Cute Reusable Face Masks

Who could have predicted that when talking about the hottest accessory of 2020, we’d be speaking about face masks? There’s no denying that it’s incredibly strange that this is the world we’re currently living in and that wearing face masks to pop to the shops is the new normal, but here we are.

Due to my asthma, I’ve been isolated at home with my husband since the start of the pandemic, and have only just started to venture outside a little more. But now that things are slowly starting to re-open, it’s even more important that we stay safe and all do our part to look out for others and stop the spread of this wretched virus. Even if it’s not required by law where you live (as it now is in the UK), it’s just good manners and respectful to others to be wearing one whenever you’re taking transport, in a store, or any building which isn’t your own home.

Personally, I only want to use washable, reusable versions; 1) because I’m very mindful of reducing my environmental footprint in every other aspect of my life and so don’t want to be contributing to landfill every time I get home and have to put that day’s mask in the bin, and 2) this way they at least look somewhat cute, or at the very least less clinical. I will also add that you want your mask to be made of natural fibres (cotton, linen or silk) so that it’s more breathable.

Mask-wearing tips:

In the interest of research, I’ve ordered and tried a lot of masks. Most are no good and either aren’t comfortable to wear, or didn’t stay in place without a lot of adjusting during the day (which defeats the point of trying to avoid touching your face). My top tips are:

• As masks are going to be the norm for at least the remainder of the year, it’s a good idea to have at least a few so that you can wear a clean one each time you need to leave the house, then just throw them in with your next load of laundry to clean them before the next use.
• Having a few different styles to coordinate with your regular outfits makes them feel more like an accessory rather than a chore.
• Look for natural fibres (cotton, linen or silk) to ensure your mask is as breathable as possible. Avoid polyester, stretch jersey, denim or heavy fabrics for the same reason.
• Look for masks with thin, adjustable elastic ear ties for ease and comfort.
• Look for those with a filter pocket should you wish to insert your own filters for extra protection (I haven’t been doing this for everyday wear when I’m able to distance, but would use them were I to get on a plane, etc).
• If wearing glasses with your mask, sit the base of them on top of the mask rather than against your cheek, to avoid them fogging up. Wearing breathable fabric masks also helps with this.
• Learn from my mistake: don’t wear bright lipstick and then put on your mask (it will not end well…). Either stick to tinted lip balm / light-coloured gloss, or apply once you reach your destination and are able to remove your mask safely.

Masks I personally own and recommend:

These are the styles I’ve personally bought, tested for at least a day, and were comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I’ll keep this carousel updated should I add any more to my collection which pass the test.

The best of Etsy:

My favourite place to find masks has been Etsy. People are being so creative, and you can find pretty much whatever style you want on there. I also love that they’re handmade and you’re thus supporting an independent seller. This is my favourite seller I’ve found; they’re very well made, feature both a filter pocket and adjustable elastic (you get the fit just right when you first try it, and then tuck the knot inside and forget about it), and come in the most beautiful Liberty print fabrics which is just my style. I also bought a few of her plain blue ones for my husband and he approves. One point to note: because they’re all handmade, masks on Etsy sell out quickly but if a particular style you like is out of stock when you look, just keep checking as they are usually re-stocked often as sellers re-make more.

The best of the rest:

I’m honestly surprised more big brands haven’t started making masks, but most of those who have are cleverly turning their fabric off-cuts into masks to reduce waste, or donating a portion of sales to charity. These are the cutest styles I’ve found so far (which are all currently available in the UK).

Wearing: Sea dress (similar style here + inexpensive style here) // ASOS hat // J.Crew earrings // Liberty print face mask // Celine sunglasses.

Love, Briony xx