Masks are here to stay (for a while), so let’s make this “fashion accessory” either fun or fashionable. Over the last few days I have seen women, both friends and strangers, taking masking to the next level by accessorizing or using masks with embellishments. The looks created made me realize these women were showing they were both stylish and taking health safety seriously.
Here are tips on materials/brands, accessorizing, what we can do for acne (caused by the mask) and finally protecting our lips.
The Mask:
The CDC provides guidelines for masks. Since I am not a healthcare professional (thank you for your service to those who are), I often wear a washable two or more layer cotton mask (preferably organic).
Q: Where do I get a mask?
A: If you are crafty (or just really motivated), repurpose cotton shirts, scarfs, sheets or shoe/purse dust bags with colors or logos you like to create your own mask. If you want to purchase a handmade cotton mask, dry-cleaners with seamstresses are great places to look. Finally, there are many masks in clothing stores and online. I like Christy Dawn masks as they are comfortable and sustainably made.
Q: What mask do I wear to exercise?
A: If I am doing cardio exercise (and plan to exert effort…), my mask needs to have room to breathe and not be flat against my mouth and nose. It also needs to be made of a material that is not going to get soggy. I like to use a rigid, non-cloth mask, preferably made of a plant based biodegradable material like the evolvetogether masks.
Mary Beth Wood
Q: How do I accessorize my mask for work or social occasions?
A: Yes, going out for special occasions or work does exist. How do we elevate our look and still wear a mask? First of all, know your audience and setting. TV contributor and founder of MBO Media, Mary Beth Wood is always meeting with producers, anchors and clients in her business. Mary Beth needs to show that she is creative and has it together during this challenging time. Above, she wears a handmade mask of pink flowers and accessorizes it with pink statement earrings. The addition of earrings brings out the colors in her mask and accentuates the shape of her shirt.
Jennifer, a senior executive in a high-powered firm, likes to mix her love of Italian craftsmanship together with a handmade mask. In the photo above, she pairs a mask sown by her local dry cleaner with her Valentino scarf and is ready to jet off to a fun adventure. The look is sophisticated, elegant and perfect to elevate her meetings, social occasions or fun trips.
Blemishes/Acne:
Wearing masks made of organic materials will help reduce the instances of irritation and acne. When you cannot use those materials, how do you address the blemishes that will certainly pop up? Let’s start with washing our face at night, which is now more important than ever. But, sometimes even with washing my face, I get acne anyway (my skin type is normal). When this happens to me or my teen (who has oily skin), I spot treat it with organic Osmia Spotless Blemish Oil. It goes away overnight and smells great.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
As the weather gets colder, our lips are getting dryer. This is exacerbated by the mask. While you may not want to add lipstick or lipgloss while wearing a mask (like some of us do…which makes a mess), add a moisturizing lip balm. The one I find most effective having tested many, is Follian Lip Balm. The nourishing ingredients in this “clean beauty” balm moisturizes my lips without leaving them feeling greasy. Note: If your lips are already chapped, make sure to exfoliate first.
We all have to focus on self-care these days to feel good, look good and help our spirits stay high.
Avery Note: When choosing your mask that you you will be breathing thorough it for long periods of times so you may want to make sure you are not breathing through a mask made of harsh chemicals.
