Get Masked Up!

Do you prefer that the straps hook behind your ears or would you rather they go around your neck and head? If you wear glasses, have to wear a hat for work, wear earrings, or have a big or unique hairstyle, this decision becomes even more important. So choose wisely!

The scoop design allows for less of your cheeks to be covered while over compensating for covering your nose; the straight design covers your face like a basic surgical mask. This choice can severely affect your comfort level, especially if you wear eyeglasses, sunglasses, or goggles. Although the scoop design should technically keep your glasses from fogging up, our staff had to keep adjusting the nose part of the mask when wearing eyeglasses. So keep this in consideration when shopping. 

Depending upon your profession, social contact, and whether or not someone in your household already has COVID-19, it may be best to try to obtain an actual medical grade N95 mask. People who work with the public or with high risk individuals such as medical professionals, bus drivers, bus riders, grocery store workers, retail workers, and restaurant workers should really shop for the medical masks with  N95 filtration system.

Although most masks are being made as "one size fits all," we know that people come in vastly different sizes. So make sure you either choose a face mask that does completely expand over the entire bottom half of your face or request a designer create such a mask that will proportionately fit over your nose, mouth, and chin. There are also makers who are offering masks for sale in a children's size.

While the average price of facial masks is between $10 to $15, there are some makers selling this new necessity for as low as $8 each and as high as $20 each. The higher priced masks usually have medical N95 grade filtration. But beware of any company that's price gouging and trying to take advantage of the need for this new clothing requirement.

Last but not least, especially if you're a notorious shopper, is choosing the color, pattern, and/or logo of your mask. And let's be real: We are ALL going to end up needing masks like we need underwear! Which means at least one for each day of the week. So have fun switching up colors, patterns, and logos. Buy a paisley print mask to match your scarf and tie. Choose one with a logo to wear with your athleisure clothes. Whatever you decide, know that you'll be making a statement while staying safe and vigilant against the virus.