When Sephora first reopened after circuit breaker, I made a beeline for the cult-favourite Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. This was my first time purchasing a setting powder — ever, in all my makeup wearing years!
Before we were made to wear masks, I’ve always skipped powder since my skin was more towards the dry side. I thought that layering on powder would just exacerbate my dry patches and draw attention to flakes. My outlook on face powders has definitely changed over the past months when I discovered that half of my foundation — no, three quarters of it, ends up on the inside of my mask without locking it with a layer of finely-milled powder.
We are living in unprecedented times and coronavirus has affected all aspects of our lives, beauty routines included. Just like how I’ve made setting powder a mainstay of my “new normal” beauty routine, many of us have made adjustments to the way we do our skincare and makeup.
Ahead, we spoke to 12 women in Singapore to find out how COVID-19 has impacted their beauty routines.
“I’ve been focusing more on the upper half of my face that is exposed and especially on my eye makeup. So I’ve been playing around with more eyeshadow shades compared to pre-COVID days where we could showcase more lipstick colours. Eyeliners are a must because they accentuate the eyes and help the rest of your eye makeup pop even if you are just wearing a light wash of colour on the lids. For a softer finish, I like lining my eyes with a brown liner. As for the base, I’ve been reaching for lightweight products such as cushion foundations.”
“My beauty regime has actually relaxed, lockdown made me realise I could go without having my nails or hair done so regularly. I’m also wearing much less makeup, and layering on much more skincare during the day since I’m working from home. Haven’t used foundation in over a year because it gets rubbed off on masks – it made me realize that I can go without it!”
“Acids and bold eye makeup! The first is to counter the effects of mask-wearing, and the second… well, I used to be a lipstick girl. But since Covid made me say bye to them, I started to learn and experiment with bolder eye makeup, something I’ve never done before”
“Covid-19 reminded me of the importance of functionalities and practicalities required in makeup. Our skin really needs products that hydrate our skin, care for our skin barrier (with all the maskne going on) and fit our lifestyles and climates. I love wearing lipstick and lip lacquers but because of all the mask-wearing, I have been applying Ange Gardien’s Colour Nurture Lip Lacquer as it’s transfer-resistant and hydrating.
For skincare, it’s important for me to cleanse my makeup thoroughly for a clean base for my skincare products to work their magic. I particularly love using Ange Gardien’s Duo Cleanser Hydrating Micellar Water to remove my lip and eye makeup because it has Sea Fennel and Allantoin that soothes and moisturises my skin while effectively cleansing.”
“Since COVID-19 made mask wearing compulsory, I wanted to let my skin breathe. For the sake of not getting my makeup smudged all over my face and mask, I’ve said goodbye to heavy foundations and prefer a simple skincare routine to keep my skin moisturised and protected from the heat throughout the day! So far my skin has been thanking me for it so it’s been a really great change. I do miss lipstick though!”
“For makeup, I put more focus on the eyes and the eyebrow area now as that is the area most visible to the world. This means lash extensions, lifts, mascara and eyeliner, and a good concealer for dark circles.
For skincare, I have the dreaded maskne, so using more anti-acne and brightening products such as Vitamin C serums and Glycolic Acid, to control the breakouts, and the pigmentation it leaves behind. Also switched up my moisturiser to a lightweight one for the day and a richer one at night.”
“As a healthcare worker, there is no option to WFH. Previously, my skincare routine consisted of the basic three steps — cleanse, tone and moisturise. For makeup, I always had to have foundation on. Now with prolonged mask wear, I find myself wearing less foundation to prevent clogged pores. To keep maskne at bay, I’ve also been incorporating facial scrubs and masks in my routine.”
“With COVID, I realised the importance of letting my skin breathe (no makeup!) so post-COVID, I want to continue to give my skin “space” by embracing the natural and minimal makeup route.”
“During WFH, I used much less makeup and I was more willing to try out new skincare products because I did not need to leave the house. I also tend to choose matte liquid lipsticks instead of glosses or cream lipsticks. In addition, I’ve been using more face primers so that my complexion products will last longer.”
“Serum is now part of my daily routine, as it not only creates a more even complexion, but also helps to prevent any maskne breakouts. I find that layering serum under makeup helps it last longer throughout the day as well.”
“I think Covid-19 has definitely given us the opportunity to dive deep into skincare as more of us are embracing that natural sheer look. This means paying more attention to masking and hydration with more time at home. One thing I will never give up is my love for lipsticks. For me, lipsticks are still important even though we are wearing face masks because they can complete any look. Plus, we don’t have to look hard to find great lipsticks that are matte that don’t transfer!”
“On the rare occasion I bother with a full face, I always finish off with a layer of translucent powder because even if the mask takes some off, the product below it is protected.
Since maskne is now a thing, I definitely try to find little work arounds, including wearing pimple patches under the mask! Have also stepped up my skincare routine — double cleansing and following up with a heavier moisturiser because it’s inevitable that I touch my face even though I know I’m not supposed to.”