That sounds like a mask fit issue. Never over tighten as a fix. I demonstrate to students how tight a strap “needs” to be by diving without a strap. The water pressure keeps the seal and i do a full skill demonstration with no leaks. If your mask is leaking, consider: hair, proper fit for face, dimples when smiling or using mouthpiece, age/hardness of silicone skirt.My mask slowly leaks. Once in a while I do the mask clearing deal. A bit of annoying, but I can live with it, until I look up and get water straight into my nose, throat and choking. How do I prevent it from happening other than not looking up while diving?
Also to note, you can block off your airway with tongue and throat muscles to keep out water even if it goes up your nose. Ive allowed water to pass through my nose before to avoid a sputtery mess...