We’ve got some tips and tricks to avoid makeup smudging – follow these 6 easy steps to apply long-lasting makeup that doesn’t transfer onto your face mask!

Valerie Lim, our YouTrip Ambassador, shares her best makeup tips for wearing masks!

As some of us have started to head back to the office, the need to look presentable has been more important than ever. (Not forgetting our weekend plans to head out too!) Unfortunately, the face mask, while needed, makes looking pretty with makeup a little complicated. But complications begone! I’ve got an easy, 6-step guide to wearing makeup under your face mask. 👀

1. Mascara: First & Most Important Step

Make your eyes pop with mascara: With the lower part of our face covered, eye makeup needs to POP. Mascara is one product that I can’t leave the house without, as it helps to open up my eyes and make me look more awake (yes I sleep at 4am don’t @ me). Maybelline Mascaras are my all-time favourite! This particular Maybelline Rocket Volum Express is from iHerb, since you can’t really find it at Watsons or Guardian (most makeup are also cheaper on iHerb, FYI).

Not only do they have a large range from curling to volumising, to help me achieve perfect lashes, the wands are also easy to use. I also tend to skip eyeliner as it can make your eyes look heavier. Recently, to make my makeup routine extra easy, I’ve opted for eyelash extensions saving me a good 15 minutes every day (which means more time to sleep)! Lastly, don’t forget to draw your eyebrows as well-defined eyebrows can give your face more definition.

How much is Maybelline’s mascara: US$8.75 (~S$11.95)
Where to get it: Buy it on iHerb

2. Sunscreen: Still Needed Even Though You’re Wearing A Mask

Spread the protection with sunscreen: Even if you think wearing a mask may protect a portion of your face from the sun, half of your face is still exposed to harmful UV rays! My favourite sunscreen brand is Supergoop!, they have a ton of products to choose from, but my personal pick is the Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50.

This sunscreen is invisible on the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast unlike other SPFs. Its stick form also makes it extremely easy to apply and completely mess-free! I don’t feel it under my mask at all and even use it as a highlighter on my cheekbones to help me achieve that summer glow without leaving traces of makeup on my mask.

How much is the Supergoop! sunscreen: US$25 (~S$34.20)
Where to get it: Buy it from Amazon US

3. Foundation: Making Sure Your Makeup Stays On Your Face & Not Your Mask

Setting the foundation for the rest of your makeup: Next, keeping my base makeup as simple as possible. Using a foundation that is waterproof with a matte finish can help ensure that my makeup stays in place and has minimal transfer onto my mask. It’s also important to choose one that is light-weight and breathable for my skin which will help to prevent unwanted acne breakouts.

Since I’ve started wearing masks more frequently, I noticed more whiteheads and acne around my nose area, possibly due to clogged pores from perspiration under the mask and irritation caused by friction between the cloth and my skin. To combat this, I use YSL’s Touche Éclat Concealer Pen to brighten and perfect my complexion. The pen has a sheer to medium coverage and stays on all day!

How much is the YSL Touche Éclat Pen: US$38 (~S$52)
Where to get it: Buy it from Amazon US

4. Blush: Perk Up Your Face When The Mask Comes Off

Perking up your face with blush: Who said you can’t wear blush under a mask? If you do, make sure that they’re “transfer-proof” if you are using non-disposable masks, and long lasting, so that they’ll still be visible when you remove your mask to eat and drink. I like to use Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint Stain and have recently been applying it closer to my eyes, on the apples of my cheek so they subtly peek through even when I’m wearing a mask.

How much is Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint Stain: US$38 (~S$52)
Where to get it: Buy it from Amazon US

5. Lip Tint: Colour Your Lips Without Staining Masks

Pucker up your lips with lip tint: With the lower part of our faces covered, lipsticks don’t really seem like a necessity anymore. But if you absolutely have to, opt for long-lasting lip tints like Benefit Cosmetics’. I’ve been using Benefit Cosmetics’ 2 in 1 Love and Cha Cha Tint during this entire period as after comparing them to other lipsticks I have tried – they don’t stain my masks and are absolutely smudge-proof.

How much is Benefit Cosmetics’ Lip Tint: US$31 (~S$42)
Where to get it: Buy it from Benefit Cosmetics US

6. Powder & Setting Spray: For The Final Touch to Complete Your Look

Set down the powder for a finished look: Lastly, I finish off my makeup routine with setting powder and setting spray to ensure that my makeup lasts all day! My personal favourite is the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I got mine from Cult Beauty, which many people don’t actually know that they’re even cheaper than Sephora’s sales! Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder has a natural finish and doesn’t cause my makeup to be cake-y. Applying a setting spray will also ensure that my makeup does not crease at areas where your mask touches your skin, such as my nose and cheeks.

How much is the Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder: £32 (~S$58)
Where to get it: Buy it from Cult Beauty UK

Masks & Makeup Go Together

As someone who can’t live without makeup, I hope you find these recommendations useful, and I’ve included the links as to where you can purchase these makeup products that I use. If you’re looking to change your current makeup, definitely give these a try!

Also, most of these makeup products can be bought for cheaper on overseas stores like iHerb, Cult Beauty, and Amazon US. Remember to checkout in US Dollar (USD) or British Pounds (GBP) with your YouTrip card to take advantage of YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates for maximum cost savings!

If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card yet, use promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account. 😎

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^{*All currency conversion rates are accurate to nearest 10 cents on 4 September 2020 SGT 05:00.}

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