My first bit of advice is get kitted up as quickly as your wallet will allow - those with their own gear dive more. FACT. If you are learning it means you want to dive - and as much as possible - so get started with some kit.
So in the first of an occasional series, here's what to look for when buying a mask.
Find one that fits - place the mask lightly against your face and inhale slightly through the nose. The mask should sit on you face. Have someone peer into the mask to check the inner edge of the frame/skirt sits nicely against the face running either side of the face to the cheekbones. If it sticks out over the eyes, it's too small so try another.
Simple. But that is the easy bit. The trials and tribulations are now which one you pick from the plethora on the shelves of you dive store.
Go low volume - these are masks that sit the lenses closer to your eyes. This offers greater field of vision and are easier the clear when flooded. 'No-frame' designs reduce weight and provides one of the largest fields-of-view
see Tusa website
Lenses - should be made of tempered glass. Single-lens masks provide a broad, uninterrupted view but twin-lens masks have become increasingly popular because they typically have a lower internal volume.
They also allow for corrective lenses to be added for those with sight problems.
The size of the lens will affect the field of vision. Some masks now (like the Oceanic Neo 2, Tusa Visulator or Scubapro Spectra) have oversized lenses to increase the field of vision. Others such as the Oceanic Ion 3 and 4, Tusa Splendive IV or Scubapro Crystalvu have side windows to offer greater panoramic view for greater peripheral views.
Look for lenses such as Atomic's Ultraclear. Some lenses come with a green tint to them (place the mask over a piece of white paper to see) which is the result of iron impurities in low quality float or window type glass. This can distort colours underwater.
Some Atomic masks also come with anti-reflective coating which reduces the amount of light (between four and 12 per cent) reflected back by the lens surface to give a clearer, crisper view.
Skirting - Go for liquid or crystal silicone. It's softer and more durable and won't go rigid in cold water. Feathered edges where the skirt gradually thins out as it approaches the edge of the mask offer superior fit because they make contact more flexible. A double skirt offers an inner skirt around the inside of the mask which sits on the face, providing an extra seal and more comfortable fit.
see Tusa website
When it comes to colour, yes black looks cool but it may reduce light coming into the mask and give the impression of a restricted view, whereas a clear skirt will allow more light in and not have that problem.
Straps and buckles - make sure they have adjustable/swivel buckles to get a proper and comfortable fit. A neoprene slapstrap is also a good idea as it makes donning and doffing mask easier, sits more comfortably on your head and those with long hair won't get it snagged in the strap. Oceanic masks are now coming ready fitted with their own Neoprene Comfort Strap included.
Purge valves - some masks (Oceanic Ion 2, Scubapro Crystalvu Purge) come with a one way valve at the base of the nose pocket to make clearing easier without having to break the seal of the mask. As mask clearing without the valve isn't much more difficult the debate is still open about its use.
Once you've selected your mask, you might want to think about the matching snorkel, de-fog solution to help it stay clear and a mask bag for protection.
Hope that helps, happy shopping!
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