack of three

What to Consider
  • Hand-wash recommended

Materials: Fabric, foam | Colors: Black, blue, purple, gray, red

Available in packs of three, this budget-friendly sleep mask features 3D foam contouring to keep the pressure off your eyes and lashes. But, what makes it worthy of the “Best Adjustable” title is how it’s designed to accommodate all head sizes and shapes with a comfortable fit in any sleeping position.

What We Like
  • Offers total darkness

  • Strap-free design

  • Machine washable

What to Consider
  • May require a learning curve to use effectively

Materials: Jersey cotton, microfiber, BPA-free polyethylene beads | Colors: Black, orange, purple, pink, yellow, red, gray, blue, green

"If you are a fan of weighted blankets, there are also weighted eye masks that help relieve anxiety," says Cushner. We like this option from Nodpod, which is filled with BPA-free polyethylene beads to deliver a gentle, deep touch at key pressure points. Thanks to the scalloped design, it conforms to the shape of your face and provides complete light cancellation without an elastic band.

What We Like
  • Sound-muffling

  • Double-lined

  • Adjustable head strap

What to Consider
  • Could be too bulky for plane travel

Materials: 100% pure silk | Colors: Midnight blue, black jade, lavender haze, green sapphire, + more

Not only will the Drowsy double-lined mask block out any light, but because of its unique wraparound design it will also help block out noise as well. This big, squishy sleep mask comes in several beautiful colors and is even adjustable, so it will sit securely on your face with zero discomfort. It provides plenty of silk protection for your eyes, skin, and hair so you can wake up fully refreshed and rested.

What We Like
  • Comes with earplugs

  • Molds to your face

  • Affordable

What to Consider
  • Only one color available

Materials: Nylon | Colors: Black

If you’re looking for a sleep mask that will truly melt into your skin, look no further than Samsonite’s Microbead Eye Mask. Mask fit is important to ensure that your sleep mask will not go flying off in the middle of the night, and that’s why we love that this mask is filled with hundreds of microbeads to fit your face perfectly. Plus, you know Samsonite has you covered when it comes to travel—the strap of this eye mask even holds a set of earplugs, so if the person sitting next to you in 14C starts snoring, you’ll still be able to get your beauty sleep while on the go. And did we mention it’s super affordable?

What to Look for in a Sleep Mask

  • Material: The best sleep mask will be comfortable to wear and won't irritate your skin or hair. Sleep masks are usually made from silk or cotton. Silk is a great option, not only because it feels soft and smooth but also because it won't collect moisture (which could soak up your nighttime skincare or cause acne), tug at your skin (which could cause wrinkles), or tangle up your hair (which could cause breakage). 
  • Size: Your sleep mask should slip on and off easily, but it should also fit you well enough that it doesn't slide around while you sleep. Most sleeping masks come in a one-size option, so make sure it's neither too tight nor too loose. To ensure that you get an option that fits you properly, opting for one that's adjustable is always wise.
  • Features: Beyond blocking out light, some sleep masks can be heated or cooled to help relieve tension and soothe the eyes. They can be weighted to help relax pressure points or use light therapy to help calm your mind and body. You can even find sleeping masks that cover your ears to filter out sound, much like a good pair of earplugs. How advanced you want your sleeping mask to be is entirely up to you.
FAQ
  • Do sleep masks really work?

    In short, yes. Since sleep masks help block out distractions (namely, your phone and other sources of lighting), you'll be able to fall asleep sooner and sleep better. Better sleep can lead to a slew of health benefits, such as improved focus, mood, memory, and more.

  • Do sleep masks have other benefits aside from helping you sleep?

    Yes, sleep masks certainly have benefits beyond just helping you catch your z’s. One of the big benefits is protecting your skin, especially the skin around the eyes, which is one of the most delicate areas of our skin. If you find yourself tossing and turning, this can create friction and potentially damage your skin barrier, but a sleep mask will reduce the chance of unwanted rubbing and inflammation.

  • Will I break out from using a sleep mask?

    The best way to avoid breakouts when using a sleep mask is to make sure that you wash it often. Because of this, don’t forget to think about whether a mask needs to be hand washed or is machine washable when purchasing a sleep mask so you can make sure you find the mask that works best for you.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in sleep solutions, textiles, and beauty. She considered dozens of sleep masks for this story and interviewed a sleep product expert, who offered insight into different materials and the benefits of light-blocking eye masks.

Austen Tosone is a beauty and fashion writer and content creator. As someone who cannot function with fewer than eight hours of sleep, she started testing sleeping masks back in college and now never travels without one, most recently using one to actually sleep on a 16-hour flight from New Zealand to NYC.

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best weekender bags.

To get further insights on the best sleep masks, we also spoke with the following expert:

  • Keith Cushner is a product expert at the Sleep Foundation.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough sleep masks from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Updated by Alyssa Kaplan
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.8636

  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/silk-fabric

  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539243/

  4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-case-for-wearing-a-sleep-mask

  5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/facial-icing

  6. The case for wearing a sleep mask. Cleveland Clinic.

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