March 13 marked our last venture outside. By March 20, 2020, I found myself driving to the pharmacy for the first time since everything changed. I donned a mask with a buff layered on top for extra defense. Over the past year, I’ve embraced mask-wearing, sometimes double-masking with a KN95 and a cloth mask or a cloth mask and buff. Sure, my glasses fog up occasionally, and there are moments I can’t wait to rip it off. But overall, I’ve grown quite fond of my mask.
Consider a typical trip to the store. Think about all those coughing kids, sniffly adults, and just… people. Humans in all their unappealing glory. Imagine them releasing tiny particles into the air we all share. Now think about inhaling that stuff, especially during cold and flu season. Words like “moist,” “droplet,” and “secretion” come to mind.
I love my mask so much that I might keep it around even after the pandemic subsides.
Makeup Just Got a Whole Lot Simpler
Just the other day, my nine-year-old chimed in while I was applying makeup. “Mom, why are you bothering? No one will see it!” Well, kiddo, while your blue jeans might be stylish, I enjoy makeup, so I’ll wear it if I want to—even if my mask hides most of it.
He has a point, though. Why bother with lipstick? Maybe a little blush will show. If I’m indoors, they’ll see my eyes above the mask. Luckily, I do a fantastic smoky eye, and I keep my skin hydrated to minimize those fine lines. Plus, that mask usually covers up the worst of my dark circles. I’ve discovered the secret to concealing them: a fabric face covering.
Or I can simply throw on my Jackie O sunglasses. Instant glam! I could be anyone behind those shades—Paris Hilton or Betty White, and nobody would know the difference. With that combo, I really don’t even need makeup.
Every morning, I put on a full face of makeup because I want to. But if I’m feeling lazy, my mask gives me the option to skip it.
My Mask Blocks More Than Just COVID-19
Did you know that the flu season was historically mild in 2020-2021? According to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt, flu cases reached “record-setting lows.” Yes, hand washing, social distancing, and staying home when sick played a role, but influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, just like COVID-19. My mask might be protecting me (and others) from the flu.
Inject me with the vaccine, and I’ll wear a mask forever. I haven’t caught a cold all winter. Sure, I’ve gone out less, but I’ve also ramped up my hand hygiene, and that’s a habit I plan to keep. I’ll be that quirky hand sanitizer lady forever—collecting different scents like they’re Pokémon. But while my scented hand sanitizers help, my mask is what truly prevents the nastiness from entering my lungs.
At the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: I refuse to breathe in your germs. I’m not sure I can go back to casually inhaling the air in grocery stores. My mask helps block the worst of people’s droplets. Plus, I can coordinate my masks with my outfits!
I Won’t Be Wearing My Mask All the Time
Once the pandemic ends, I’ll probably wear my mask every time I step out. Although, I might skip it for the Starbucks drive-thru. Who knows what germs that barista is harboring?
But don’t worry, I won’t turn into a hermit. If I’m casually hanging out with friends by the pool in summer? Mask off. Winter gatherings indoors? I might keep it on unless I’m sipping coffee. I definitely plan to wear it during cold and flu season. Hiking? I’ll skip the mask, but I might throw one on if I stop at the gas station.
Of course, I’ll need plenty of setting spray for my makeup, as it tends to smudge around the nose area. It’s a small price to pay.
My kids will likely be wearing masks alongside me. They shouldn’t have to breathe in grocery store air either. After all, their colds come home with them, and I end up sneezing when they do. No thanks!
So, when the pandemic is finally over, my mask isn’t going anywhere. I’ll keep it on indoors and during cold and flu season. The pandemic may have driven some of us a little crazy, but that craziness has made me appreciate my mask. Plus, it lets me go to Target looking like a ninja!
Say goodbye to my lower face.
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Summary
In a world where masks became the norm during the pandemic, the author reflects on the unexpected benefits of wearing one—from minimizing makeup routines to protecting against various viruses. As life returns to normal, the author contemplates continuing mask usage during cold and flu seasons and while in crowded indoor spaces, embracing the newfound comfort and style that masks provide.
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