Never tried anything rigid over the face, but i will use different fabrics, depending on the temperature. I find myself covering my face less in the winter the last couple seasons. I used to cover my nose and mouth when the temp dropped below freezing, as i would get skiers hack from the dry winter air. I have since discovered that my body acclimates quite quickly to the dry air if i dont cover my face at all. After one or two decent cold weather rides each season (like maybe 20-30°f), i no longer get the hack after riding from the dry air, and my body seems to adjust. Once that happens, i dont wear anything on my face other than normal riding glasses and ear covers (i have big ears that catch the wind) until the temp gets below about 10°f. Below that i have a neck gaiter (which i can pull up over my mouth and nose if needed into the wind) i will throw on and some clear goggles. If it gets really cold, like last winter when we had a stretch of a few days below -20, and even down to -35°f with wind chill to below -60, I have a balaclava to cover all the exposed skin on my face, and put the goggles on over that, with the helmet going on last. I was not at all cold on my face, even into the wind at those extreme temperatures. Toes and fingers are my only comfort concerns in the winter months.
If you are having issues with the dry air, i would try a fleece neck gaiter which you can pull up as needed. This will hold moisture as you breathe through it, and help keep your throat moisturized. The only drawback is the decreased airflow through the fabric, which means less oxygen, and possibly having to temper your pace a bit, which is usually not too much of a concern in the deep winter months.