March 13 marked the last time I ventured out of my home. Fast forward to March 20, 2020, when I made my first trip to the pharmacy since the pandemic began. I donned a mask with an additional buff for extra protection. For over a year now, I’ve been wearing masks—often double-masking with a KN95 and a cloth mask, or layering a cloth mask and a buff. Sure, my glasses fog up sometimes, and I occasionally find myself itching to rip the thing off. But overall, I’ve come to appreciate my mask.
Makeup? What Makeup?
Just the other day, my nine-year-old piped up while I was applying makeup for an outing. “Mama, what’s the point? No one will see it,” he said, huffing. Well, kid, I like makeup, so I’ll wear it if I want to—mask or no mask.
He’s got a point, though. Lipstick? Why bother when it’s mostly hidden? Sure, if I’m indoors, people might catch a glimpse of my eyes above the mask. Luckily, I’ve mastered the smoky eye look and keep my skin hydrated to fend off fine lines. And let’s not forget, my mask covers up the worst of my dark circles. Who knew a cloth face covering could be the solution to those pesky shadows?
Or I could just throw on my Jackie O sunglasses and channel my inner celebrity. I can be anyone behind that mask—Paris Hilton or Betty White, and no one would know the difference. With my mask, I have the freedom to choose how much makeup I want to wear.
My Mask Fights More Than Just COVID-19
Did you know that this past flu season was one of the mildest on record? According to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt, flu cases plummeted during 2020-2021. While hand washing and social distancing contributed, it’s also worth noting that influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, just like COVID-19. So, my mask isn’t just about protecting from COVID; it could also keep me safe from the flu.
I haven’t caught a cold all winter, and I’ve definitely been going out less. I’ll continue to sanitize and wash my hands more than ever—consider me the Crazy Hand Sanitizer Lady, collecting various scented bottles like a Pokémon trainer. But my mask is what truly keeps the germs at bay.
Ultimately, I just don’t want to inhale anyone’s nasty air. I can’t imagine going back to breathing in the air at the grocery store without my mask. It’s my buffer against all those airborne particles. Plus, I can find masks in different colors to match my outfits!
Wearing Masks Post-Pandemic? Probably.
When the pandemic is over, I expect to wear my mask almost every time I step outside. I might skip the drive-thru at Starbucks, though—who knows what viruses that barista is carrying?
That said, I won’t turn into a hermit. If I’m hanging out with friends at the pool in summer, I’ll probably ditch the mask. But in winter, I might keep it on unless I’m sipping coffee. I definitely plan to wear it during cold and flu season. And my kids will likely wear masks too because I don’t want them bringing home any viruses from the grocery store.
So, when the pandemic is a thing of the past, my mask will still be a part of my life. COVID-19 may have made me a little more cautious, but it also made me appreciate the ninja-like convenience of a mask.
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Summary
The author reflects on the benefits of wearing a mask throughout the pandemic, including enhanced protection from both COVID-19 and other illnesses like the flu. They appreciate the convenience of masks for makeup and personal style while acknowledging the importance of continued safety practices in a post-pandemic world. The piece emphasizes that, even after the pandemic ends, the mask will remain a staple for health and style.