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Header image courtesy of Masklab
Originally published by Shania Siu. Last updated by Alisa Chau.
Face masks, for most of us, started out as a mere medical necessity in response to the global pandemic. However, considering that we are not going to be mask-free in the near future, many have grown to embrace face masks as part of our daily outfits. Plus, wearing them for hours on end has brought to the forefront the importance of comfort, style, and sustainability.
Fortunately for us, stocks are no longer running low; in fact, the Hong Kong market is practically teeming with all kinds of different face masks right now, and we understand how overwhelming the choices can be. Well, look no further! Here’s a list of six places in Hong Kong offering the best masks—both disposable and reusable—including some of our personal favourites.
If you need to talk a lot at work or school, wear make-up, or simply want a little bit of room between your face and your mask to breathe, here’s our personal favourite among all 3D masks—the 3D UtiMask sold by BestMart360 (優品360).
Say goodbye to foggy glasses; this mask has a flexible nose wire that ensures no unwanted gaps between your nose bridge and your mask. It also has a BFE and PFE of at least 98 percent. And the best part? What makes the 3D UtiMask stand out is how the inside of the mask is not plastic-y to the touch—even on the hottest summer days, it is comfortable to wear, making it our first choice for face masks.
High-quality masks do not have to come at a heart-stopping price tag—the 3D UtiMask is sold at all BestMart360 outlets across Hong Kong, and costs $99 for two boxes of 20 individually packaged masks! On a side note, BestMart360 also sells regular masks (UniproCare and UtiMask) that are inexpensive and top-notch in terms of both quality and protection level, should you prefer other options.
Score yourself some compliments while complementing your outfit with face masks from Masklab. These masks come in an exhaustive range of patterns and designs (only a fraction of which are shown here) that are eye-catching and sophisticated—much like a piece of statement jewellery. Masklab even collaborates with renowned designers and local illustrators, going as far as launching a featured collection with—wait for it—Vivienne Tam!
Masklab offers the KF series 3D masks and regular adult surgical masks. The former has passed the EU PPE EN149 standards, while the latter is ASTM Level 3 and EN14683 Type IIR-certified. The masks are also individually packaged and have a BFE and PFE of above 99 percent. Their surgical masks come in three sizes, adult (17.5 centimetres), junior (15.5 centimetres), and child (13 centimetres), so nobody will feel left out.
Their solid-colour masks and items cut from simple patterns start from as low as $36 for 10 masks, while ornately patterned and designer surgical masks are sold in boxes of 10 for a higher rate.
Another one of our go-to favourites, MaskX provides soft and breathable masks perfect for daily use. It has passed the ASTM Level 3 and EN14683 Type IIR requirements, with over 99 percent in BFE, VFE, and PFE rates, so it provides the highest level of protection, too.
Their 3D masks come in two sizes, one for kids and the other for adults, and their non-3D masks (our favourite non-3D mask model, in fact) come in three sizes, including two adult sizes (17.5 centimetres, and 17 centimetres) and one junior size (14.5 centimetres).
With seasonal offers, massive discounts for members, and various promotions throughout the year, be sure to swing by their stylish stores, search them up, or follow their social media pages to get updates on when you can secure the best deals. For a failsafe option that guarantees quality and comfort, shop from one of their many physical stores across Hong Kong.
For a heightened comfort level and minimum air leakage, techwear accessories brand Nanoknit has created three kinds of highly form-fitting reusable masks. To keep up with the demand, Nanoknit had created the Ultra Lite series—designed with Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer weather in mind—so we can all combat the heat in style.
We recommend their most advanced design, the Ultra series, with its added adjustable nosebands and extra-thin, two-ply design for better breathability. If you are worried about being completely protected when you’re heading out to a crowded place, the masks come with a built-in pocket where you can slip in a filter for added protection.
Masks can be bought in sets of twos—two Ultra, two Ultra Lite, or two Classic 360 masks are all $188, with two filters included in the purchase. Extra filters along with the mask can be purchased via their official website.
Here we have the holy grail of cotton masks, fit for anyone seeking a greener, reusable alternative that can also put an end to “maskne” (mask acne) and rashes. What makes this made-in-Hong-Kong mask stand out from the overwhelming options in the market is its use of fabric: its shell fabric is 100 percent water-resistant polyester, its middle layer is made of 100 percent recycled polyester—the same material as a hazard gown—and its inner lining is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial Japanese medi fabric.
Despite being a non-surgical mask, the masks from Green Sisters provides an impressive level of protection—its middle layer has been tested for 99 percent BFE and 97 percent PFE. It is even usable up until your hundredth wash, so considering its price of $148 per mask, it’s not just doing the environment a favour, it’s doing your wallet one, too.
With adjustable earloops, several colours, and two sizes on offer—adult size and child size—the masks are truly the all-in-one solution for people who want to skip stressing about additional filters and sustainability. Check out Green Sisters’ website to get your hands on one for yourself.
Hailing all the way from Sweden, the “most advanced air mask in the world” is now being sold in Hong Kong. While this face mask requires a slightly larger investment, its price tag is wholly justified. Equipped with top-notch filter technology, the Urban Air Mask 2.0 ($549)—Airinum’s best and most advanced design—is KN95-certified, meaning that it is on par with the industrial N95 or FFP2 mask.
It also has a 3D memory nose foam and an adjustable nose clip—unlike others with regular metal wires—which acts as a foolproof anti-fogging system. To seal the deal—quite literally—you can use the optional head strap in addition to the adjustable elastic earloops to lift the burden off of your ears.
The Urban Air Mask 2.0 comes in three colours and four sizes; it even allows two-way filtration
via its two-valve stoppers that can deactivate the valve caps. Each mask comes with two replaceable Urban Air filters, exhalation valves, exhalation valve stoppers, a head strap, and a travel pouch. One filter can be used for around 100 hours, but ideally, filters should be replaced every 14 days, depending on the frequency of usage.
As someone who grew up speaking three languages at home and another two at school, Shania is an avid language learner with a passion for creative writing, music, film, and television. If she’s not out with her friends and family, you will most likely find her at home doting on her two tortoises, watching the latest K-drama sensation on Netflix, or typing away on a new story.
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