When Jim Carrey starred in The Mask in 1994, little did the world know that masks would become a mandatory staple in everyday life. When the pandemic first reared its ugly head almost two years ago, no one knew how long the restrictions would be mandated for, or that masks would become a new fashion trend. Many stores and independent companies took advantage of the need to wear masks, creating interesting and fashionable variations of the safety wear.
Disposable masks come in a variety of colors that are relatively inexpensive and lightweight. People can have fun buying them in funky colours, such as purple or bright pink, to a more subtle black or white. For a more adventurous spirit, there are also face coverings that come in different designs and patterns on Etsy from a number of vendors and sellers. They come in various sizes and quantities, and are fun to wear.
Fashionable reusable masks can make or break an outfit, show off people’s personalities, and even allow others a glimpse of their entire face. Some masks are designed to show a picture of the bottom half of a person’s face, so people can look like they aren’t wearing a mask at all. Companies such as Maskalike offer this service. For die hard fans of popular television shows such as Disney’s The Mandalorian, there are many masks featuring Force-sensitive baby Grogu that can be found online at Etsy.
There are also more natural options that are made from materials such as silk and bamboo. These materials can make it easier to breathe. Bamboo masks are good because they are more comfortable, durable, and are less irritating for the skin. According to Global News, someone who is more prone to acne breakouts due to wearing a mask may want to get masks that are made from natural materials such as cotton or cotton with a silk liner. Although they can seem more expensive at first, they last longer than disposable masks and are more environmentally friendly because it prevents more disposable masks from going into the landfill.
According to All Things Being Eco, they claim that their bamboo masks have “natural anti-bacterial properties in the fabric [which] can inhibit the growth of bacteria.” Other sources such as an article in The Journal of the Textile Institute also confirms that bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial in nature. This means that it will be less likely for bacteria to grow, build up, and allow germs to spread which can hopefully help decrease the spread of maskne.
The term maskne refers to the breakouts that are caused by wearing a mask and having the material brush across the skin all day. According to MDacne, it is a combination of “heat, humidity, and a lack of airflow” that causes the breakouts to occur.
There are different masks and alternatives that people may want to avoid using in order to stay safe, one of them being the mouth shield. According to CBC News, the mouth shield is not as good at protecting people or at stopping the spread of droplets and spit from spreading to other people as a reusable cloth mask is. According to the Government of Canada website, they recommend not using face shields, neck gaiters/neck warmers, scarves, bandanas, or masks with exhalation valves. It is important to determine which mask is the right one and also to avoid alternatives that may not keep the wearer as safe from COVID-19.
If people want to make their own masks, they can visit the Government of Canada website that has full instructions on how to make effective masks that will keep the wearer safe and protected.
While there are many masks out there, I cannot wait for the day when we can shed them altogether. However, until we do, we may as well have fun wearing the ones we love and make the most out of the situation.
Image: Unsplash
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
