31 best face masks to buy as wearing a face covering becomes compulsory in shops and on public transport again
Last week bore the news of yet another variant of Coronavirus - Omicron - and, with that, restrictions have been put in place again. From this week, wearing face masks in shops and on public transport is compulsory from 4am Tuesday 30th November 2021.
Our search for stylish face masks has been on-going since the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis. It's well known that the best face masks catch the aerosol droplets you emit when you breathe and talk, making it less likely you'll spread the virus to anyone else, and a large majority of us have continued wearing them in public places despite the changing in rules. However, the latest government announcement confirms that they are mandatory for everyone again (unless exempt) - so we're stocking up.
Vaccine passports are now required for some events.
Like a lot of us, you might be thinking “not again.” We get it, they're not the most pleasant of accessories to don, especially in hot and stuffy environments like the tube. But - and it's a big one - recent research has been revealed which proved just how paramount it is to still have a strong selection of face masks on rotation. So it's best to treat yourself to some new ones.
The report issued by the Office for National Statistics - which looked at the characteristics of those testing positive in the fortnight ending September 11 - has shown that people who never wear face coverings in enclosed spaces are one and a half times more likely to test positive for Coronavirus than those who use a mask. Yep: though public information has long concentrated on the benefits of stopping the spread of Coronavirus from a mask wearer, a number of recent studies are suggesting that they also protect the wearer themselves.
Professor Trisha Greenhalgh of the University of Oxford said: “It would also be expected to protect the wearer to some extent (for example by reducing the amount of virus that you breathe in, thereby producing an asymptomatic or mild illness rather than a severe one). If you do wear a mask, make sure it doesn’t have any gaps round the side, otherwise it is much less effective.”
And that's not all: further research published in the Physics of Fluids at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and California Baptist University found that wearing a used face mask could actually be just as harmful as not wearing one at all. So yeah, we're adding a few more safe and stylish face masks to our rotation - along with some face masks for glasses wearers, one or two of these chic AF silk face masks and a wedding face mask for special occasions.
Is it still mandatory to wear face masks?
Despite the lifting of the majority of COVID rules and regulations, it is yet again compulsory to wear a face mask in shops and on public transport. These rules come after the news of variant Omicron and are effective from 4am Tuesday 30th November.
Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, gave more detail when he said that fines of £200 will be handed out to people in England who fail to wear masks on public transport and in shops. The fines will double with every offence, rising to £400 for a second infraction and £800 for a third, up to a maximum of £6,400.
Who is exempt from wearing a mask?
Contrary to popular belief, the official advice states that face masks should not be worn by everyone. There are a few instances where exemptions are acceptable, these are:
- Children under the age of 11
- People who rely on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering due to physical or mental illness, impairment or disability
- Those with respiratory conditions or cognitive impairments
- People who may become distressed when putting on, wearing or removing a face covering
- Police officers and other emergency workers (face masks may interfere with their ability to serve)
- To avoid harm or injury to yourself or others
What to look for in a face mask
- Make sure your face mask fits properly. A good reusable face mask should cover the nose and mouth, and not have any gaping around the sides of the face. Look out for face masks with wire across the nose to help with this.
- Buy a face mask that can withstand machine washing, since we need to wash our face masks after every use for them to be effective.
- Consider a silk face mask if you want to reduce the risk of maskne.
- Pattern! We've had a tough 18 months, so you've gotta find joy in the smallest of things - even if that is the mood-boosting print on your face covering.
Where can I buy a stylish face mask online?
One of the best places to buy stylish face masks online is Pacamask. In fact, GLAMOUR readers have bought more face masks from Pacamask than they have any other face mask retailer since lockdown began. They offer a tonne of colours and prints in their collection, from black (their bestseller) to baby pink and ditsy floral, and the masks are not only soft and comfy but made from a fabric which kills 99% of bacteria for up to 50 washes. Impressive, right? If you fancy trying one, you can enter the code GLAMOUR10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Elsewhere, Scandi-brand GANNI has dropped a whole host of face masks in packs of three - which each come with a storage pouch - while ASOS stocks stylish face masks from brands like Topshop, Selfridges stocks Eugenia Kim pleated silk face coverings and Roop's upcycled face masks are finished with ribbon ties and crafted from organic cotton.
Scroll for our full edit of the most stylish face masks to add to your checkout today.
Silk face mask
EMILY CARTER Floral-Print Silk Face Covering, WAS £40 NOW £32, Selfridges
Emily Carter has turned her attention away from scarves and botanical-inspired accessories to face coverings with this stylish face mask - crafted from two layers of silk and scattered with purple blooms. So chic.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best face masks for glasses wearers
3 Ply Filtered Face Mask in Caribbean Dream, £35, Löfte Direct
We're obsessed with the prints on Aeibe's face masks, which have soft nose clips and soft and stretchy ear loops. You really do get what you pay for.
TREATME for 10% off orders over £50 at Lofte.
Best breathable face masks
AIRism Mask 3 Pack, £9.90, Uniqlo
We waited a long old time for Uniqlo to drop their highly anticipated AIRism face masks. They were first released in Japan back in June (sparking a website crash and some seriously lengthy queues), and they're now finally available in the UK. What makes them so special? They're made with Uniqlo's AIRism technology fabric, which is super effective at filtering bacteria and particles. These masks are also triple-layer, for extra protection, and they're available in various different face sizes. They come in black, white and grey so you can keep things simple.
Save when you shop for the best face masks with these Uniqlo discount codes.
Aeibe stylish face masks
3 Ply Filtered Face Mask in Windsor Garden, £35, Löfte Direct
Inject a bit of joy into these dark and gloomy winter days with this face mask of incredible quality from Aeibe. It has pleated detailing for a snug fit, elasticated ear straps for comfort and a soft nose clip to keep you safe (and stop your glasses from steaming up).
TREATME for 10% off orders over £50 at Lofte.
Best reusable face mask
Daisy Print Face Masks, WAS £17.95 NOW £2.99, Pacamask
We love this daisy print face mask by Pacamask - the brand behind GLAMOUR readers' most purchased face masks since Coronavirus began spreading. Not only are Pacamask designs they stylish and available in a whole plethora of colours, patterns and prints, but they're comfortable to wear and reusable for up to 50 washes. Oh, and they're made from a fabric which kills 99% of bacteria. They also get cheaper the more you buy (it's £17.95 for one, but if you buy 10, they come in at just £4.99 each).
Linen face mask
Silk Lined Linen Face Mask, £14, The White Company
Lined with 100% silk and made from pure linen to ensure breathability, this stylish face mask will not only protect your skin from breaking out, but it's comfortable to wear and contoured to your face.
Breathable face masks
Pink Cotton Face Mask, WAS £17.95 NOW £2.99, Pacamask
Pacamask face masks have been the most purchased reusable face masks by GLAMOUR readers since the beginning of the pandemic. Not only are they stylish and available in a whole plethora of colours, patterns and prints, but they're comfortable to wear and reusable for up to 50 washes. Oh, and they're made from a fabric which kills 99% of bacteria. They also get cheaper the more you buy (it's £17.95 for one, but if you buy 10, they come in at just £4.99 each).
Designer face masks UK
Patchwork Organic Cotton Face Mask, £25 for 3, GANNI
Scandi-brand GANNI's release of stylish face masks was music to our ears. There's a plethora of print collections available on their site, and they each come with a logo print pouch to keep them clean and safe in your handbag. Your commute never looked so good.
Best face masks on Etsy
Adjustable Face Mask, WAS £6.99 NOW £5.94, Etsy
Etsy is another site which GLAMOUR readers are flocking to in their thousands for fabric face masks right now. New in is this leopard print face mask, made from a super soft fabric. We love it.
Stylish face masks for winter
B&W Faces Mask, £45, Löfte Direct
Newly launched on sustainable fashion site Löfte is this incredibly stylish abstract face print face mask by AEIBE. It boasts a three-ply filter, a padded nose wire and soft and adjustable ear loops for comfort and safety, while remaining genuinely sleek and stylish. Race ya?
Reversible face masks
Organic Cotton Reversible Face Covering 'Holiday Cats', £10, Lofte
Handmade in Ramsgate in Kent, these reusable and reversible face masks have contrasting patterns on either side, so you can mix things up dependent on your mood and outfit. They have soft silicone toggles to each side to adjust the mask and customise your fit, and they're made from organic cotton.
Black stylish face mask
Face Covering, WAS £12 NOW £5, Bluebella
Lingerie brand Bluebella has launched a face covering, and it's among the prettiest we've come across. The combination of black silk and their signature eyelash lace makes for a stylish face mask.
Best face masks on ASOS
DesignB London 3 Pack Face Covering, WAS £18 NOW £7.20, ASOS
This pack of plain face coverings will be your go-to when getting to from A-B every day. They'll suit a variety of outfits, and more than one means you can wear one, have a spare and have one in the wash. Ideal.
Save when you shop for the best face masks with these ASOS discount codes.
Floral face masks
Peacock Cotton Face Masks, from £2.99, Pacamask
Brighten your ensemble with Pacamask's peacock print face mask, which will not only put a smile on your face, but will be comfortable to wear and reusable for up to 50 washes. Oh, and they're made from a fabric which kills 99% of bacteria.
Stylish face mask
Paisie Adjustable Face Mask in Light Plum, £6, Paisie
Paisie's stylish face masks have been among the most popular face coverings with GLAMOUR readers since the beginning of the pandemic. They're soft, subtle and perfectly suited to your every outfit.
Cool face masks
Topshop Leopard Face Mask, WAS £6.99 NOW £5.20, ASOS
Affordable, soft and available with next day delivery, this stylish face mask is the accessory your autumn wardrobe needs.
Pacamask face masks
Blossom Print Face Masks, from £2.99, Pacamask
Next up is another of Pacamask's bestselling face masks - this time in their beautiful blossom print which has been one of their most popular designs over the course of the past ten months. Not only are Pacamask face masks stylish and available in a whole plethora of colours, patterns and prints, but they're comfortable to wear and reusable for up to 50 washes. Oh, and they're made from a fabric which kills 99% of bacteria.
Handmade stylish face masks
Ivory Lambswool Mask, £48, Löfte Direct
According to Löfte founder Daisy, this lambswool face mask is selling like hot cakes right now - largely thanks to the fact that it has been handmade in England using a vintage knitting machine (and the finest quality of wool there is). If you're wondering whether wool can be as protective as its counterparts - the answer is yes. Wool is a naturally safe material which has both antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities. Biodegradable and breathable, it can absorb moisture vapour. Plus, this mask has a three-ply Nano filter, a soft padded nose wire, cotton lining and soft ear loops for comfort. What more could you ask for?
Best face masks for COVID
Slip Reusable Silk Face Covering in Leopard Print, WAS £39 NOW £33.15, Space NK
After something luxuriously soft? Slip, creators of the famous silk pillow case, have released three different face coverings that are among the softest we've tried. Seriously - they're worth every penny.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Space NK discount codes.
Stylish face mask with ribbon ties
ROOP Upcycled Ribbon-Strap Organic-Cotton Face Covering, WAS £23 NOW £18.40, Selfridges
Crafted from organic cotton and secured to your face with oversized, silky ribbons, this stylish face mask is among the most trend-led we've seen. We'll take one in every colour, please.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Stylish black face masks
NET-A-PORTER Printed Recycled Silk-Crepe Face Mask, £40, Net-A-Porter
NET-A-PORTER's stylish face mask is made from recycled silk-crepe and lined with a layer of antibacterial U-SILVER®. It's fitted with elasticated straps to hook over your ears that remain comfy all day - and which can be adjusted to size.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Stylish face masks
EUGENIA KIM Pleated Satin Face Covering, WAS £20 NOW £16, Selfridges
We adore this ombre stylish face mask which has been crafted by New York-based Eugenia Kim - a designer who usually specialises in headwear. This face 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 when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Stylish face masks multi-pack
LELE SADOUGHI Embellished Cotton Face Covering Set of Three, WAS £40 NOW £32, Selfridges
Lele Sadoughi's covetable accessories – from her eye-catching necklaces to embellished headbands - are among our favourites, and these stylish face masks are no exception. You can have three on rotation: a heart-print, a leopard print and a butterfly and star print.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Pretty face masks
FREE PEOPLE Floral-Print Cotton Face Covering & Hair Tie, WAS £20 NOW £16, Selfridges
Free People has released a collection of dreamy face masks in colourful prints and patterns, which each come with a matching scrunchie. They're each made from breathable cotton and fitted with a filter pocket.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Unique stylish face masks
Sanctuary Set of 3 Reusable Face Masks, £22, Anthropologie
Keep summer going that little bit longer with thee cute face masks, each adorned in. a yellow floral print. They're super soft and fit perfectly to the contours of your face.
Floral stylish face mask
DNM CLUB & BELOVED Dragonfly Cotton Face Covering, WAS £5 NOW £4, Selfridges
Ideal for nights out, daily commutes and shop browsing, this bright and colourful face mask is made from pure cotton in Italy and adorned in a cute dragonfly print. It has a contoured fit to ensure it stays securely on your face.
Save when you shop for stylish face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Stylish face masks and scrunchie set
Saltwell Design Studio Hair Scrunchie and Face Mask Set, WAS £28 NOW £20, Anthropologie
Cute and playful, this stylish face mask is adorned in the same mood-boosting print as its accompanying scrunchie - both of which are crafted from a soft cotton fabric.
The best mask for face
100% Pure Cotton Fitted Face Mask UK, from £6.99, Etsy
These face masks are crafted from 100% pure cotton, so they're even more eco-friendly than you might have thought. Custom sizes are available, to avoid those gappy sides, and they feature adjustable elastic. We'll take 6.
Face masks UK: Stylish face masks
Non-Medical Face Mask, £9.99, H&M
In plain black and a funky leopard print, this pack of two reusable face masks are non medical but still pass as a covering in terms of what you're legally required to wear in shops and on public transport.
Stylish face masks
Silk Face Masks, from £6.37, Etsy
You can buy a single one of these silk face masks or a pack of three to stock yourself up - we know what we'll be doing!
Black face masks
Non-Medical Face Mask, £9.99, H&M
Not keen on prints? Just want a face mask that is guaranteed to go with all your outfits? These simple black face masks from H&M are perfect.
