By Erin Lindsay
12th Oct 2020
12th Oct 2020
Bookmark this list for the winter
Let’s be honest – we’re all probably lacking when it comes to how well we keep our reusable masks. It goes without saying that you should wear one every time you enter a shop, public transport or enclosed space – but are you keeping up with the hygiene advice too?
If you wear reusable face masks, made out of breathable materials like cotton or linen, you should be washing it regularly. Don’t rely on just one face mask to wear every day – putting on a wash daily is time-consuming, not to mention terrible for the environment. It’s much better to have a few face masks on the go, preferably one for each day of the week, so that you can have a ready supply of clean masks each time you need one.
If you need to stock up, there are countless Irish makers around the country tapping into the world’s latest must-have accessory. Many of the larger designers are donating portions of their profits to charity, with smaller businesses giving us all the opportunity to support local. Whatever style, print or slogan you’re after, you’ll find it from one of these fantastic homegrown sellers.
Natalie B.Coleman
Cardinal red bow mask (pre-order), €35
Irish designer Natalie B. Coleman’s silk and cotton masks are beautifully finished, keeping her seamstresses in business during the pandemic. A share of the profits from each mask sold will be donated to Women’s Aid, Dublin.
Stable of Ireland
Irish linen face mask, €20
Stable’s locally-made Irish linen masks are comfortable and easy to wear, thanks to the use of naturally antimicrobial linen.
Giving Irish
Premium linen fabric from Co. Wexford is finished into these beautiful masks in Galway.
Breast Cancer Ireland
Pink Barrier face masks, €10 for a pack of three
Since it’s October, we’re always looking for ways to support breast cancer research and survivors here in Ireland. Breast Cancer Ireland has launched these brilliant pink barrier masks for a very reasonable price, available to order online.
We Make Good
Cloth masks, €25
We Make Good’s washable masks are handmade by women from a refugee background, supported by a charity aiming to provide jobs and training to these women to improve their lives. The masks are made in partnership with the Irish Refugee Council, and for every mask you buy, one will be provided to a person living in Direct Provision.
Aideen Bodkin
Orchid mask, €12 for a pack of two
Designer Aideen Bodkin’s Masks that Matter initiative was born back in March, after a limited run of Liberty-printed masks by the designer sold out. Part of the proceeds from the breathable cotton masks are split between three very worthy charities: The Irish Hospice Foundation, Marie Keating Foundation and Trócaire.
Happy Threads
Happy Logo Face Mask, €7.37
Happy Threads is an Irish company founded by frustrated healthcare professionals who wanted better options for scrubs and uniforms. Fast forward to 2020, and Happy Threads is providing great reusable face masks in a variety of patterns and materials.
Bébhínn
Irish linen face mask, €10
Bébhínn’s 100% Irish linen facemasks are woven by Emblem Weavers in Co. Wexford, and are reversible, with 10 colour options to choose from.
31 Chapel Lane
Protective face mask, €18
Chapel Lane’s initiative is completely non-profit – every little helps in contributing to this great small business, and their 100% Irish linen masks are beautiful.
Domino Whisker
Handmade Irish linen mask, €30
Sold and modelled by Domino Whisker, these linen face masks with vibrant trims are designed and made by her mother, Mariad (the entire family is embedded in the culture of Irish design).
Jennifer Rothwell
GPO Pink Silk Print With Silk Lining, €30
Irish designer Jennifer Rothwell’s beautiful silk printed masks are quite the statement, and are the perfect gift at this time of year too.
Meab
Navy Face Mask 100% Silk, €19.95
Another fantastic silk option, these 100% silk masks from Meab are sumptuous and are also said to help with any pesky maskne you’ve been struggling with so far.
Irish Linen House
Female Linen Face Mask, €19
Another beautiful, naturally hypoallergenic option, a percentage from the sale of each mask from Irish Linen House will be donated to two local charities; The Capuchin Day Centre For Homeless and St. Vincent De Paul.
Bernie Murphy
Linen face mask, €15
An independent designer from Co. Donegal, Bernie Murphy’s beautiful masks are made from 100% linen from her home county.
Mask4u
Lola Houndstooth face mask, €13.90
Mask4u’s glamorous coverings are just one reason to fall in love – the small business also donates 10% of their sales to North West Hospice in Sligo.
Spailpín
Sláinte le Pionta, € 8.50
If you’re craving a bit of humour in your new accessory (or a cúpla focail chomh maith), Spailpín’s cheerful masks are the way to go.
Irish Socksciety
Grey face mask, €4
Particularly recommend these fun, reusable cotton masks if you’re a Dub.
Unbound
Ladies Face Mask, €12.99
These pretty floral cotton masks from Unbound are all made here in Ireland and the perfect reprieve from plain black and grey masks.
Cuando
Face masks, €12
Another brilliant Irish company to support, these cotton face masks come in a variety of sizes, colours and patterns, so you can deck the whole family out in new masks.
Faceit
Reusable face masks, €13 each
I love Faceit’s idea for selling a week’s pack of masks to wash all together at the weekend. Especially good for those who have to get out in public every day.
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