With more and more places insist that you wear a face mask when you are out and about, we all now have to decide which is the best face mask to wear? Plain white - or something more designer made out of colorful material? We have increasingly been drawn to customized photo face masks - that allow you to cover your face with a picture of your face!
The results can look amazing... It makes you look a bit more human, and you can choose the expression that you use for these custom printed designs. So you can be pulling a face - or always wearing a huge smile!
We first saw these custom made photo face masks appearing in India - made by corner print shops that had a suitable dye sublimation printer capable of printing your photograph onto fabric. But now a number of people offering this service online via the hand-crafting website Etsy.
Typically you buy the design that you like, and upload the high resolution image of your face to the store via the Etsy message facility. Your mask is then mailed out to you often within a day or two.
Of course, Etsy can not make any medical claims about the efficacy of these masks. But many come with a built-in pouch that allows you to add a filter into the design for extra protection.
An interesting additional benefit of these masks, we are told, is that they can actually be used to unlock phones that use facial recognition! You have to save your face-masked face as a new user in the smartphone's security options - but it will mean being able to get into your handset without the need to resorting to old-fashioned PIN codes.
Below are some of the best face masks like this that we have found so far…
Custom Funny Face Mask $16.25
MyTPrint on Etsy.com
This is one of our favorite finds on Etsy, and is quite literally designed to put a smile on your face in these difficult times. The two layer mask is made for cotton and polyester with a pocket for an optional filter. You upload your image via Etsy message after payment, and despatch is 3-5 days. Delivery available worldwide, and postage free in the USA.View Deal
Custom YOUR own FACE photo face mask from $19.95
SugarPlumLiam on Etsy.com
This costs slightly more than some, but for every face mask that you buy, this maker will donate one PPE face mask to an organization that is in critical need of personal protective equipment. Made of poly cotton the mask is custom printed with a high-resolution image of your own face that you supply. Comes with one filter. Mails to USA addresses only within 3-5 business days.View Deal
Funny face mask was $18.99 now $15.19
Lips, smiley face, tongue or dog designs
AxeandCo on Etsy.com
No need to pose for these masks, as you get a choice of four stock images to put over your pooch. There are three fun female facial expressions to choose from... the puckered lips, a cheesy smile or a cheeky tongue out option. Alternatively there is a dog's face, if you prefer to look like a happy pooch. Currently there is a 25% discount on these masks, and they come supplied with two filters. Delivery available worldwide from USA.View Deal
Undify Yourself photo face mask £16.95 / $26.25
Undify on Etsy.com
This UK-based supplier offers a full custom service - and will position your face on the mask, and send you a proof to approve before the mask is made. The photo masks are also available in three sizes (small/medium/large, making them a great choice for children. Comes with one filter. Mails from the UK, but with free delivery worldwide.View Deal
Custom Photographic Face Masks from $12
SummersMade on Etsy.com
Marc Summers offers a service that allows you to put any image, logo or design onto a face mask – including a close-up of your face. He promises to make and dispatch your mask within 48-hours from the USA, and postage is a fixed $7 wherever you are in the world – with discounts if you buy in bulk.View Deal
Customizable photo face masks from $25
PhotoQuiltCollage on Etsy.com
This face mask printing service offers you a 100% cotton half mask with the option to pay a bit extra for things like filter pockets, cloth ties and nose stays - with maximum price of $27.20, plus postage from USA.View Deal
Selfie face mask with two filters $12.50
PerfectlyDesignedLLC on Etsy.com
Dye sublimated cloth face masks with insert spaces for replaceable filters and adjustable ear straps. Two PM2.5 Ion mask filter inserts included. There is bulk discount should you want multiple mask... the price for 10 is $100. Delivers worldwide from USA.View Deal
Other designer face masks
Where to buy face masks in the US:
- Etsy.com – artistic face masks for as a little at $4
- Vistaprint – Adults and kids RNS face masks from $13
- Disney – Cloth masks featuring best-loved characters for $19.99
- Stringking – CDC-recommended, USA-made cloth masks for just $6.99
- Caraa Cares – bundle deals, including five face masks for just $25
- Los Angeles Apparel - three adjustable face masks for only $30
- Sock Cares – fun and funky face masks for only $12
Where to buy face masks in the UK:
- Etsy.co.uk – artistan face masks from just £3.99
- ASOS – stylish designs at very low prices
- My Memory - protective supplies at sensible prices
- Easylife – Standard CE approved surgical face masks, 30 for £29.99
- Buff – stylish face coverings at low prices
- Ebay.co.uk – washable face masks at a bargain price
- HYPE – three face masks for £24.99 with profits to the NHS
- Silkies – two protective masks for $16.99
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