Your Definitive Guide To Mask-Proof Makeup

Expert tips to prolong the longevity of your makeup when dealing with Singapore’s heat and humidity with half your face covered.

- Vanessa Chia

Now that half of our faces are covered when we’re out and about, the way we do our makeup has changed tremendously alongside everything else.

But don’t you just hate it when your foundation rubs off or your lip colour smears when you’re wearing your mask? Fret not. We’ve got expert-approved skincare and makeup tips and tricks to help you effectively prevent maskne, while keeping your makeup firmly in place. Here’s what you have to do:

SKIN PREP

A good canvas for makeup application starts with a good skincare routine.

1 STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Makeup artist Larry Yeo reminds us that wearing a face mask creates a barrier between our skin and the mask. This occlusive effect actually traps the moist and hot air build-up within the mask from our breath, talking and sweat, which in turn can increase bacteria growth, leading to skin irritation, inflammation and breakouts.

So instead of doing your whole 10-step K-beauty skincare routine with multiple serums, consider paring it down and keeping it simple. Larry recommends hydrating toners or serums that double as moisturisers, while makeup artist Melissa Yeo suggests moisturisers with SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected.

It is important to keep your skin hydrated even with mask-wear, say both Larry and Melissa. This is because while it might be humid under the mask, your skin is still losing moisture, which can leave it dry. In addition, the constant abrasion from the mask causes friction that can further irritate the skin. So applying a lightweight hydrator not only keeps skin moisturised, but can also protect against friction from the mask.