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Hey there! By now you've seen the CDC's guidelines recommending people wear nonmedical face coverings in public (and know whether or not they're mandatory in your area).
A few weeks ago, I chatted with experts on how to deal with summer mask problems like maskne, overheating, and working out in masks, and got some insight on the best kinds of masks + methods to combat them.
Based on those recs + the reviews of people who have tried and tested them, here are some products to solve those and all of your other most annoying mask problems, from ear pain to glasses fog to proper sanitation:
1. A streak-free anti-fog spray you can quickly apply to eyeglasses, sunglasses, and face shields, to prevent them from fogging up while you're wearing a mask.
2. A soft silicone ear-saver and mask-extender that works overtime on problem-solving — not only does it take some of the pressure off your ears, but it helps make a more personalized fit on masks with elastic straps that don't *quite* fit your face.
3. Or a set of ear toggles to quickly adjust the ear loops on both elastic and non-elastic masks, fitting them more securely to your face.
4. Or even a headband hybrid mask to not only minimize ear ache, but keep the sweat out of your eyes *and* make a fashion statement.
5. A two-layer white cotton face mask to help prevent that dreaded ~maskne~ we're all spending the summer grimacing at in the mirror.
6. Plus a jar of Aztec healing clay masks to calm your acne and skin, which can really come in handy if wearing face masks makes you break out.
7. Or a set of popular acne patches to spot treat the worst of your maskne, and help reduce not just the redness and size of large spots, but also the pain.
8. A chic, statement-making visor you can throw on to prevent face mask tan lines in the moments when your sunscreen might not be cutting it.
9. Or a wide-brimmed UV protective safari hat with mesh vents and a built-in moisture wicking sweatband for days when you want even more coverage (and are looking to break a sweat).
10. A set of affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds to prevent the wires on your headphones from getting tangled in your mask straps every time you want to pull them off on a walk or a run.
11. A set of soft, workout-friendly Reebok masks for anyone who has been trying to run in the summer heat or work out in the gym without feeling too stifled.
12. A multilayer bamboo and cotton face mask, so you get the cooling properties of bamboo *and* the softness of cotton on your skin on days when you're worried about overheating.
13. A hands-free portable neck fan you can charge with a USB, because sometimes you're just not going to be able to avoid walking out in the heat in a face mask, and this is an easy way to stay cool.
14. An anti-fog accessible face mask with a clear window to benefit the deaf and hard-of-hearing and ASL interpreters. This may also be a good solution for teachers of younger kids who rely on social cues like smiling and expression more than older kids who understand what the masks are in place for.
15. A UV-light sanitizer to extend the life of disposable masks, and easily decontaminate your reusable ones in between machine mashings. This is intended for phones, but works for face masks, gloves, and other small items you touch on the reg.
16. A face mask freshening spray for the ones you've sanitized or put through the wash that may still have lingering sweat smells. TBH, these are also just soothing scents to have in your nose while you're running errands in a socially-distanced world in general.
17. A set of face mask storage clips you can use to keep your masks separate from the rest of your stuff while you're on the go — particularly handy if you end up swapping out face masks a lot during the day and need a place to stash them between sanitizing.
18. A rustic face mask hanger you can mount right by the door, so you never walk out with that weird "what did I just forget??" feeling before turning right back around to get one.
19. Or a set of tiny Command strips perfect for lightweight masks, and subtle enough that you can put it anywhere near the door without it getting in the way.
Just remember — masks are not a substitute for social distancing! You should still maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance between you and other people when possible, and continue washing your hands and avoiding touching your face. Stay safe!
