There is something about 2020 that is so reminiscent of the phrase Keep Calm and Carry On. I just keep thinking, with every passing day, about how little control we have over anything in this world. We don’t know what tomorrow brings and you know what, I can no longer resist that I have to just trust in the process, and hopefully, everything will be ok. Right?

In the meantime, I will do my fair share at staying safe and keeping others safe. I wash my hands, I sanitize, I keep my distance and I wear a mask. I protect others and I am grateful for the respect others are showing when I see others wearing their masks to protect me. This top 5 is all about PPE (personal protective equipment) like hand sanitizers and masks. I’ve tried dozens in the past 6 months, and these are legit my favourites.

Dr. Bronner’s and Presentation Gifts

Dr. Bronner's is a family business with an all-in-one philosophy. Their products are all fair trade certified and are incredibly versatile. You can use floor cleaner as hand wash, I’m not even kidding. So when I needed hand sanitizer, I look there first. The smells are so sweet and delicious and I trust that their ingredients are safe to use 3000 times a day on my hands.

Presentations Gifts (@presentationsgifts) is a locally owned company currently run by a mother and daughter (power duo, love it!). They have all these beautifully hand-sewn masks that they tie dye themselves. They are soft and light. I think they even sell them at all Mandy’s locations now, so if you’re local… you’re in luck!

Jao Hand Refresher and Mackage

The Jao Hand Refresher is sold with the super funny tagline: your portable sink. It makes me laugh because that’s exactly what it looks like in my purse right now with all the hand sanitizers I keep with me. This hand sanitizer won the Elle Green Star Aware for best hand sanitizer, so if your own for accolades, you know what to buy. They use Ethyl Alcohol, which is less drying but still as effective as all the other sanitizers out there.

When Mackage came out with their mask a few months ago, we were all anticipating something beautiful and fashionable and they delivered. The beaded style takes a regular mask and makes it an accessory. I love this mask. It is full coverage, adjustable and super in your face (or on your face, lol!).

Puressentiel and LimLim

Puressentiel Purifying Antibacterial Gel is made with 3 essential oils (lemon, tea tree and lavandin). Their antibacterial is formulated with aloe vera and is said to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. In a situation like the one we are in, I’m down with those stats.

I nabbed this mask from Lim Lim. They have super cute prints and a one-size fits all kind of mask (adults and kids sizes). They aren’t adjustable but boy are they soft. They feel like a second skin and that is not common with the masks out there. I know they probably aren’t the safest in terms of filter and all that, but they are full coverage and that’s a plus.

Clinic SM and Belle and Beautique

You can legit load up on the Clinic SM hand sanitizer in bulk. The more you have, the better off. One in the front entrance at home, in your purse, in your car. Why not, right? I like this hand sanitizer because it’s clean and does the job. No frills no fuss.

Speaking of frills, Belle and Beautique (@belleandbeautique) has all the frills your heart desires. From the cutest masks to the newest fashion trend: mask chains. This local shop is a one-stop shop for all your back-to-school needs: masks, chains, throw in a headband and call it a day. They’ve got a wide array of kids styles and patterns (with wire, adjustable, filters, breathable, full coverage) and adult styles as well. The chains make it easy to keep your mask handy and available without having to go in and out of your purse or lose it from your back pocket.

Karine Joncas and Something Neon

Karine Joncas is known for being another level of beauty standard. This 4-in-1 Rinse-Free Cleanser is softening, smoothing and ultra-hydrating. I keep this one at home and encourage visitors to use it even if they are distance gathering in my yard. Better safe than sorry, right?!

Something Neon never disappoints with their cute accessories – have you seen this super fabulous sequin mask!? If I had to take a guess, I’d say brides and party-goers alike are gunning for these masks… they are sleek, sexy, and sparkly! What more can you ask for!?

Now that schools have come out with protocol, it turns out masks for our little ones are mandatory. They have also issued a statement that should our children wear chains, they must comply with safety precautions (magnetic safety closure). I personally have a full boutique at home of PPE and I am proud of it. We’ve adapted, we’ve shopped, and we are ready to take on the next year… in style.