Masks are part and parcel of everyday life now, but they do present problems for makeup lovers. It feels pointless to apply your favourite luxury products only for them to fall foul of a face covering. So what’s a girl to do? Fortunately, there are plenty of long wearing products out there that won’t leave you looking like a smudged mess. Read on for the best mask-proof makeup products to help you stay flawless.
Some say that it’s a crime not to prime, whilst others insist it’s a marketing ploy. Me? I think it’s true that primer is often unnecessary – especially for those with dry or normal skin. As long as you prep your skin properly with a solid skin care routine, then you can often skip this step.
However, primer can be useful for giving your products some extra staying power, particularly if you have oily skin. The skin’s natural oils break down makeup, so a mattifying primer can help your makeup to go the extra mile. Besides, when you’re wearing a mask, a little extra longevity insurance really can’t hurt.
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer True Matte (what a mouthful) is perfect for oily and combination skin types. This product delivers a soft matte finish that will stay all day and stand up to any mask in its path.
The Smashbox Photo Finish primer is another of my favorites. This now-cult product was actually designed to preserve models’ makeup during photoshoots against hot lighting and long working hours.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a primer, try the Ordinary’s High Adherence Primer. This silicone based product really helps with oil control and ensures your makeup won’t go anywhere. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.
For me, there’s one clear choice for a long-wearing everyday foundation: the Priia Creme Mineral Foundation stick.
Priia is a mineral makeup brand that’s specifically for acne-prone skin. I find wearing makeup daily can often trigger breakouts, but thankfully that hasn’t been an issue since my dermatologist recommended Priia to me. Personally, I use the Creme Mineral Foundation stick. It lasts all day – even in the heat and the water on my most recent trip to the Maldives. This is also an amazing product for anyone who struggles with mask acne.
Meanwhile, if you want some serious no-budge coverage for the evenings, you can’t go wrong with Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place foundation. It has long been a bestselling foundation thanks to its flawless full coverage finish and the fact that it really doesn’t come off without a fight. Your mask doesn’t stand a chance.
Lip products are often the first to fall foul of masks. I really don’t recommend wearing glosses under a mask; they’re not exactly long-wearing at the best of times. Instead, go for a matte liquid lipstick or a long-lasting lip stain.
If you love wearing full-on lipstick, you can’t go wrong with the Beauty Bakerie lip whips. They come in a range of shades and finishes and they will. not. come. off.
Similarly, the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks are a more affordable alternative. The packaging isn’t as cute, but again there’s a great shade range and the product will stay put from morning ‘til night, even with a mask.
Alternatively, why not try a lip tint or stain? It’s the perfect solution for those who want all-day color but find matte lipsticks too drying. Best of all, a lip tint is truly weightless and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, so it won’t feel uncomfortable with a mask. Benefit’s Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain is one of the best on the market.
I think wearing a tint or liquid blush is a great, mask-proof alternative to traditional blush powder. Glossier’s Cloud Paint gives a beautiful, natural finish and comes in an array of flattering colors. Plus, I just love the name.
The Iconic London Sheer Blush tubes are another great, long wearing choice and the pretty golden packaging doesn’t hurt, either.
If you like a light, blendable bronze, the Nude Stix are a perfect choice for an everyday look. Otherwise, I highly recommend the Fenty Beauty Instant Warmth Bronzer, which pretty much became a cult product the second it launched back in 2017.
If you want your makeup to last, you’ve got to go in with a setting powder; there’s no two ways about it.
Powder can be problematic for those with drier skin as it can cling and become patchy. If you worry about looking chalky, opt for the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder. It gives a beautiful, luminous finish and helps your makeup stay in place perfectly without looking dry and textured. If you’ve struggled with powder before and are hesitant to invest in such a high-end product, try the No7 Lift and Luminate Powder which is a very affordable dupe.
Meanwhile, the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder is suitable for all skin types and gives a beautiful finish. It will hold your makeup in place under your mask without looking cakey and dry, which is just what you need when you’re wearing a mask all day.
Finally, the KVD Lock It powder is the best product out there for those with oily skin. It’s super matte and ensures that your makeup won’t go anywhere under your mask, even around those classic “problem” areas like the nose and chin.
Last but not least, a good setting spray is the key to fixing your makeup in place. In fact, you can even mix your favorite setting spray with your foundation to give it extra staying powder.
The Urban Decay All Nighter spray is pretty much the best setting spray on the market. The only downside is a slightly unpleasant smell, but that disappears quickly whilst your makeup stays and stays.
So now that we’ve covered the best mask-proof makeup products, why not check out the most stylish masks out there?