Attention Please: Mask-Friendly Beauty Hacks and Products
BY JENNY JUNG
What it means to adapt to the times in the beauty world: mask-proof your beauty routine with these tips and tricks.
18 JUL - 2022
Just because we are required to wear a mask does not mean that we have to give up on the glam!
Even though we are slowly returning back to normal life, masks are still a part of our daily routine. If you are required to wear a mask but you love a little glam, here are some tips and tricks on how to minimise mask-related challenges to your everyday beauty routine.
Keep in mind that today’s editorial is more about the technique rather than the products that you use. So, try your best with the products that you already own in your collection and I hope this helps to minimise transfer, increase longevity and boost your confidence the next time you go out!
First Things First: The Base
Textures and finishes are the most important things to consider when figuring out what products are going to work best underneath your mask. With that being said, dewy foundations might have to take the backseat in today's edit. On the other hand, a dewy or hydrating primer is going to be your best friend. If you have an oily skin-type, totally feel free to use your usual mattifying primer.
My skin has been drier than ever since we have had to use masks everyday. It is most likely because the mask is rubbing on our skin constantly. I have realised that setting spray or a dewy primer before foundation has been really helpful with the overall performance of my base makeup.
If you have oily skin and you’re experiencing dryness in certain places like the under eye or nose area, spot prime different areas of your face with the correlating mattifying or hydrating primer.
Have you seen the Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops floating around the beauty-verse lately? This product is technically a niacinamide serum but it works as a great primer that is super thin in texture. Plus, it will provide your routine with some skin-loving attention before makeup application.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops, $55NZD.
Layering
There are two ways to go about mask-friendly makeup. First, you can adopt the “less is more” approach so that you can worry less about your makeup during the day. Another way to think about your routine is incorporating a few layers of products. Layering your makeup will provide some lee-way when your makeup will inevitably move around due to the mask.
I have been testing out both techniques and there is a time for each to shine. On a lazy day, the less-is-more approach allows me to touch up with a powder foundation throughout the day when needed (for this I really recommend the M.A.C Studio Fix Powder, it's stunning). However, on most days, I have really been enjoying layering up my creams and powders for a more bullet-proof base routine.
Layer up your cream blushes and bronzers with their powder counterpart. It makes a world of difference. If you experience patchiness due to the mask, this trick will almost completely solve that issue. This is because your powder products have the cream base to really hold on to during the day.
Favourite cream and powder blush duo has been the Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour in Heliotrope, and the Kaleidos Mono Blush in Ecstasy.
Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour in Heliotrope, $49NZD.
Setting Spray: Myth or Fact?
Setting spray is absolutely a fact… As long as you are using the right one. M.A.C Fix Plus, for example, is a great setting spray for a luminous finish- but it won’t give you the benefit of longevity. Fix Plus is packed with glycerin which is great for hydration and that fabulous glow. On that note, try and stay away from setting sprays that primarily use alcohol as their main ingredient. Although these setting sprays may hold onto your makeup better, it will dry out your skin. Wearing a mask everyday is already putting a lot of pressure on our skin, so we have to make sure that we are using products with better ingredients.
I recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray! I was introduced to this spray by my little sister who swears by this product. For context, she has normal skin with a preference for a matte complexion. Since then I have been sneakily going into her room to use her setting spray and I have to say, it works. Spritzing my face before and after foundation has made a dramatic difference to the longevity of my base routine, and after seeing it blow up on TikTok, it makes complete sense why people love this product so much!
Key takeaway: look for setting sprays that are alcohol and oil free. Just like the Charlotte Tilbury one!
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, NZD$57.
Lips!
Sigh… I know this is ultimately a first world issue, so don’t come for me! But I really miss wearing bold lips. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I love a minimal eye and bold lip for those days where I just can’t be bothered. Now that we have to wear masks most of the time, I have been trying to find the right lip that is low maintenance, long wearing and transfer proof
This product is an absolute OG and I am sure most of you have had your experience with it: Benefit Benetint. Honestly, is the Benetint just an overpriced, glorified red lip tint? Yes. Do I still find myself reaching for it all the time? Yes! Although you can find lip tints at the Korean beauty store for a third of the price, I really do love the Benetint. It has the perfect amount of pigment and the watery formula just evenly absorbs onto the lips. Whack on a nude lip liner and you have yourself the perfect natural lip that requires minimal touch ups throughout the day. Any time you have to remove your mask around people, you can rest assured that your lips aren’t pale and crusty.
Key takeaway: Line your lips with your favourite lip liner and drench your lips in a watery lip tint. Don’t forget lip balm! If you aren’t a fan of red, check out the other shades in the Benefit lip tint range!
Benefit Benetint, $36NZD.
Fighting Mask-Ne
If you suffer from mask-related breakouts around the lower region of your face, I hear you. It has definitely been an on-going issue for me too! When I get home, I like to use soothing masks or treatments to reduce inflammation. However, when we wake up the next morning, the makeup and the mask goes on again and the cycle repeats. When I want to protect my break-outs, I use Cosrx Acne Patches. They are hydrocolloid patches that are conveniently shaped into different sizes for all your mask-ne needs.
Personally, I love the ‘Clear Fit Master Patch’ line because they are ultra-thin with a matte finish. They are barely detectable on the skin and provide protection from pollution, fingers and contact with your mask. I feel totally guilt-free wearing my mask over my break-outs when I have these bad boys sitting on them. If you want to apply makeup over the top, you totally can, but I have noticed that the patch lasts longer when you don’t!
These are also less than $10!
Cosrx Clear Fit Mater Patch, $6NZD.
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