Although the end of Lockdown is moving closer, it is still compulsory to wear face masks. As most of our face will be covered in a mask whilst we are out and about, we thought we’d ask some of our favourite makeup artists for their tips on getting your makeup to pop while wearing a mask.

Make your eyes the focus

Your eyes are the focal point of your face now when you are out and about, so it’s important to spend more of your makeup routine making them stand out. Faye Cumberbatch has worked with the BBC and on various film and fashion shows, “My advice is to concentrate on your eyes as they will be on display, add a spot of shimmer to the inner corner to make any look pop.”

Dayna Kellman who has worked for MAC and Morphe agrees, “When it comes to eye makeup, this can be your focus point as your lips are currently hidden. A pop of shimmer in the inner corner with a smooth brown eye blend is perfect for any day to night look. Mask or no mask.”

If you still want to make a statement with your eye makeup, then Nancy Mobhe who works on bridal events has some great advice, “Your eye is what is going to stand out continuously, so you want to choose the right eyelash for your eye shape. Avoid the drama, keep it natural-ish. A great eyeliner will help you make a statement. Use darker shades of eye shadow on the outer corner of your eyelid and use either vibrant or neutral on the inner corner. This will give you the right balance whilst still expressing your passion for makeup.”

Adeola Gboyega, UK Education/Artistry Manager for Pat McGrath also suggests going for a bolder eye look, “I would recommend a more daring eye look with a graphic liner or a smokey eye. Finish off the look with a volumising mascara such as the Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara which gives you instant drama and thick, full lashes.”

So the choice is yours. You can make your eyes standout by going for a subtle everyday look with a pop of shimmer in the inner eye corners or go all out with the bold eye look and lashes. 

Keep your lips looking and feeling good

Whilst wearing a mask your lips are obviously going to be covered. However, there are ways to still wear lip products without your mask removing them. “Opt for lip balm instead of lipstick to protect your lips from chapping,” says Faye.

“Lip gloss and even lip balm has been a challenge for everyone whilst wearing a mask,” says Dayna. “If possible, you can use a disposable mask and top up your lip through the day but if you want to save the planet and keep your reusable mask clean, try tapping over your lipstick with eye shadow in a similar colour. Also, so your lips do not have a dry tacky feeling, applying lip balm before application will save you.”

Celebrity MUA, Claire DeGraft has worked with the likes of Janelle Monae, Alesha Dixon and Toni Braxton and says healthy looking lips are the goal, “Make sure your lips are moisturised. Egyptian Magic is a great all round product for your lips and skin.”

If you’d still like to wear your favourite lip colours, then there may be a way to do so. “Store away all of your gloss lipsticks and go over to mattes,” says Nancy. “These usually don't transfer and so will not smudge when removing your mask.”

“There is nothing worse than wearing a glossy lip whilst wearing a mask,” adds Adeola. “As much as I love a gloss, I would avoid these formulas until you have arrived at your destination and then you can apply. Whilst wearing your mask and if you want to wear lipstick, opt for formulas that are matte and long lasting.”

So it seems that keeping your lips moisturised is the ultimate goal under your mask, so choosing a lip balm that works for you is important. But if you really want to wear some some colour then opting for a matte lip colour (liquid lipsticks that do not transfer are a great option) or a lip stain may be the way to go. 

Protect your skin and keep your foundation looking good

Our skincare is always an important part of our routine, and this is no different when wearing a mask. But we may need to take additional steps to make sure our foundation still looks good when our mask is removed. 

“Hold onto your compact powder,” advises Dayna. “Keep a flat puff with the powder and slightly dab over the lines from the masks. Only extremely lightly. Not too heavy so you can avoid creasing.”

Adeola also advises to opt for a lightweight foundation that is breathable and has skincare benefits. She continues, “There are so many formulas of foundations that care for your skin whilst wearing them and since your skin can be easily irritated and prone to breakouts AKA maskne. This is such a helpful benefit to have. I would also use a primer to help with keeping the makeup in place firstly and finish with powder.”

Claire DeGraft believes that the trick is to use a good concealer. “Invest in a good concealer, such as Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer by Too Faced. Keeping your under eyes bright and fresh.”

She also suggests that you should use a highlighter or illuminator to give that beautiful glow to your skin. However, for those that do not like wearing highlighters, Nancy also has some great advice, “Stick to powder contour or bronzers and this time the "less is more" really does apply. Ditch your highlighter on your cheekbones and use it only on your inner corner. No one is going to notice it and besides, you will have to blend the transition of your contour or bronzer a bit higher than you usually do.”

The easiest option is to ensure our skincare is thorough and only opting to use foundation when absolutely necessary. But these are some great tips about using concealers and powders more in your routine. 

Regardless of what your new makeup routine is, it’s important to be safe when wearing your mask. “Do not fall into the gimmick of spraying setting spray on the inner side of your face mask,” says Nancy. “It is not healthy. Whilst setting sprays are created with the purpose of sealing your makeup to your skin and acting as a barrier to any disruption to your face beat. On an inner side face mask, it will reduce ventilation as it will seal most of the openings. Spray it on your face, not your mask.”