Since the country began to reopen back in July and wearing a face mask became mandatory in shops and while travelling, I’ve had so many questions about the best makeup to wear underneath a mask and the skincare to prevent ‘mask-ne’ (that’s mask acne, FYI).
Read on for my top tips on how to wear makeup with a mask while leaving your skin looking and feeling fresh.
Skincare has always been a vital step in my makeup routine, but when you’re also battling with ‘mask-ne’ you want to take extra pre-caution, from day to night.
Start with your skin
I love to prep models’ skin with a super-brightening and nourishing mask such as Herbivore Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask, £38. It also helps to use a face covering that’s kind-to-skin. The Gingerlily London Silk Masks, £25, are made of 100% pure mulberry silk and is great for those with more sensitive skin types who are easily irritated by the medical masks.
At the end of the day, it’s important to thoroughly cleanse your skin to leave it revitalised and clear for the next day. I love Sisley’s new Triple-Oil Balm Make-up Remover and Cleanser, £88, which melts into the skin and removes every bit of makeup (including waterproof! ), dirt and pollution, while feeling super luxurious.
All about the base
I prefer not to use foundation all over your face when you’re wearing a face mask, instead try using concealer on just the areas that you need it. For this I love concealers with a drier texture for maximum longevity. Try Marc Jacobs Accomplice which is easily blended for a full coverage but seamless finish in the areas it’s applied.
Then set with a powder such as Dior’s Forever Extreme Control, £45, which gives long-lasting and natural coverage.
To keep a dewy finish on skin, highlighter can be applied to cheekbones, brow bones and the inner corner of the eyes. I also love applying an illuminating primer before the base to give skin an extra glow – I love Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating, £32, which uses crushed pearl pigments for the most beautiful glow.
Accentuate the eyes
Eyes are the one area still visible when wearing a mask, so whether you want to add more colour with a pop of eyeliner or go for a more dramatic, smoky eye, now’s the time to experiment! Getting creative with your eyeliner is a big trend at the moment – why not try creating some interesting shapes with negative space liner or go for bright colours. For those want to experiment but want a foolproof look, add a coloured liner along the bottom lashes.
I love Dior’s new Diorshow 24H Stylo, £22. 50. In Matte Red, it looks great on blue/green eyes while Matte Grey suits those with darker eyes. For super thick and fluffy lashes, try a voluminous mascara such as the new L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, £10. 99. For something extra special try Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Top Coat Mascara, £28.
Protect your pout
Your lips will be totally hidden under a face mask, so you’ll want to avoid wearing any bold colours that will transfer onto your mask. Keep your pout hydrated throughout the day with a super nourishing balm.
If you don’t want your lip wardrobe to go to waste, instead of a highly pigmented lipstick that will only last five minutes underneath a face covering, try a colour-reviving balm or lip stain instead.
I love the Dior Lip Maximiser, £28, a colour-reviving lip gloss that comes in a variety of shades, and I also love the new Clarins Intense Natural Lip Perfector, £18. 50, it has a beautifully soft velvet texture and moisturises with a natural slip of colour.
