No doubt, it’s a culture shock to suddenly have to select a Masquerade Mask. It is wise to consider what can go wrong with a Masquerade Mask so that no mistakes are made.
Masquerade Parties are sometimes sprung on lucky guests at the last minute and with no previous experience in selecting a mask – one could find it challenging?
Here’s all the info on how to pick a masquerade mask so that traps can be avoided.
Since the Global Financial Crisis there are fewer shops retailing masks and therefore less opportunity to try them on. The shops that do carry masks, mostly offer a small range, Chinese Masks and very few authentic Venetian Masks.
A real Venetian Mask
Beware of the unscrupulous retailer who will sell you Chinese made masks as Venetian.
The biggest trap is paying for a “Venetian” mask that is not actually made in Venice. Genuine Italian made masks are not all that much more than the Chinese copies.
Check the origin of the mask and know that the fit of an Italian made mask will always be superior to the Chinese copy.
If your event is casual and playful, you may get away with a Chinese Mask – but you still want to look good, Right?
When selecting please consider the following traps
Proportion
Over sized Masks, can make the most beautiful face look ridiculous.
Mask makers may be motivated by wanting a larger canvas to showcase their work. Or perhaps…. they just missed the memo about balance, poise, proportion and the bit about “less is more”.
Small framed or petite people, will need to consider each mask’s proportion carefully. There is something for everyone, every size and shape.
You should wear the mask, not the mask wear you.
Too Much Going On & Misplaced Features
This mask is a cacophony of chaos. It has beaded tassels, artificial flowers and some seriously loud out of proportion feature on the fore head. There is even a homeless butterfly on top of the flower.
Christmas trees are fine with this kind of decoration. Not only is this loud but it’s too big for the face. The flower feature should be at the eye level to be flattering.
Quality Components Only Please
The most elaborately made mask will fall short if the fabric or trim is underwhelming.
Plastic beads instead of crystal, artificial flowers instead of feathers and gold paint instead of gold leaf have cheapened the overall effect of this mask. Italian artisans tend to use Gold Leaf which looks fantastic and is always antiqued so that it is more tasteful.
Will the mask suit Your Complexion
An easy trap. The skin tone and the out fit will dictate the masks color.
Men particularly prefer a plain black mask however if they have a fair complexion, blond or grey hair, it may not be flattering.
I hope this beautiful young model won’t mind me saying that I believe she may have been better served by a different mask.
This black mask is too large for her face and the mask is so black against her fair skin that it dominates the effect.
Let me know when plastics in fashion & I’ll hibernate!
The finish of the mask above leads me to the next trap.
Plastic is only OK if it does not look like plastic.
In the past Venetian masks were made from paper mache which was labor intensive and expensive. Modern masks are usually plastic but the good ones are finished so that they look like paper mache.
Stay away from Plastic Finished Masks
In over 20 years, no one has ever asked me for a mask that looks like its made out of plastic. Therefore if one is to look their best plastic finish is best avoided. The black mask above is unashamed of its plastic molded finish. Also, too much shine can cheapen the overall look of a mask.
It screams “I got this for 5 Bucks but it’s really only worth $3.00!”
Consider if the 
Mask looks cheap…. perhaps look for one that meets all your needs but still looks good.
We sometimes have slightly imperfect masks available that are stylish, elegant & half price!
Does the Mask Fit You Well?
As tempting as it may be to have the mask that you think is pretty or can easily afford, if the mask does not fit well you will not be comfortable.
Discomfort will be distracting on a night that really should be perfect.
Poor fit will amplify the weight born on the bridge of the nose. Ties should be ribbon so that the best fit is achieved. Avoid lace and elastic ties where ever possible as head sizes vary greatly and a secure fit can only be achieved with ribbon ties.
The mask should be tied on as tight as possible to ensure that the mask touches as much of the face as possible so that the weight of the mask is less noticeable.
Elastic ties never fit well and quite often break. Its hard to “look cool” when constantly adjusting the mask with eyes half hidden and discomfort showing.
Large Eye Sockets are best
Chinese or Venetian Masks are most likely to fit well if the mask has large eye sockets because they are more likely to line up with your eyes.
Narrow eyes on a mask could interfere with those wonderfully long eye lashes that are in vogue at the moment. This would be annoying – so select a mask with large eyes.
For those who want to Be Noticed – Good on You!
Pushing the boundaries is how we evolve and
masquerade masks are after all, an artform that has been evolving for over 1000 years.
Just as long as the event will accommodate the look you are running with, have some fun with it.
I love this mask and the look that has been achieved here, although the angle of the horns may take an eye out. We offer a Sinister Devilish Horny Goat Mask with upward facing horns.
Consider the Event
A goat or devil would not be appropriate to wear to the local Christian School fundraiser but for a Singles event it would be fine. Some unusual masks may restrict drinking and eating. A Halloween Mask may even be offend so please consider the theme and the audience.
Sincerely, I hope that I have simplified and not complicated the decision. Avoid masquerade mask mistakes so that the best results can be achieved.
