Can you wear a sleep mask with lash extensions?

Yes, as long as nothing rests on or rubs against your lashes. That rules out most flat masks and points to a contoured mask with eye cups deep enough for your set.

Why flat masks are a problem for lashes

A flat mask lies across your closed eyes, so the fabric sits on the lash line all night. Every time you move, it rubs. With extensions, that means pressure and friction on the lashes you just paid for; with mascara, it means smudges on the fabric and under your eyes.

What to look for

• Cups deeper than your lashes. Put the mask on and close your eyes. Your lashes shouldn't touch the inside of the cups. If they do, the cups are too shallow for your set.
• Rims that sit away from the lash line. The edge of each cup should rest on your brow bone and cheekbone, around the eye socket.
• A strap that's snug, not tight. Over-tightening presses the cups toward your eyes and cancels out the room they leave.
• A shape that stays put. If the mask slides, the rims can drift onto your lashes. If you sleep on your side, read our guide for side sleepers.
• Something you can wash. A mask sits close to your lashes every night. Keep it clean and follow your lash artist's aftercare advice; they know your set.

Mascara and eye makeup

The same rule applies: if nothing touches your lashes, there's nothing to smudge. A contoured mask is the better choice for naps or travel when you're wearing makeup.

Quick checks with any contoured mask

1. Close your eyes and blink a few times. You shouldn't feel the foam on your lashes.
2. Lie on your usual side and check again, since the pillow can push the mask.
3. If a rim sits on your lashes, slide the mask slightly lower or loosen the strap.

The Contour Mask and lashes

The Contour Mask has two deep molded cups hollowed away from the eyes, so the foam sits around the eye socket rather than on the lashes, with room to blink. Lash lengths vary a lot, so do the blink check above on any mask. For how contoured and flat masks compare more broadly, see contoured vs. flat sleep masks.