The coronavirus pandemic has meant that face masks and coverings will become part of daily life.
The UK government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have both advised wearing face coverings in a bid to reduce the infection transmission of Covid-19.
As of 24 July, face coverings are mandatory in all shops and supermarkets in England. These rules also extend to indoor shopping centres, banks, and post offices. People who don’t wear one will face a fine of up to £100, apart from people with medical conditions and children under 11.
If you’re picking up a takeaway coffee or food in England, you’ll also have to wear a mask, but this rule book profits doesn’t apply to sit-in meals. The Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, confirmed: “If you’re going in to buy a takeaway, and leaving again, you’re treating it like a shop – and you should be wearing a face mask.”
When choosing your face covering, you’ll want a fabric that’s soft enough to sit on your skin without any discomfort. The more uncomfortable you are, the more likely it is you will touch your face or fiddle with it.
Additionally, because masks are fitted to your face, moisture from breathing while wearing one can become trapped on the skin, increasing humidity.
Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British skin foundation spokesperson says can this can cause breakouts:“The act of constantly adjusting and touching the mask and thus touching your face will transfer oil, dirt and irritants to the skin.“
To minimise all of this, he recommends a custom-fitted mask, but if that’s not possible, stick to breathable material such as silk, or silk lined masks.
He goes on to say: “A silk mask with multiple layers would be ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin.”
With a week left until the vast majority of the population in England will be required to wear masks in many places outside of your home, we’ve rounded up the silk masks available to shop now.
As silk universally tends to be more expensive than cotton, often you will be expected to spend a little more too.
You can trust our independent bioptimizers coupon code round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Known for its high-quality silk eye masks and pillows that protect your skin and hair as you sleep, this luxury brand has turned its hand to face coverings (Space NK, £39).
Available in four designs – black, leopard print, blush pink and lip print – the mask is crafted from 100 per cent mulberry silk.
It features adjustable ear straps which make for a comfier fit, and an adjustable nose wire inside to keep the covering secure.
They are pricey, but you’re paying for the premium materials which will make these masks last.
Visit SpaceNK now
Independent online retailer Wolf & Badger champions ethically and sustainably sourced brands across fashion, accessories, jewellery and homewares.
We love this two-sided black and purple silk face mask (Wolf & Badger, £20) that’s double-layered, lightweight and breathable.
It has two elasticated ear loops and you can wear it using either side as long as it’s clean. The lilac shade is the perfect summer colour.
Visit Wolf & Badger now
Handmade site Etsy has a wide and varied range of face coverings available, from kids to transparent styles specifically to help people who rely on lip-reading to communicate.
Its silk mask section is full of choice too, and our favourite is this double-layered silk satin face mask (Etsy, £9.50).
Washable, reusable and made with silk satin and silk polyester, it’s soft and comfortable on the skin.
We would also suggest this silk face mask with 100 per cent cotton outer layer (Etsy, £12.29) which also has a filter pocket and adjustable tie straps.
Visit Etsy now
Womenswear brand Rixo is well loved for its clashing prints, patterned midi dresses and on-trend pieces.
It’s also recently created these hope floral-print silk-blend face covering (Selfridges, £26) adorned with its signature florals in a 70 per cent silk, 30 per cent cotton blend.
Soft and breathable, with adjustable ties made from the same material, it’s fashionable and functional.
Visit Selfridges now
Silk specialist Ginger Lily typically makes nightwear, bedding and accessories, but since the pandemic has also introduced its silk face mask (Ginger Lily, £25).
Available in blush, charcoal and sand shades, they’re made with three layers of 100 per cent Mulberry silk and have elastic straps to keep it in place.
Visit Ginger Lily now
Boutique retailer Coco Rose London is the creator of the foldable shoe, a design to help women have comfortable footwear without compromising on style.
Its new silk face mask with filter pocket (Coco Rose London, £14.99) is double-layered and is designed with providing the same comfort in mind.
They’re cut on an angle to follow the contours of your nose which gives a snug fit and if you’re a glasses wearer can help to reduce your lenses steaming up form your trapped breath.
You can also use it with an added filter if you wish, thanks to the filter pocket.
Coco Rose London is also donating all products from its face mask to a children’s mental health charity, Honeypot which provides respite breaks and outreach support to young carers, aged 5 to 12 as well as helpring with the effect the pandemic has had on young people’s lives.
Visit Coco Rose London now
Luxury apparel brand Valle & Wik uses folk art and Scandinavian style as inspiration for many of its silk pieces.
It has also recently launched a range of face coverings, we’d recommend this silk mask ville planter deep blue (Valle & Vik, £35).
They’re double layered with an internal pocket for a filter, cotton poplin lining and silk-covered elastic straps. Each mask comes with a matching silk drawstring bag too.
The brand will be donating a percentage of proceeds from sales to NHS charities also.
Visit Valle & Vik now
Read more
Face mask buying guide: From materials to filters and stockists
Where to buy kids face coverings as they become compulsory in shops
Face masks: Which supermarkets are selling face coverings?
Where to buy transparent face coverings to wear in shops in England