Mask-proof makeup might seem like an oxymoron to some. When you consider the close contact of fabric on the skin, it’s hard to see how makeup can be transfer-proof with reusable face masks. But there are ways around it. Aside from mask extenders, there are other ways to mask-proof your makeup. We asked makeup artists Sha Shamsi and Larry Yeo to share their best tips and tricks.

But before we go into that, we asked them to also share their must-knows when it comes to prepping the skin. Sha shares, “Less is more in these maskne times. The best is to focus on your night routines and keep it light in the day. If you have oily skin, toner is a must. If you have dry skin, go for serums. Don’t over-apply, I can’t emphasise more on this.”

For Larry, the same rings true. “Less is best. That is what I have been rattling on since the start of our compulsory mask-wearing! The mask we wear traps airflow and increases the amount of moisture left behind. With this extra layer, we will see an increase of sebum, dead skin cells build up and sweat which will also increase the proliferation of bacteria on the face. Mix right with our skincare; you get an amazing possibility of clogged pores and breakouts.”

Take a look at six of their recommended tips and tried-and-tested products to keep your makeup mask-proof and transfer-proof.

Larry’s go-to transfer-resistant foundations are: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation, $62 (45 ml), D Program Allerdefense Essence BB Natural, $38.90 (40 ml), Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, $59 (30 ml), Chanel Le Teint Ultra, $98 (30 ml), and Laneige Neo Cushion Matte, $62 (15 g)

Canva

Pat and roll

image

Another trick Larry shared is to “Pat and roll on with a powder puff of loose powder before sweeping the excess away with a loose powder brush. This extra layer of powder wicks away moisture as well as prevent the mask from rubbing too hard onto the skin.”

Larry’s go-to powders are: By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder Face Powder, $89 (10 g), It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder, $42 (6.8 g), and KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder, $51 (19 g)

123RF

Choose lip stains and long-wearing lipsticks

image

Both Sha and Larry advise in opting for lip stains and long-wearing liquid lipsticks to keep them on all day. Often, it’s lip makeup that transfers first onto our masks so it’s wise to pick the ones that will remain transfer-proof or stay on all day.

Sha’s long-lasting lip picks are: Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fushion, $52 (6 ml), Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color, $39 (4 ml), Dior Lip Tattoo, $50 (6 ml), Sephora Cream Lip Stain, $20 (5 ml), and Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro, $55 (6.6 ml)

Larry’s lip stain picks are Dior Lip Tattoo, $50 (6 ml), and the MAC Shot Of Colour Lip Oil, $39 (2.7 ml). As he shares, “When they go on, they last and last and last and are not drying.”

As for liquid lipsticks, Larry’s favourites are Mac Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour, $39 (5 ml), Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink, $17.90 (5 ml), L’oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick, $19.90 (1.2 g), and Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, $34 (3 ml). These liquid lipsticks are, “The go-to for those who do not want their lipsticks to move the whole day!”