Mask Series Part 3

For my third and final piece on masks, I will be focusing on the new mask aesthetic that has developed within the past few months. Since we see no foreseeable sight of when things will return to normal, and will still be required to wear masks to prevent the spread, we may as well make the most of it and go all out. New treads are popping up everywhere, from simple colored masks to elaborate pieces made to be a functional fashion statement. For years, countries such as China and Japan have been rocking the face mask, and it has already been a predominate part of their street and everyday fashion. Now the whole world is having to catch up on this trend, and is finding new ways to make it their own.

In the United States face masks are pushing people into a general direction of anonymity. No longer are we the so called individuals who pride ourselves on our personal brand and style we have, but we have become a society on the precipice of change. Masks have become a key in the resistance, disguising protestors to protect them from later being identified or tracked down in connection to protests. Masks have not only found themselves protecting citizens from the virus, but they also find themselves protecting the First Amendment and right to free speech.

On the other hand masks have also shifted into a new form of accessory. One to be individualized, customized, made into a statement piece. Makeup tutorials have shifted and taken into consideration that half your face is now covered, lessening the burden of painting your whole face. Eye makeup has now become the focus as it has become the most visible part of your face, and a stage for personal expression. Nowadays with limited places to go and few people to see, dressing up seems kinda impractical and unnecessary, leaving your mask the only place for you to show your discernible style. So let's take a look below at some of these killer looks that include masks.

As I covered in my previous articles many artists and creatives have switched over to making masks either to help out their community or provide a fashionable option. Calista here (@calistatertot) is no different. She’s an LA designer making cute fashion forward masks! Catch her in custom reflective mask and never be forgotten in the dark again. Along with the reflective masks she also customizes masks with your favorite logos. The logos also come in the reflective material so get creative. Take a look below.

Some people were ahead of the game when it came to predicting looks when it came to incorporating masks. Below is from a photoshoot by Rhi Cooper from a VidaKush look book in 2017, talk about ahead of the curve! While meant to showcase the lenseless glasses, you can see how relevant this bold eye makeup look is for the present. When no one can see your face, how do you communicate your personality? By applying a dope a$$ flame make-up. This look shows of your fireball personality but also shows that you like to play it cool and casual with the blue. And there’s nothing cuter then practicing general safety precautions when leaving the house. So go ahead and wear a boring medical mask, your personality will shine through, I’m sure.

Do you have a plain mask you’re looking to jazz up, but don’t have the time or creativity? Luckily for you we have the solution. Do you have any body crystal stickers left over from all those unattended festivals that were cancelled? If so, here’s a creative way to use them. Remove the crystals, place super glue on the sticky side, and position them on the mask. You’ll have a cute new rendition of a boring old mask in minutes. It’s easy, it’s cute, it’s fun. Get on it.

The next example is for all my hustlers, movers, and shakers out there. For my ladies and gents on the go, who don’t have time to constantly be thinking about whether their mask matches their outfit. Many companies are now offering masks that are reversible. Easily transition and have a different mask for every outfit with the included convenience of only having to purchase one piece. Take a look below at some of these options. Most offer a bold print on one side and a neutral color on the opposite to cover all the bases.

From us here at 2nd STREET we just want to thank you for wearing a mask and caring about your neighbors. You can stay be fashionable while also being safe. Thanks for reading - take care for now. Written by: Kahley Hickman