How To Navigate Face Masks And Makeup

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Face coverings have quickly become a mandatory accessory for all and whether we like it or not, it looks like they’re here to stay. While Slip has made it slightly more bearable with the super comfortable Reusable Silk Face Covering and we’ve got our maskne-proof skincare routine covered, there’s still the issue of makeup. How can you stop your makeup from transferring? Should you stop wearing lipstick for the foreseeable? Is it all about eye makeup? Here are our top tips for mastering mask-friendly makeup…

Always Start With A Primer

Whether you’re wearing a mask or not, a primer is essential if you want your makeup to last. “Primers help to lock-in your skincare and act as a magnet for your foundation,” says James Stafford-Webster, Laura Mercier’s Field Trainer. When it comes to choosing the right one, he suggests looking for silicone-free and matte finishes to withstand humidity and any oil breakthrough.

Laura Mercier’s Blurring Primer ticks all the boxes and has micro powders to absorb shine, blur pores and grip your makeup,” suggests James. Becca’s NEW Zero No Pigment Virtual Foundation, which is a silicone-free formula and helps to blur imperfections, as well as control oil and keep your skin hydrated.

Go For A Lightweight Base

“Now is the best time to practice a ‘less is more’ approach when it comes to makeup,” says makeup artist Joy Adenuga. “Wearing heavy makeup under a mask is likely to result in blocks pores and breakouts, so I’d advise sticking to lightweight formulas.” While Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint has been a summer favourite, we recommend looking at Tom Ford Flawless Glow Tinted Moisturiser if you have darker toned skin.

With hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamideIlia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint is a great choice for those with drier skin. “You could even creating your own tinted moisturiser by mixing your moisturiser with half the amount of foundation you’d normally use,” says Joy. 

Use A Setting Spray

Setting sprays work wonders for keeping your makeup in place, but Joy even recommends using one before your makeup too. This might sound like a backwards move, but it really does help to boost the staying power of your makeup and minimise transfer.

“After your makeup, instead of spraying a setting spray directly from the bottle, spray a damp Beauty Blender and press onto your face,” says Joy. “This technique really helps to lock in your products better than a direct spray.” Charlotte Tilbury’s NEW Airbrush Setting Spray is a current favourite and really does pass the mask-friendly test. Read our full review here.

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Let Your Eyes Do The Talking

As most of your makeup is likely to be covered by a mask, it’s worth playing up your eyes and brows. Your eyes are your most expressive feature after all. “Switching up your eyeliner to a more vibrant shade or trying metallic or shimmery eyeliners are a fun way to highlight your eyes,” says James. “Framing your eyes with eyeliner will give instant impact too. Tight-lining is a technique that suits all eye shapes. This easy-to-master trick makes your lashes look longer and fuller, and ensures the whites of your eyes look whiter.” To do this, keep your eyeliner super close to the lash line and avoid going too thick.

There’s No Need To Skip Lipstick

Yup, you can still wear lipstick and a face mask. You just need to consider the formula you’re using and how you apply it. “Choose long-wearing, smudge-proof and water-resistant formulas and you won’t need to worry,” says James. “For even longer mask-proof wear, apply the lipstick onto your fingertip and press and roll the colour on to your lips. This will give a softer effect that will not only look more natural but it won’t transfer on to your mask.”  

Addicted to a certain lipstick and can’t find an alternative? James has just the trick: “If you have a favourite lipstick that you adore but the formula is too greasy or slides off, simply dust your lips with a translucent setting powder to lock it in and make it more of a matte finish and ensure no transfer.”

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