3 Cute, Comfortable Face Masks

Face masks, sadly, are probably here to stay. I hate saying that since the things make me miserable, but until there is a treatment or vaccine for COVID, wearing a face mask is simply going to be part of our everyday lives. And yes, they are claustrophobic and make everyone look like a potential serial killer, but since more and more research is pointing to the fact that this pesky sucker likes to spread through the air, face masks could save lives.

So, the real question is how to find a face mask that is both cute and comfortable? Not to worry, I have been doing some field research. Here are my face mask criteria:

• reusable
• breathable
• elastic that goes behind the ears and does not pull
• tight enough to do the job while still being comfortable
• fun fabrics and/or colors that make me smile

Here are 3 cute, comfortable face masks for you guys to try as well as some tips for dealing with “Macne”.

Heather Taylor Home

When the pandemic hit, this home site for high end linens switched their production over to face masks. Not only are they made from darling, 100% cotton material with comfortable ear elastic bands, but for every 10 face masks that you buy, they donate 10 to those in need. It’s really a win-win.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the checks. However, you will get an interesting mixture in your order of checks and stripes of all different colors. Order your Heather Taylor Home face masks here.

STARK & Scalamandre Face Masks

If you are any kind of design nerd then you are probably familiar with Scalamandre and STARK fabrics. Their textile designs are iconic and totally covetable which is why I was so excited to learn that the Mask Club (yes, this does exist now) was partnering with these two design powerhouses to make a series of super comfy, cotton masks. And to sweeten the pot here, not only do they donate a medical mask with every purchase, but 10% of your purchase price is also donated to the Kip’s Bay Boys & Girls Club.

In terms of cute, comfortable face masks that go behind the ears, these are my favorite. They are super light weight which helps with my claustrophobia and the cotton is really soft against the face. You can buy yours here.

Sun Protection & Face Mask in One

Hand Love Gloves is one of my favorite companies. They make these fantastic, reversible fingerless gloves of UPF 50+ material to protect the back of your hands. Founder Anna Johnson is also one of the kindest people that I’ve ever encountered. Like the others on this list, the minute that the pandemic broke out, she started thinking of ways that she could help. Her answer was to create a single ply neck gator from the same Italian, lightweight UPF 50+ material that she uses for her gloves.

While this is probably not an ideal choice for an extended grocery store run, it is a fantastic choice for any outdoor activity. In LA county right now, you have to wear a mask anytime that you are outside. This has made walking for exercise pretty impossible for me until these. I leave it around my neck to protect that delicate and already overly sun damaged skin from further rays, and then when someone comes near, I just pull it up over my nose. Easy peasy. They also come in a bunch of fun, bright colors that will make you smile on even the gloomiest day. Buy your Hand Love Gloves neck gator here.

How to Deal with Macne

As if face masks weren’t enough of a pain, they have the added benefit of causing “Macne” or mask induced acne. Furthermore, if you are prone to any kind of skin disorder like eczema, the mask can cause a flare up. For the latter, try putting something like Acquaphor or my favorite Alba Unpetroleum Jelly under the areas where the face mask rubs. For the former, I have found that the easiest way to prevent my chin and nose from breaking out is to immediately clean my face after removing my mask. Since I use a paraben free, gentle hand soap, I will generally just rub my chin with it after I wash my hands. Or you can swipe your chin/nose area with any kind of exfoliating toner. After either, however, make sure to reapply moisturizer, if necessary and sunscreen.

So, there you go — 3 cute, comfortable face masks options that will get you through the summer in style.