How to Keep Makeup On Under a Face Mask

It looks like wearing face masks is going to be a regular part of our routine for now, which poses a problem for regular makeup wearers. It can be a bit of a struggle to keep makeup on your face and off of your face mask when there’s constant cloth-to-skin contact. However, it’s not impossible to slay the makeup game while staying safe behind a mask.

Here are five tried and true tips on how to keep makeup on under your face mask that I’ve had success with recently— feel free to share your own in the comments!

Tip #1 – Skip Makeup Below the Eyes

It’s got to be said— if you’re not planning on removing your mask at any point, there’s really no reason you need to apply product where it won’t be seen. Not only will this save you the hassle of trying to mask-proof your makeup, but you’ll also be saving product and money in the long run! However, if you’re in a position where you’re only wearing a mask sometimes (perhaps removing it to eat in public), you can move right along to the next tip.

Tip #2 – Apply Less (or No Product) to Mask Contact Points

Depending on what type of mask you’re wearing, the contact points can differ. Put on your mask before you start your makeup and take note of where you feel it making the tightest contact with your face. Say a sentence out loud to see where it rubs your skin as your mouth moves. These are the areas you don’t want to apply a lot of product, if any. One thing I’ve been doing is skipping foundation near these areas and going in with a concealer to spot-correct any discoloration under the mask. Alternatively, you can apply less foundation to these area by covering them last with whatever little product is left on your sponge.

Tip #3 – Use High Coverage, Matte Foundation

You can get away with using less makeup in thinner layers when using full coverage foundation. Additionally, choosing matte foundation will ensure it dries down and isn’t as transferable as a dewy or fresh finish. The best foundation for under face masks I’ve found (and I’ve tested several for this purpose!) is the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Not only is it extremely high coverage, but it still feels lightweight and flexible on the skin. My face looks smooth, with pores blurred, and I don’t have a dry or flat appearance when wearing it. This foundation holds up extremely well in heat and humidity, as well. If you have dry skin, matte products can be scary— just be sure you prep with a great moisturizer!

Tip #4- Don’t Forget to Set!

Setting your makeup is going to be the most important part of keeping it on under a mask. While I would typically opt for either a powder or setting spray, in this case I’ve found double duty to be the way to go. I start out by applying a fine loose powder like the Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder in a dabbing motion over the foundation most at risk. Then, I dust it over the rest of my face to even out the finish. Next, I follow up with a matte setting spray to seal everything in. My current favorite is the essence You Better Work! Fixing Spray which is sweat-resistant. I don’t find the spray to make the finish any more matte than it actually is, it just dries down completely and seals everything in.

Tip #5: Choose Matte Lipstick

You guessed it– matte lipstick or lip stain that dries down completely will be the most transfer-proof under your mask. I recommend the L’Oreal Signature Rouge Lipsticks or the Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lipstick. You can also take a regular lipstick and add a bit of translucent powder on top to mattify the finish. To be honest, I’ve been opting for clear lip balm most of the time these days since my mouth is hidden 99% of the time.

When I do my makeup with these tips in mind, I experience little to no makeup transfer onto my face mask. A little bit of transfer on the nose area is inevitable (it’s where my mask is tightest) but other than that, the mask stays relatively clean. Any slight residue that does transfer is usually powder and can be brushed off easily with my fingers.

Are you wearing makeup under your face mask?