7 Face Masks You Oughta Shop For Now
We are living in a whole pandemic, ya'll. The most essential item to us currently: face masks. The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don't live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Studies have also shown that masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.
There's a unique group of people that refuse to wear masks but when it comes to us and our tribe, we will wear our masks. And we will wear them fashionably. Stylish masks are not hard to come by these days but we wanted to lighten the load for you by rounding up some face coverings that you must shop for right now. Keep reading for the deets!
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Society of Threads Unisex Face Mask Solid 6-Pack
Macy's
Society of Threads created masks that focus on style and protection. The fabric is lightweight and breathable which is so important for those long days. We especially appreciate the adjustable straps because our ears have been struggling lately.
SLIP Pure Silk Adult Pleated Face Covering
Nordstrom
Come on fancy mask! It's the adjustable nose wire for us because masks can lose their shape over time and the nose wire helps to maintain structure. You could easily rock this mask for a socially distanced night out with close friends.
Printed Face Mask
They aren't medical grade face masks but they will most definitely get the job done. Many people love the self-tie ear straps because of their comfortability. When you purchase a mask, you'll get a surprise print!
ASOS DESIGN 3-Pack Face Coverings In Camouflage Print
ASOS
This pack of three comes with an assortment of prints and solid colors. They are uniquely designed with double-layer construction and elasticated straps with adjustable toggles. We really love the camo printed mask because you could style it up or down flawlessly.
Steve Madden Adult Combat Face Mask
Macy's
Cheetah Girls, Cheetah sistahs! Steve Madden face coverings are the perfect way to level up your quarantine style. We challenge you to pair this mask with some other prints like polka dots or stripes.
LOVE CHANGES 3-Pack Gaiter Adult Face Masks
Nordstrom
This type of face mask is known as the neck gaiter. It's ideal for protecting you from germs and the sun. We usually see this style in the colder months but now there are designs offered by brands like LOVE CHANGES that are lighter and cooler for all kinds of temperatures.
ASOS DESIGN Pink Floral Face Covering With Pouch & Scrunchie
ASOS
We love to see a matching set so we are obsessed with this floral face covering, pouch and scrunchie situation. The set is perfect for summer and presents a fun and flirty vibe.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Crystal Renay Is Prioritizing Healing, Her Kids, And Her Coins Amid Divorce
Crystal Renay is reclaiming her time and her identity after dealing with heartbreak. The model was married to Ne-Yo for seven years and they share three young children together. However, after a cheating scandal that resulted in a baby outside of their relationship, Crystal decided to end her marriage to the “So Sick” singer. Now, she is focusing on her bag and her kids. She is co-owner of Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles, launching a lip kit line, and is back on TV starring in the new WE TV reality series Bold & Bougie.
But it wasn’t an easy road, especially with reality TV. From the beginning, Crystal and her castmates bumped heads due to misconceptions and alliances with her ex-husband’s former partner, Monyetta Shaw. However, the mother of three exclusively tells xoNecole that she doesn’t regret her decision to join the show.
Crystal Renay
Photo courtesy
“Honestly, being in that space, we had a– you know, when you're first getting to know people, sometimes it can be smooth, and sometimes it can be rocky,” she says. “In our case, it was a little bit rocky and just getting to know each other, and I like to call it growing pains. And I felt like we had a couple of moments, but all in all, like the experience was really good for me, and I would do it over again.”
Crystal describes herself as “career-oriented” and says she is in her selfish season because she is now prioritizing herself first. But she admits that she is still healing from her divorce. The reality TV star shares some tips for others who may be going through the same thing.
“I would definitely say pray, pray as much as you can. Try to take your emotions out of your reactions to things because it’s always going to be something that you don't like in the situation,” she says. “But we can't move off of emotion because 10 times out of 10, a few months later, you're not going to feel like that. So, I'm a firm believer in not doing things that I will regret later. So I would just say be patient with yourself and stay positive.”
While there may be an opportunity to find love again, that’s not Crystal’s focus at the moment. She is in the rebuilding phase of her life, emphasizing the importance of self-care, personal growth, and finding her own happiness. She has had her share of challenges, including dealing with negative emotions and the public's perception of her, but her priorities involve spending quality time with her children and running lucrative businesses.
“I would definitely say pray, pray as much as you can. Try to take your emotions out of your reactions to things because it’s always going to be something that you don't like in the situation.”
“With my kids, I'm very hands-on. I’m team mother with soccer kids, and they don't really make no goals because they like five years old, but I'm there cheering them on every week,” she jokes. “I want to travel, especially this summer, with my kids and take them somewhere internationally because they're at the age where they can handle a long flight. So, me just spending more time and more new experiences with my kids is my main focus with them and showing them all the love that I could possibly give them.”
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Photo courtesy of Crystal Renay