With the coronavirus pandemic nowhere near finished, prioritizing fashion over function when it comes to your face mask just isn’t worth it.
But that’s exactly what Lana Del Rey did during her surprise meet-and-greet at Barnes & Noble at The Grove in LA on Friday, sporting an embellished fishnet mask that offered zero protection against COVID-19 — and prompting an outpouring of concern from her fans.
“I love you sis but please wear a real mask,” one person begged the 35-year-old singer on Instagram, while another commented, “Girl we’re in the middle of a pandemic.”
“Ma’am that is the exact mask u told us not to wear,” another fan pointed out — referencing Del Rey’s September Interview cover, for which she posed in a near-identical mesh style along with the line, “Please wear a mask. (Just not, you know, this one.)”
Other fans insisted that the superstar’s face covering featured an invisible plastic lining for added protection, although the Dolls Kill “Pure Finer Things” mask ($12) she appeared to be wearing includes no such barrier.
The good news? Del Rey needn’t sacrifice her obsession with pretty, sparkly PPE to stay safe; there are plenty of delicate embellished options on the market that offer the same glamorous look without compromising on coronavirus protection.
Below, a handful of eye-catching options to help take the Grammy nominee from “Born to Die” to double-ply.
Sol & Selene
These faux rhinestone mesh face masks look a lot like Del Rey’s — but crucially, they’re lined with a cotton-based inner layer that’s both stretchy and water-repellent, making them a smarter choice.
$24 for two
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Aldo
This similar style is also comprised of a stone-studded fishnet layer over a more protective textile.
$15
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Aerie
The combination of rose gold sequins, metallic mesh and a cotton lining make this pretty number a smart pick.
$9.95
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Lele Sadoughi
A favorite of stars like Busy Philipps, Sadoughi’s gorgeous face coverings come adorned with pearls, stars and lighter-than-air lace.
$40 for three
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Katie May
Jennifer Lopez has been living in this bridal designer’s sequined masks, but we think the pretty “Provocateur” — which features Chantilly lace, eyelash trim and, best of all, three layers of protection — might be more Del Rey’s style.
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Oceanus
If you’re looking for something seriously bedazzled, this swimwear brand’s sparkling offerings are just the ticket. Bonus: You can wear them into the pool or ocean! (A bonus for those who, like Del Rey, enjoy getting high by the beach.)
$90
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SeamlessUnion x Allie Amonoo
Florals, sequins and bows? “Shades of cool” doesn’t even begin to describe this one.
$60
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