Even though they are a major pain, masks have become a part of daily life, and there may even come a day when we’ll all be used to wearing them, but that day is not soon. Yes, face masks are awkward and uncomfortable, but they are also essential, and, with a little creativity, they can be fun. Aside from the obvious mask-wearing mess-ups like it not covering from below your chin to above your nose, and constantly readjusting, there are several other mistakes that are easy to make while wearing one. Here are a few that I’ve made myself during these months of mask-donning.

First, choosing the wrong material. Not only can the wrong fabric not provide enough protection, but it can also irritate your skin. I was considering a denim face mask, which was very stylish and protective, but opted not to as I realized it would be way too thick for summer wear. You want to look for masks made from breathable materials like cotton poplin or double layers of knit. Gap has a 3-pack of 100% cotton adult unisex masks in summer prints like floral and bandana patterns. Or, go with an activewear brand with built-in sweat-wicking material for a cooling effect. I just came across Onzie.com; they have assorted two-packs that are made in America from up-cycled fabrics, with portions of their mask sales going to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

Variety packs are great because not having enough masks is also a prevalent mistake. Even though you may no longer be leaving the house every day, you will still need four to five masks at the ready. Unless, of course, you want to hand wash or do laundry every couple of days. You shouldn’t wear a dirty mask, not only for your health but for your skin, so stock up on enough masks to get you through until laundry day. Do I wear a clean mask every day? No. In a perfect world, I’d wear a clean mask every time I leave the house (heck, in a perfect world we wouldn’t be in this mess), but I do switch my masks out a few times a week and wash all of them at the end of the week.

Besides material and having enough of them, another common mask mistake is wearing the wrong “size.” If your face is small, especially for children, you may have trouble finding masks that don’t gap or fall down. You’ll want to look for masks that tie around the head and neck, those with adjustable ear straps, or brands that offer sizes with a measurement chart. Uncommon Goods has two packs of rainbow-designed face masks for both kids and adults. The kid version measures at 7.25” W x 3” H and features ear straps. The adult size is 8.25” W x 3.5” H with ties at the neck and elastic at the top. Profits from both versions go to NYC Health + Hospitals. Shop Disney has 4-packs featuring your kids’ favorite characters in sizes small through extra-large and are also donating masks to children and families in vulnerable communities through MedShare.

If the standard fits are not an issue for you, then go with ear-strap masks. Wearing a tie mask, especially when you are running errands and going in and out of the car, can be such a pain. Obviously, we have to wear masks in businesses, but being able to slip your mask off when you’re driving is a lot easier than tying and re-tying. I’d also recommend donning easy on/off masks when you’re out and about with small children. It’s hard to make the “don’t you dare” look with just the top third of my face, even though my forehead does play a big part into it.

Besides the functional mistakes of mask-wearing, there are also some missed stylish opportunities. Like it or not, masks are THE accessory of 2020, so why not have fun with it? On days when I’m feeling really adventurous, I like to match my mask to my outfit. Vistaprint has a wide variety of designs for the whole family. From snakeskin to stripes, from dinosaurs to dots. Thinking that in this year’s family photos, we can wear matching masks! If you’re looking for some more sophisticated fare, check out Anthropologie’s offerings with sets of up to five in dynamic artful prints. And Nordstrom has a 6-pack of black and white pleated masks for a more minimalist approach.

Speaking of minimalism, now is not the time to be wearing heavy makeup under your masks. Since masks trap sweat and humidity, adding thick foundation to the mix will result in clogged pores and breakouts. The best way to avoid irritating your skin is by opting for lightweight, or no makeup at all, and by exfoliating often with acne-fighting sheet masks at the ready. However, if you do find yourself putting on makeup, be sure to avoid wearing a light-colored mask with lipstick. Pretty much any shade is going to stain a pale-toned mask. It is best to wear lip stain or a tinted balm and/or go with a darker face mask.

Mask-wearing is going to be around for quite some time, so if we have to wear them, we should be doing it the right way. You can also wear masks in a stylish way if you are so inclined. Better still, when purchasing masks looks for brands and businesses benefiting others through profit sharing or additional mask donations.