Most people realize that wearing a mask while in public helps reduce transmission of COVID-19. But wearing mask has not been a part of our culture, like it has been in some Asian countries, so it can take time to get comfortable wearing one without feeling self-conscious.
Visibility matters, says Halifax fashion blogger and influencer Kayla Short of Short Presents.
Kayla Short of Short Presents in Halifax, N.S. shows a mask recently purchased online from Shein that doubles as a neck scarf when not in use. She ordered several of these masks in different prints, so she always has one to wear, while the others are being laundered.
“We need to see people wearing them, both online and real life, so it becomes the norm,” she says.
“When I’m out and about and everyone is wearing a mask, I don’t feel like I’m the odd person out. Conversely, if I’m the only one wearing a mask, I definitely feel like people are staring at me or I feel like I'm ‘overreacting’.”
While there is a lot of debate in the non-medical community about how effective it is to wear a mask, she says, East Coast residents must think of others and stay the course. She says she’ll continue to wear one as long as health officials recommend it to protect ourselves and those we come in contact with.
Short says we need to especially think of workers in stores who encounter many different people every day.
“It's really important we work hard to protect them too, since they are putting themselves out there for us,” she says.
And, she says, wearing a mask can be both fashionable and trendy. One thing that helps is seeing more photos of people, especially key influencers, wearing masks, Short says.
“People have always looked for style inspiration whether it’s in magazines or online, as they want to be inspired and of course want to know what’s trendy,” says Short.
“We all look to blogs and social media for inspiration - yes, even during a pandemic - and of course we still want to explore fashion and trends, while we are still maintaining our distance, of course. I really think when you see how people style masks or work them into their outfits, it can make a huge difference, and can get people excited about wearing them.”
The key, she says, is if you see someone wearing a mask you like, tell them.
“Complimenting or having a conversation about masks is a great way to not only learn where to get them, but also reinforce them as a fashion statement,” says Short, who adds that this can easily be done while maintaining social distancing.
Purchasing masks online these days could take a while, and the sooner you make it a habit of wearing a mask, the quicker it'll become your normal. Short recommends finding someone local who is making them.
Buy a few to have on hand, says Short. That way, you’ll have time to wash them and can also match them to your outfits, makeup, or even your mood, she says.
Makeup and masks
When it comes to makeup, makeup artist Mallory Thorne from Paradise, N.L. has a few tips when it comes to wearing masks.
Mallory Thorne, a mobile makeup artist in Paradise, N.L. says when wearing a mask, it’s a good time to create a smoky eye look, to make your eyes pop. Here, she demonstrates how to achieve the look.
First, she says, it’s all about lashes, noting it is the perfect time to wear them. They enhance your look in an instant, Thorne says.
“You can even wear them without eyeshadow, and they will make your eyes pop,” she says.
If you don’t like lashes, Thorne suggests doing a smoky-eye look.
“I've been loving using brown-toned eyeshadow to smoke out my upper lash line lately. Doing this will make your eyes stand out while wearing a mask,” she says.
Although people are wearing masks more frequently, Thorne doesn’t think more moisturizer is needed. But if you are wearing makeup under your mask, investing in a good primer and setting spray will help your makeup last all day and prevent it from rubbing off as quickly.
Masks and kids
Kara Hebb of Saelvage, a handmade children’s apparel company in Nile Mile, P.E.I. demonstrates how to wear the fitted masks, available for purchase online.
When it comes to getting kids to wear mask - and keep them on - Kara Hebb of Nine Mile Creek, P.E.I., has some advice for parents. Hebb operates Saelvage, a business focused mainly on handmade children's apparel. Since COVID-19 hit, she has also been offering handmade masks.
Hebb suggests parents start by having kids help choose the fabric. For younger kids, she says, wearing a mask may even become like dress-up play.
“For my own kids, they requested a fun print, so when theirs were ready, they were excited to try them on, and they immediately went to play 'ninjas',” says Hebb.
Because the masks Hebb makes and sells are machine washable, it was easy to let her kids play with the masks at home and then toss them in the regular laundry for use in public.
Make sure the mask fits the child as well, she adds. Hebb has made child-sized fitted mask for roughly four- to 10-year-olds, while older children likely need an adult-fitted masks. She recommends looking into custom sizes if needed to ensure the best fit.
Short hopes people will just wear a mask, as she believes it’s better to overreact than underreact.
“Get a mask you love, treat is as a fashion accessory if it makes you more comfortable, and lead by example,” she adds.
Learn more at:
- Short Presents: https://shortpresents.com/
- Make up by Mallory: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymallorynl/
- Saelvage masks: https://saelvage.ca/product-category/accessories/cloth-masks/
