Covid-19 changed just about everything: we’ve massively started working from the home-office, we have limited social contacts and there’s a real mask trend going on. The only problem is that face masks and makeup are at odds. You’ve probably already discovered some foundation stains in your masks, or you’ve missed some facial expressions from people you keep In touch with. This year the beauty scene is not about lipstick, but there are other ways to make your face glow. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use makeup together with a face mask!
#1 Avoid heavy layers of foundation
It’s nearly impossible not to get foundation stains in your face mask, let alone when you’ve applied a thick layer of foundation. Do you wear your mask only now and then, like when you go to the supermarket? Then choose a lightweight foundation. A good alternative is BB-cream. It’s better not to wear any foundation at all if you have to wear your mask all day in connection with work.
#2 Set your makeup
In these times, setting your makeup is more important than ever. Face masks tend to smear your makeup, and this causes patches on your skin and mask. To avoid this, you can use a setting spray to keep your makeup in place. Together with a good primer (before you apply foundation) and a translucent powder (after you’ve applied foundation), you really don’t have to worry about unwanted stains.
#3 Try not to use oil-based makeup
Blush, highlighter, powder, foundation, you can wear all makeup to get a flawless luminous complexion together with a mask. Just make sure that none of your makeup is oil-based. Face masks have to cover your mouth and nose. Oil based makeup always remains a bit greasy and will cause stains if used together with a mask. Just use water-based makeup to enjoy your bright complexion all day.
#4 Use a concealer to hide dark blemishes and under-eye circles
Face masks reduce the noticeable part of the face. This draws attention to blemishes such as spots and dark circles and that’s not what you're aiming for. Just use a concealer to hide all your blemishes, so that the spot on your forehead is not enhanced.
#5 Boost your eyes, lashes and eyebrows
We can’t show off our newest lipsticks while wearing a mask, so we have to emphasise our eyes. Our facial expressions currently depend on our eyes since half of our faces are covered. For example, wear a bold eyeshadow or create smokey eyes. Intense black mascara and false eyelashes really make your eyes pop. Your eyebrows also need grooming besides tweezing. Shape with an eyebrow stencil, grab some brow powder, an angled brush or swipe on a lightweight brow gel. Dashing eyebrows will brighten up your face immediately.
#6 Use a hydrating lip balm instead of lipstick
Wearing lipstick together with a face mask is only a good idea if you want to look like a clown. Since this is not the case for most women: please don’t wear lipstick together with your mask. It’ll look funny afterward plus lipstick causes your mask to stick to your lips. Masks are uncomfortable anyway, but a sticking-to-your-lips-mask is even worse. If you can’t live without lipstick, then opt for a matte version. In general, matte lipsticks are less sticky and smudge-proof.
Wearing masks often causes dry, chapped lips. All you have to do is nourish and treat your lips with lip balm. Be careful though! If you use lip balm too often and struggle to be without a tube of your favourite lip comforter for a few hours, you may develop a lip balm addiction. This is worse than having dry lips.
#7 Thoroughly cleanse your skin
This may not sound appealing, but a face mask is meant to block the bacteria you breathe out. You can probably imagine that these bacteria attach themselves to your skin since they have nowhere to go. With this in mind, thoroughly cleansing your skin is even more essential. If not, you risk conditions like redness, eczema and makne (yes, the new word for acne caused by masks). Don’t overdo it though. Washing your face ten times a day can have the opposite effect. Just cleanse your face twice daily: in the morning and the evening. That’ll do.
#8 Choose a face mask in a deep dark colour
A white mask may look pretty and fresh, but your makeup will stain your mask like crazy. That’s not a problem with disposable masks, but you don’t want makeup to ruin your re-usable mask. Do you love wearing makeup and don’t plan to give up on it? Then choose a dark-coloured mask. It looks stylish, and you won’t notice the stains as much.
#9 Match your makeup with your mask
We all love matching outfits, so why not match your makeup with your mask? It all depends on your style and how you wear your mask. Just opt for subtle eye makeup when you wear a patterned mask. When you choose a plain mask, you can go for elaborate eyes.
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