As face masks become a part of our daily lives, many of us will have to adjust our makeup routine to adapt to this new normal. The heat, humidity coupled with friction from wearing a face mask could smear or cause your base makeup to “disappear” after a few hours, especially if they are lightweight, watery and not set properly.
Unfortunately, the solution is not as simple as slapping on a long-wearing foundation or applying primer. But help is on the way. Here are five tried-and-true ways to set your makeup so it doesn’t rub off on your mask.
A good powder can prevent your base makeup from slipping and sliding under a face mask throughout the day. To set your base without looking washed out and chalky, work the setting powder into skin with a sponge or powder brush.
We recommend: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $70
This cult-favourite keeps skin shine-free all day and prevents base makeup from wearing off.
Popularised by KKW and Huda Kattan, “baking” is a makeup technique that involves packing on translucent powder and letting it sit on your face for five minutes, allowing the heat from your face to set your foundation and concealer. Finally, excess powder is removed with a fluffy brush and voilà! You’re left with skin that looks like you have a beauty filter over it.
We recommend: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Setting Powder, $56
Made specifically for baking, this finely milled formula blends seamlessly into skin, giving you a matte finish with a slight sheen. It is also enriched with nourishing vitamin E, so skin is less likely to get dry and flaky.
To keep your makeup looking as good as it did when you first applied it, a spritz of setting spray is a must. A good setting spray creates a barrier to prevent any disruption. Pro tip: give your setting spray time to dry down completely before putting on your mask.
We recommend: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, $48
An oldie but goodie, Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is made with a special patented temperature control technology which will come in handy when our base makeup starts heating up under a mask. This product prevents makeup from creasing, wearing off and melting for up to 16 hours.
Invented by makeup enthusiasts on TikTok, the “reverse base makeup” technique involves priming the face with translucent powder, setting spray and face primer before topping everything off with foundation and concealer. Started by TikTok user @ridaaaamat, her video tutorial has been watched more than 2.7 million times. This viral method works best for those with normal to oily skin. Adding the powder first helps to create a nice dry base by wicking away excess oil. This step also creates a smooth velvety-matte canvas that allows foundation to sit better on skin.
We recommend: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $89
This durable formula is great for grabbing hold of oil within your foundation and preventing your base makeup from shifting around and transferring. It’s also great for concealing redness and provides SPF15 protection.
Before putting on your mask, use the warmth of your fingers to blend your foundation and concealer, concentrating on areas of your face that come into contact with the mask. This will prevent any creasing from your mask.