7 therapeutic eye masks that promise to soothe

While eye masks are most often associated with sleep, there are many categories of masks made to provide soothing and therapeutic effects beyond sleep (though you may drift off while using them!). Weighted masks, for example, deliver gentle pressure to the lids to help promote relaxation, while cold-therapy masks can alleviate the painful throb of a migraine. Whether you're looking to depuff, ease discomfort or just chill out, here are some great therapeutic eye masks to consider. 

This versatile and flexible eye mask, filled with small gel beads, can be either heated or chilled. Warm it up in the microwave to help treat styes, or pop it in the fridge and place it over your face to soothe or depuff. 

Bausch & Lomb TheraPearl Eye Mask, $10, London Drugs

The scent of lavender has been shown to induce a calming effect. This made-to-order sleep mask by Canadian brand Cedar & Vine houses an insert filled with dried organic lavender, which you can remove as you wish. 

Lavender Sleep Mask, $45, Cedar & Vine

While crystals haven't been scientifically proven to have healing benefits, it has been proven that cold compresses are a great treatment for puffy eyes (reducing inflammation by restricting blood flow). When chilled, this rose quartz eye mask can help tame swelling around the face.

Sephora Collection Rose Quartz Eye Mask, $79, Sephora

Cold compresses are also a go-to for many who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines, but the last thing anybody wants to do when experiencing either is to balance a rigid, frozen block or dripping cloth over their face. Enter: the Headache Hat — which, yes, you wear as you would a hat. It's lined with several small ice packs, can be adjusted to target specific pain points, and can also be pulled down over the eyes to shield them from light. 

Headache Hat, $55.03, Amazon

If you're finding your eyes are tired and strained after staring at a screen all day, you may want to indulge in a bit of TLC. This silk eye pillow from Canadian yoga brand Halfmoon is perfect for that: it's filled with wheatberry to provide gentle pressure, and can be warmed up for a blissful and relaxing end-of-day treat. 

Limited Edition Silk Eye Pillow, $30, Halfmoon

This gel-filled eye mask is simple and effective: toss it in a bowl of warm water before using to soothe tired eyes, or pop it in the fridge first if you want to reduce swelling. It's also available in a handful of fun prints, has a removable strap and, when folded, can fit in the palm of your hand, making it ideal for travel. 

Quo Beauty Gel Eye Mask, $8, Shoppers Drug Mart

Those who turn to ASMR in times of stress will appreciate this plush memory foam sleep mask. It has built-in speakers, so you can enjoy all of your favourite tingle-inducing audio or follow along with guided breathing meditations — no headphones required.

Sharper Image Memory Foam Sleep Mask with Speakers in Black, $24, Bed Bath & Beyond

D'Loraine Miranda is a Toronto-based editor and writer. Follow her on Instagram @dlorainem.