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19 Products To Help Solve Face Mask Problems

Shopping·Updated 6 minutes ago. Posted 1 hour agoEverything you need to fix *takes a deep breath* fogged up glasses, maskne, weird-fitting masks, ear pain, overheating during workouts, and more.We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of…

19 Products To Help Solve Face Mask Problems

Updated 6 minutes ago. Posted 1 hour ago

Everything you need to fix *takes a deep breath* fogged up glasses, maskne, weird-fitting masks, ear pain, overheating during workouts, and more.

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Hey there! By now you’ve seen the CDC’s guidelines recommending people wear nonmedical face coverings in public (and know whether or not they’re mandatory in your area).


CDC

These guidelines are in place primarily to protect people around you from droplets you might expel through breathing, talking, or coughing; even people without symptoms may still be at risk of spreading the virus. The masks don’t have to be anything fancy — the primary functions are that they are breathable, cover your nose and mouth, and are tight enough that they don’t leave loose space for droplets to escape. Ideally, face coverings will also be multi-layered — and even *better*, could include a pocket for a filter. But any kind of face covering is better than not having one. You can check out BuzzFeed’s guide to the CDC’s face covering recommendations, which include answers to all your burning mask questions as well as tutorials for how to make your own!

A few weeks ago, I chatted with experts on how to deal with summer mask problems like maskne, overheating, and working out in masks, and got some insight on the best kinds of masks + methods to combat them.


Paramount Pictures

TL;DR: white cotton masks are great for maskne, bamboo fabric is great for keeping cool, and we all need to be a little ~gentle~ with ourselves when it comes to working out in masks and adjusting our performance expectations.

Based on those recs + the reviews of people who have tried and tested them, here are some products to solve those and all of your other most annoying mask problems, from ear pain to glasses fog to proper sanitation:

1.

A streak-free anti-fog spray you can quickly apply to eyeglasses, sunglasses, and face shields, to prevent them from fogging up while you’re wearing a mask.


amazon.com

Promising review: “I bought this product because wearing a face mask makes my glasses fog, even with the metal strip to form around the bridge of my nose. It works all day with only one application, unless I have been doing a lot of activity, then I might have to re-apply. Just spray it on the clean lenses of your glasses then wipe dry with a clean dry lintless cloth, as simple as that. I was so impressed that I gave my second bottle to my team members for them to use. Delivery was fast. I highly recommend this product from this company. I would not hesitate to buy this again when I need more in the future.” —Tonya Crippen

Get it from Amazon for $10.55.

2.

A soft silicone ear-saver and mask-extender that works overtime on problem-solving — not only does it take some of the pressure off your ears, but it helps make a more personalized fit on masks with elastic straps that don’t *quite* fit your face.


Amazon

An easy hack, of course, is to tie the elastic strings, but sometimes that makes it too small! Plus this silicone ear-saver is anti-slip to keep it locked in place, and designed not to get tangled in hair.

Psst — a lot of reviewers mention this worked great for kids’ masks, especially since sizing for kids’ faces is all over the place and difficult to measure out when you’re buying masks online!

Promising review: “Works great! My mask stays put. I have a small face. Every mask I wear falls down and doesn’t cover my nose. I’ve had people stop me and ask where they could could buy the strap extenders.” —T. Panzek

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in eight different color combos).

3.

Or a set of ear toggles to quickly adjust the ear loops on both elastic and non-elastic masks, fitting them more securely to your face.


Amazon

To install these, you’ll need a needle and thread to help pull the elastic through the little hole in the toggle; there’s a visual instruction guide on the Amazon seller page for reference.

Promising review: “This product is exactly what I had in mind and was happy to see it was available on Amazon. I really appreciated that the vendor could include both black and white pieces in one package because I wanted both colors but did not need that many of each color. These pieces went on perfectly for the elastic strings on face masks. One type of elastic I was using was pretty thick, but the tiny hole in the silicone piece stretched enough for both the elastic and the wide needle holding the elastic to go through it and then the runny home went right back to its original size. Using this little item enables me to make masks for people that they can adjust to fit them when I don’t know how tight to make the elastic.” —Pen Name

Get a set of 50 from Amazon for $7.99 or a set of 100 for $12.99.

4.

Or even a headband hybrid mask to not only minimize ear ache, but keep the sweat out of your eyes *and* make a fashion statement.


On Guard Crafts/Etsy

On Guard Crafts is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2020 specializing in cotton face masks in a variety of configurations and prints.

Promising review: “Gorgeous masks, perfect for my smaller face, no gaps… love the headbands. Well-made. Shipped fast! Thank you!” —Jamison Beemer

Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear straps and varied

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Cotton and spandex

Shipping Time: Ships in 1 business day

Get masks from On Guard Crafts on Etsy for $13.17. (You can also buy the headband separately for $7.17.)

Psst — this shop offers free shipping!

5.

A two-layer white cotton face mask to help prevent that dreaded ~maskne~ we’re all spending the summer grimacing at in the mirror.


Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

The Dutch Label Shop is a Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop established in 2013 that specializes in custom woven labels and face masks.

I recently bought this five-pack after interviewing a dermatologist for our piece on preventing maskne, and this Etsy ship is not playing with the shipping times — it reached me in three days! The material is on the thin side, so I’d actually double them up or wear them under a mask to be extra cautious about going into a store or an area where I’m not confident I can keep a social distance, BUT having them as a barrier between my face and masks has hugely impacted my maskne. I probably only get one or two bad spots a week now as opposed to the general lawlessness my skin had at the beginning of mask-wearing.

Promising review: “These masks are great. I have really sensitive skin so the 100% cotton has been an amazing alternative to some other masks I’ve worn in the past. These ones are lightweight while still be thick enough where I feel protected, easier to talk and breathe through as well. I had to wash and dry the masks to shrink them to fit, so keep that in mind.” —Lacey Medina

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear bands

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Expected to ship within 1 business day

Get a five-pack from The Dutch Label Shop on Etsy for $9.75 (available in three colors).

6.

Plus a jar of Aztec healing clay masks to calm your acne and skin, which can really come in handy if wearing face masks makes you break out.


amazon.com

People in the reviews are also singing its praises for reducing the size of their pores! A heads up that many of them advise mixing the mask with apple cider vinegar for best results.

Promising review: “As a healthcare worker during COVID-19, the increased mask wear has both myself and my partner breaking out. This has been a welcome addition to our routine. Thanks for having a product that actually works!” —Brytnee

Get it from Amazon for $12.79.

7.

Or a set of popular acne patches to spot treat the worst of your maskne, and help reduce not just the redness and size of large spots, but also the pain.


amazon.com

Promising review: “Wow. I am a healthcare worker and due to the current pandemic I am wearing a face mask 43+ hours a week… this has caused my acne to be out of control!! I did some research and came across these and I always read the reviews closely before buying something and these had a lot of mixed reviews but I was desperate for a fix so I just figured why not and purchased these.. and wow. These really cut down on the total time a pimple lives its ‘life’ on my face. It’s wild to see all of the gunk sucked right out but it really does its magic. I read reviews that these only really work on so called “formed ready to pop pimples” and so I tried it on only those ones on my face and it really worked. Those cystic pimples where you can feel a significant bump and hurt are the ones that really bother me anyways, and these little sticky covers fixed it. The bump is gone! There’s still a little redness but like I said the bump and the pain is gone, and there’s nothing a little cover up can’t do. These really fulfilled what I was looking for and it’s very entertaining to look at the patches after to see all of the gunk it soaks up.” —Hayley Jones

Get a set of 96 patches from Amazon for $15.99.

8.

A chic, statement-making visor you can throw on to prevent face mask tan lines in the moments when your sunscreen might not be cutting it.


Amazon

Promising review: “I wanted something that can cover my face, when most of the time I’m wearing a COVID-19 mask and don’t want to get half/tan. But also I don’t like too much sun on my face, wearing contacts gets to be too much. My main issue was when I’m riding a bicycle how to cover my face, and not to be blown away by the wind. This visor has it all. It’s cute. I feel like I’m in my own little shady world, and doesn’t ruin my hair. Velcro adjust on the back and you get flexible rope to fasten it under your chin. Glasses or sunglasses fit easy. I love it!” —Marinchich

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four colors).

9.

Or a wide-brimmed UV protective safari hat with mesh vents and a built-in moisture wicking sweatband for days when you want even more coverage (and are looking to break a sweat).


Amazon

Promising review: “Best field hat ever! Been wearing these hats for years now. I am a desert wildlife biologist and spend my life in the unforgiving, blazing sun. This hat provides the most sun protection of any style. PERIOD. Keeps my shoulders, back of neck and face shaded. Cannot live without this hat. Bought these two to replace my old, worn ones. Will be using on my upcoming African safari.” —amy anderson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors).

10.

A set of affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds to prevent the wires on your headphones from getting tangled in your mask straps every time you want to pull them off on a walk or a run.


amazon.com

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.

Promising review: “The sound is great. Talking on the phone with a mask on is no problem — the person receiving my call could hear me perfectly. They stay in just fine while driving or working. This company has great customer service.” —twomoms

Get it from Amazon $35.99 (available in five colors).

11.

A set of soft, workout-friendly Reebok masks for anyone who has been trying to run in the summer heat or work out in the gym without feeling too stifled.


Reebok

I ordered two packs of these on a whim, and WOW, do I love them. Despite the shipping time they actually arrived in two days, and I think they’re my favorite running mask so far. The material is protective but lightweight, with sort of a wetsuit feel. It stays locked in place while I’m running, even though I sweat buckets in the heat. The seams are so subtle that they don’t irritate my face. Also, I feel really cool wearing them, which is saying something, because I am the least cool person I know. Note: I got the M/L size and tied the elastic straps for a tighter fit; XS/S seems more geared at kids and people with smaller faces.

Promising review: “This is an awesome workout mask!! Very breathable material with a pocket for adding a filter. By far the best fitness mask I’ve purchased so far. I highly recommend purchasing this for serious fitness advocates.” —DAKOTA86SW

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Recycled Polyester & Elastane

Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 6-7 business days

Get a set of three from Reebok for $20.

12.

A multilayer bamboo and cotton face mask, so you get the cooling properties of bamboo *and* the softness of cotton on your skin on days when you’re worried about overheating.


Face Merch/Etsy

Fame Merch is an Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in sports, floral, and tribal prints.

Promising review: “This is my favorite mask!! I love the color and it is easy to breathe while wearing it. Plus, my glasses don’t fog when I’m wearing it.” —ncfield01

Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps

Pocket For Filter: Yes

Fabric Type: Bamboo & Cotton

Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 1-3 business days

Get it from Fame Merch on Etsy for $14.50 (available in six styles).

13.

A hands-free portable neck fan you can charge with a USB, because sometimes you’re just not going to be able to avoid walking out in the heat in a face mask, and this is an easy way to stay cool.


Amazon

It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. Reviewers note that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it’s easy to unsnag if it gets caught).

Promising review: “I went to Florida on a work trip to review the new safety guidelines at Disney and Universal Studios. I purchased this exact brand for my family, and other coworkers chose very similar looking products but not from the same manufacturer. Mine lasted all day at the theme parks, while my coworker’s died pretty quickly. This made wearing a mask very bearable in the Florida heat. I bought several other best selling self-cooling items, and this one was by far the only one worth any money. I thought it would be a comical purchase, but it ended up being a lifesaver. I am adding it to my ‘must have’ list for hot vacations.” —Jay

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two colors).

14.

An anti-fog accessible face mask with a clear window to benefit the deaf and hard-of-hearing and ASL interpreters. This may also be a good solution for teachers of younger kids who rely on social cues like smiling and expression more than older kids who understand what the masks are in place for.


Randl By Design/Etsy

Promising review: “Thank you so much for making these for me! I’m a speech therapist and it’s important for my students to see my mouth! The masks are great and fast delivery. Thank you!!!” —Kelly Dwyer

Type Of Fit: Adjustable ear straps

Pocket For Filter: No

Fabric Type: Cotton

Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 3-5 business days

Get it from Randl By Design on Etsy for $25.28+.

15.

A UV-light sanitizer to extend the life of disposable masks, and easily decontaminate your reusable ones in between machine mashings. This is intended for phones, but works for face masks, gloves, and other small items you touch on the reg.


Hammacher Schlemmer

This wireless sanitizer is USB chargeable and uses the same tech that sterilizes hospital instruments. Each cycle only takes ten minutes and kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs, all without the use of chemicals. It also comes with an aromatherapy option, if you want your belongings to smell ~fresh~.

Promising review: “This is a great product for sanitizing your smart phone, keys, masks, sunglasses and more. I’m very happy with this and would recommend it. It arrived quickly and was packaged well.” —Barbara

Get it from Hammacher Schlemmer for $99.99.

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16.

A face mask freshening spray for the ones you’ve sanitized or put through the wash that may still have lingering sweat smells. TBH, these are also just soothing scents to have in your nose while you’re running errands in a socially-distanced world in general.


Pie Town Soap Co./Etsy

Pie Town Soap Co. is an Arizona-based Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in handmade soaps and aromatherapy. You can get the spray in Breathe, Shield, Calm, Good Mood, Lavender, Sundew, Clear Mind, and Bliss.

Promising review: “The face mask sprays were a big hit in our small town hospital! Thank you for making wearing a mask for 12 hours better! They sprays smell wonderful!” —Cathy Smith

Get it from Pie Town Soap Co. on Etsy for $7+ (available in seven scents and two sizes).

17.

A set of face mask storage clips you can use to keep your masks separate from the rest of your stuff while you’re on the go — particularly handy if you end up swapping out face masks a lot during the day and need a place to stash them between sanitizing.


Amazon

A lot of runners (it me) and people working outdoors usually end up swapping out face masks when theirs get too sweaty, so this could be a convenient way to store them — plus with the color coding, you’ll know exactly which ones are used/dirty and which ones are still raring to go.

Promising review: “I prefer the colors since I know which color stays in my car, which goes in my purse/pocket, which stays at work and which carries the used masks so the masks and holders can be washed to go back in circulation avoiding any cross contamination. Keeps the masks clean and protected from my hands reaching into my bag or pocket. The clear ones went to my parents. We used colored markers to identify whom they belong to.” —Jest Donahue

Get a five-pack from Amazon for $13.88.

18.

A rustic face mask hanger you can mount right by the door, so you never walk out with that weird “what did I just forget??” feeling before turning right back around to get one.


GCcustomcharacter/Etsy

GCcustomcharacter is a US-based Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in custom wooden goods.

Promising review: “Absolutely love my mask hanger. I’ll never forget my mask again with this hanging by the door. Great quality and great customer service!” —shauncarvalho

Get it from GCcustomcharacter on Etsy for $9.95+ (available in two colors and multiple hook options).

19.

Or a set of tiny Command strips perfect for lightweight masks, and subtle enough that you can put it anywhere near the door without it getting in the way.


Amazon

These have an adhesive on the back for easy application to the wall, which you can pull down on once you’re ready to uninstall it without doing any damage to the wallpaper or paint.

Promising review:I set up a row of these per person in our house on the back of a door near where we exit, to hang our face masks. There is a hook for each day. They are staying on the door, but remember, there isn’t much weight from a face mask. Right size for face masks — small. Like that they don’t stick out. Working well for our purpose.” —Amy

Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $9.99.

Just remember — masks are not a substitute for social distancing! You should still maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance between you and other people when possible, and continue washing your hands and avoiding touching your face. Stay safe!


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