We've found 15 soft silk face masks that will be kinder to your skin – so long, maskne
Like it or not, face masks are here to stay – at least for a long time coming. And really, would you ever want to be on a packed rush-hour tube without one again? Exactly. The thought of a stranger's face being inches away makes us queasy... So, it's of high importance that you find a face mask that fits well, while remaining comfortable, and silk face masks fit the bill.
Forget what you thought you knew: not all face masks are created equal. In fact, a recent study showed that stretchy fleece neck gaiters made of nylon and polyester are seriously ineffective when it comes to preventing the spread of Coronavirus, while cotton and silk face masks are much, much better. Why? The high-thread-count boasted by natural silk fabrics can effectively filter out virus particles when worn correctly (that is: without any gaping spaces around your nose, chin or cheeks).
And functionality is not the only benefit to silk face masks. They're good for your skin, too. Not only do they feel great, but silk lowers the chances of maskne (acne, spots and congestion on the lower half of the face caused by wearing a normal fabric face mask) because its breathable and causes less friction. The more friction, the more you risk minor skin damage that contributes to the build up of congested skin. See the hype now? Okay, good.
In celebration of the stylish and safe silk face mask, we've curated an edit of the very best. It goes without saying, none of the masks in our edit of silk face masks are medical grade, nor are they clinically proven to protect against the virus. But, these coverings will comply with the governmental regulations, so you can do your weekly shop and hop onto public transport while protecting yourself and those around you. We've got pure silk face masks, silk face masks with nose wire, silk face masks with filter pockets and, of course, Slip silk face masks. Yanno - the 100% mulberry silk face coverings that influencers and fashion editors alike are going wild for.
We've also found silk pyjamas, silk pillowcases, silk bedding, silk scrunchies and silk hair wraps.
Want more face mask content? These are the best face masks that we've tried since the beginning of the pandemic, here's an edit of wedding face masks for brides, bridesmaid and wedding guests, and here's our edit of the best face masks for glasses wearers. Oh, and stop by our pick of breathable face masks before the summer sun hits.
It's time to update your mask collection. Scroll to shop our edit of the best silk face masks now.
Best silk face masks UK: Etsy silk face mask
Silk Face Covering, from £0.86, Etsy
Why we love it: Reviewers seem seriously happy with these silk face masks from Etsy which come with free delivery. You can buy them individually or in packs of three, and the colours are spring-perfect.
Best silk face masks UK: pure silk face mask
EUGENIA KIM Pleated Satin Face Covering, £20, Selfridges
Why we love it: We adore this ombre silk face mask which has been crafted by New York-based Eugenia Kim, who usually specialises in headwear. Her attention has been diverted to the facer this season – unsurprisingly. This mask is crafted from lustrous satin that has been recycled from her SS20 collection. It's softly pleated for comfort and has elastics that comfortably slip around your ears for all-day wear. Plus, you can throw it in the wash and wear it time and time again.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best silk face masks UK: Slip silk face mask
Slip Silk Face Covering, £39, Space NK
Why we love it: It doesn't get more luxurious than Slip, who are best known for their silk eye coverings and pillowcases. So, you can trust this brand to produce a silk mask that warrants the higher price point. It's made using the highest grade of long fibre mulberry silk and comes in a variety of colours to suit your personality.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Space NK discount codes.
Black silk face masks
EUGENIA KIM Sculpted Net-Detail Satin Face Covering, £20, Selfridges
Why we love it: Eugenia Kim silk face masks have been some of our favourites since the pandemic first hit. They're crafted from high-quality materials, are available in an array of bold colours and are finished with unexpected trims. Whipped up from recycled satin, this reusable silk face mask is cloaked in a birdcage veil overlay and fitted with elasticated straps at the sides for comfort.
Save when you shop for silk face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best silk face masks UK: affordable silk face mask
Silk Satin Face Mask, £5.99, Etsy
Why we love it: At such a low cost, why not pick up a couple in different tones so you can co-ordinate with outfits? We have our eyes on the Forest shade.
Best silk face masks UK: silk face mask with filter pocket
Silk Pale Pink Reusable Face Covering, £15, Oliver Bonas
Why we love it: Crafted in a gorgeous soft-touch pastel pink silk, this reusable silk face mask comes with elasticated ear loops and a pocket for a filter (although the filter is not included). It's super comfortable and will look endlessly pretty with your spring outfits.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
Polka dot silk face masks
Luxury Silk Face Mask, £12, Not Another Bill
Why we love it: From the reigning Queens of personalised gifts comes this luxury silk face mask of incredible quality, available alongside matching eye masks and scrunchies and with the option off embroidered initials to the left-hand-side. So chic.
Best silk face masks UK: Etsy silk face mask
Why we love it: These pretty silk face masks make us almost excited to wear one. They're handmade and the seller promises to ship orders out once each working day.
Best silk face masks UK: white silk face mask
EUGENIA KIM Pleated Satin Face Covering, £20, Selfridges
Why we love it: New York-based Eugenia Kim are all about high-quality fabrics, which is why this is one of the best silk face masks around. Crafted in white to match your every outfit, it's super soft with elasticated ear straps and extendable panelling for comfort.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Gingham silk face mask
Luxury Silk Face Mask in Gingham, £12, Not Another Bill
Why we love it: This silk face mask from gifting retailer Not Another Bill can not only be purchased alongside matching eye masks and silk hair scrunchies, but it can also be personalised with your initials to make for a mask that's just as stylish as the rest of your wardrobe.
Best silk face masks UK: sequin embellished satin face mask
EUGENIA KIM Sculpted Sequin Embellished Satin Face Covering, £20, Selfridges
Why we love it: Though it's not technically made of silk, the satin fabric beneath the sequins that embellish this face covering provides the same effect. Ultra glam.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best silk face masks UK: cheap silk face mask
Makeup Revolution Silk Face Covering, £10, Beauty Bay
Why we love it: Complete with adjustable straps for the perfect fit, the re-usable mask has been made with silk fabric for a luxurious feel and thanks to its natural antibacterial properties. Ideal for making sure skin stays calm and soothed rather than aggravated, the silk fabric also absorbs less moisture than cotton, which can help to prevent the skin becoming dehydrated.
Save while you shop for the best silk face masks with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best silk face mask UK: silk face mask with nose wire
Triple Layer Silk Face Mask With Filter Pocket, £48, Natalie Begg at Wolf & Badger
Why we love it: This colourful silk face mask comes with a complimentary filter to get you started. The nose strip and ear loops are easily adjustable and the seller promises to abide by a variety of sustainability goals, such as ensuring workers producing the masks are happy.
Best silk face mask UK: limited edition silk face mask
The Limited Edition - Cerise, £19.99, My Mask London
Why we love it: My Mask London has a mix of colours available, but we love this vibrant magenta-purple silk face mask. There are three layers to this mask, plus a cotton filter for added protection. The ear loops are adjustable, too.
Best silk face mask UK: pure silk face mask
Silk Face Mask, £16.90, The Big Silk
Why we love it: This silk face mask got it's debut on ITV's The Morning - with thanks to the fact that it's made from 100% silk but is relatively inexpensive. If you like to have things matching, they sell silk scrunchies too (which are kinder to the hair than their cotton counterparts).
