10 best face masks that you’ll actually want to wear

Best: Silk mask

Rating: 9.5/10

After consistent bouts of jawline acne during the first year or so of the pandemic, we knew we had to take action. Looking down the barrel of executing a three-hour, indoor photography shoot, we decided it was time to invest in a mask that would, hopefully, be kinder to our notoriously fussy skin. We chose this example from Slip and boy are we glad we did: our breakouts have returned to their pre-pandemic patterns, and we feel expensive when wearing it. It’s lovely and silky to the touch, comes with little adjustment bobbles that mean you can shorten the elastic easily, and a metal strip that helps remove any gaps around the nose. Our only small complaint is that the lovely pleats fall out a little after washing… but the fact it can be put in the machine is so wonderful that we can deal. It’s an investment that we are so, so glad we made.

Best: Black face masks

Rating: 8/10

Sometimes all you need is a plain black face mask to complete your outfit, and we’ve found these do the trick. Each one has an adjustable strap, so you can make sure it fits your face perfectly, and the nose clip can similarly be shaped accordingly. The fact it comes in a three-pack is an added bonus, so you’ve always got a spare while your others are in the wash. Best of all, of course, the black colour goes with every outfit. Win, win.

Best: Basic set

Rating: 8/10

If you’re looking for a simple, practical face mask that won’t cost the earth, look to M&S – this pack of five works out at just ?1.90 per mask. Upon first impressions, we liked the neutral colour palette and the fact they’re made from impressively soft cotton – they were one of the first options we discovered during the initial lockdown that didn’t instantly irritate our skin into breakouts. The adjustable ear loops and elastic straps also make for a secure fit and comfortable wear when travelling by train or tube.

But the best part about these M&S masks is how well they wash – M&S claims they are antibacterial for up to 40 goes and we have had some of our initial set for over a year now, so we can confirm they hold their shape. We tuck one into every bag, pocket or car glove box, and we’ve not been caught out since.

Best: For fashion lovers

Rating: 9/10

We’ve seen a whole host of designer brands cashing in on the face mask hype, with some options selling for hundreds, or even hundreds of thousands, of pounds. And if that seems as ludicrous to you as it does to us, but you still fancy the idea of a high-fashion mask, then look no further than the British Fashion Council x Bags of Ethics offering.

With designs from Mulberry, Halpern, Julien Macdonald, Liam Hodges, Raeburn and Rixo (sold in two separate three-mask packs), you couldn’t get a much bigger line-up of British fashion talent. And better still, 100 per cent of the profits are donated to NHS Charities Together, BFC Foundation Fashion Fund and Wings of Hope Children’s Charity. What more could you ask for?

Best: Lightweight mask

Rating: 8/10

None of our in-house team had any recommendations for the best face mask if you’re exercising. Luckily one of our freelance writers has tested a range of options. In their review, they noted that this one “easily stretches around the back of your ears to provide ample coverage”. They also found that it “doesn’t stick too tight to your facee”. It’s also “comfortable and washable, the material is quick-drying”. Best of all, it comes in a pack or three.

Best: Sustainable pick

Rating: 8/10

What we love most about Rowing Blazers’s selection of face coverings is that they are made from surplus fabric from blazers, suits, and shirts from New York City’s garment district. So you’ll not only be doing your bit by helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet because we all know how bad single-use masks are. The patterns on offer are standout too, and while we love this yellow striped option for adding a pop of colour, there’s also tartan, rainbow stripes, and more.

Best: For beards

Rating: 7/10

If you have facial hair, you’ll know that finding a fuzz-friendly face covering is a complete nightmare. Luckily, Sunspel has created these extra large ones in a gorgeously heavyweight cotton material that will wrap around even the largest of great big bushy beards. They’re water repellent, anti-bacterial and are made in Europe’s primary clothing manufacturing hub, Portugal.

They don’t have a little nose press, sadly, but if you’ve previously struggled to find something generous enough for all your follicles, this is the one. The pleats also mean it can expand even further, and it looks incredibly smart. It also irons well, which means you can neaten it up for a wedding or celebration.

Best: Leopard print mask

Rating: 7/10

If, like us, you’re a fan of leopard print, then H&M’s offering is where it’s at. And on the days you don’t want a pattern on your face, the pack of two also comes with a plain black mask. As with most of our favourite masks, the straps are adjustable to ensure you have the best fit. The reason this didn’t score more highly was the fact that the brand says these can only be washed up to 20 times, which of course limits their lifespan, but we did find them to come out looking good as new after being put in the washing machine.

Best: Breathable mask

Rating: 8/10

Uniqlo is renowned for its high-tech, breathable underlayers. If they’re not wicking away moisture, they’re creating heat-retaining insulating pockets of air to keep you cosy. So of course, the brand’s range of airism masks brings its textile expertise to bear on a pack of three, comfortable nylon/spandex face coverings. The three-layer design wraps a particle-catching inner layer in a pair of lightly elastic and breathable outer layers and forms a decent seal without feeling too tight or restrictive.

The smallest size is suitable for children, but it’s worth trying a few of the bigger sizes to find the fit that’s right for your face. The ear loops aren’t very elastic, which means they don’t tug on your lugs, but you’ve less room for error when choosing a size. Most importantly, they’re comfortable when worn for long periods. We’ve taken these on a three-hour flight and arrived without the telltale divot in the bridge of our noses. These masks are washable (though they’re never quite right again after the first wash) and come in a range of five neutral colours.

Best: For exercising

Rating: 8/10

Previously reviewed in our guide to the best sports masks, our tester noted that these Under Armour masks are designed “especially for sport”, and also feature a “water-resistant shell”. They are “sleek and functional”, and “the earloop design makes it easy to slip on and off”. Best of all, however, is that it’s “breathable and comfortable”.