I remember when Kim Kardashian [1]'s Skims launched a collection of seamless face masks [2]. I thought they looked kind of like seamless shapewear; very much in line with the brand, but I wasn't sure if I'd want to wear it on my face. My style of face masks is bold and bright. I like them sparkly and themed for the holidays [3] or luxe when I want to treat myself. [4] As a person who loves mixing bold prints and patterns, I often throw caution to the wind when it comes to matching my masks. However, writing roundups of the great deals at Banana Republic and its variety of masks, I kept coming back to the brand's True Hues Masks [5]. I loved the display of the shades and the variety, even the name — "True Hues" versus the noninclusive "nude" wording; rarely do I find the colour nude being applicable to my nude. The reviews were great so I gave them a try!
I decided to get two. One for me and one for my partner since we're different skin tones; I wanted to see how they measured up. I think I got pretty close for him in Sonoran Beige, but not exactly for myself in Star Anise Brown. When ordering on Banana Republic's website, there's a good amount of models in the different colours, and that allowed me to gauge what different shades would look like on me. Not matching my exact skin tone with the True Hues Mask ended up working out better for me. I didn't necessarily want my mouth to disappear in the way that nude seamless underwear creates that Barbie effect. Star Anise Brown is a beautiful chocolaty-rich colour that proves to be a great earth tone for fashion looks.
For my partner Michele, his mask being closer to his skin tone reminded him of hosiery and he wasn't into the look. But he loved the design — it's big for him as he works in fashion in Italy — and he appreciated the breathability! The adjustable tabs behind the ears were a big deal for him as he's a self-professed "big face" person. With a metal pin to fit around your nose and pockets to insert a filter, this mask is lightweight and very comfortable. In the last few days, it's been my go-to mask. Check out the Banana Republic collection and see if there's a True Hues shade that speaks to you!
Our Masks
Me in Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Star Anise Brown and Michele in Sonoran Beige [7]
Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Star Anise Brown
I chose this Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Star Anise Brown [8] ($9) for myself. I gaged it based on the skin tones of the two models Banana Republic showed in the product pictures and immediately liked how the chocolate brown hue was styled.
The Inside of My True Hues Mask
The lining of the mask is 100 percent white cotton. One of the things that customers seem to love about the True Hues masks are the string colours being skin tones that match their makeup! I totally related, I don't love having makeup stains on my mask strings. This mask lining is great and comfortable. I do like when they are lined in white for clear hygenic purposes, but also would be open to black for makeup purposes!
Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Sonoran Beige
I chose this Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Sonoran Beige [9] ($9) for Michele. Of course it wasn't his exact colour but it was a good colour if he wanted a more neutral look.
The Packageing
Here is the packageing the True Hues Masks come in when you order them.
Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Swell Shell
A reviewer said the Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Swell Shell [10] ($9) has a shell pink tone. As a person who loves millennial pink and dusty rose, I'd also get this choice.
Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Bold Bronze
I love the camel tones of this Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Bold Bronze [11] ($9). I'd wear this now with a great cashmere beanie, camel coat, and neutral pants for a monotone look.
Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Dark Almond Brown
Maybe this Banana Republic True Hues Mask in Dark Almond Brown [12] ($9) would have been a closer match to my skin tone. I like the contrast with the model's.
Banana Republic Adult Face Mask Insert 5-Pack
And don't forget to stock up on a few of these Banana Republic Adult Face Mask Insert 5-Pack [13] ($6) filters!