When April visited me in Norway, she brought a small gift, a Steam Eye Mask. She told me she always uses them when she travels because they help her relax and fall asleep. I had never tried one before, but I was immediately intrigued. April is from Korea, and she’s amazing at spotting new beauty trends coming out of Asia.
I have to admit, my first thought was that the mask looked like a sanitary pad. The shape, the material, even the packaging. It all seemed like something meant for a completely different section of the toiletry bag. But once I put it on, I was pleasantly surprised. It started to warm up slowly, and after a couple of minutes it felt like having a soft, warm towel over my eyes. The version I tried was lavender-scented, and the fragrance was just right. Mild and soothing without being overly perfumed. The heat lasted about 20-25 minutes, and I could feel my face relax and my body sink into the bed. It was genuinely a nice feeling, and I completely understand why April loves these masks so much.
Apparently, the steam eye mask trend started in Japan in the early 2010s when the brand MegRhythm launched their original Steam Eye Mask. It quickly became popular among commuters and office workers who used it to unwind during breaks or on their way home. MegRhythm is still considered the best-known and most highly rated brand in the category, and their success is what really made the concept take off worldwide.
The mask April gave me was from BeHoomi. At first, I thought BeeHoomi was a Korean brand, but April said it was American. After looking closer, it turned out it was neither. The masks are sold through American webshops, but they’re actually made in China. That said, the quality is perfectly fine. The material feels nice against the skin, with no sharp edges or unpleasant plastic smell, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper products.
The BeeHoomi mask is designed for single use. Inside, there’s a thin layer of powder that heats up when it comes into contact with oxygen. So once you open the package, the mask warms up on its own, no microwave or electricity needed. The temperature reaches around 104–113°F (40–45°C), and the gentle warmth combined with light steam feels like a mini spa treatment for your eyes. Most people use them to relieve tired or dry eyes, or simply to relax after a long day of screen time.
I’ve used it several times since then, especially after long days in front of my laptop, and it really makes a difference. Nothing dramatic, but enough that my eyes feel less tired and I relax faster. I especially like using it at night, right before bed. The warmth helps me relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep, and the lavender scent tells my body it’s time to wind down.
There are, of course, a few downsides. The mask can only be used once, and once it cools down, it’s done. It feels a bit wasteful packaging-wise, but on the other hand, it’s super convenient when traveling or when you just want a quick dose of comfort without having to do anything. I do wish the heat would last a little longer though, because 25 minutes goes by quickly once you’re fully relaxed.
All in all, I think the BeeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a really nice product. It might look a little funny, but it works. If you have trouble unwinding at night or want to bring a bit of spa-like comfort on your next trip, it’s definitely worth trying.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day or ease tired eyes after hours in front of a screen, the BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a small luxury that makes a big difference. These self-heating masks warm up on their own as soon as you open the package, no microwave or electricity needed. The gentle warmth (about 104-113°F) feels soothing, like a soft towel over your eyes, while the lavender scent helps you relax and fall asleep faster. Each mask lasts around 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for travel, bedtime, or whenever your eyes need a quick spa moment.
