So the question is this - should we even be bothering with make-up? For me (and for many of my patients) the answer is yes. To remove cosmetics from every day life would be to remove a little of the pleasure and self-esteem boosting that goes alongside applying make-up as part of how we present ourselves to the world.
So I thought I’d share the tools I’m enjoying using and the techniques I employ to minimise the turbulence wearing a mask causes.
Maskne and Skin
This is the most important part of the equation. Choose the wrong foundation or BB cream, and you’re in a world of bother. It truly makes sense here to minimise the layers to reduce sippage under the mask and to use products that are non-comedogenic, to avoid adding to the occlusive effect wearing a mask delivers.
I think the best approach is the one I recommend for working out - wearing a non-clogging tinted mineral sunscreen and then using pin-point concealing just where it’s needed with something ultra-pigmented.
I’ll be talking more about tinted mineral sunscreen in the coming weeks as I think it’s an essential part of our day-to-day in these challenging times - it allows skin to look pulled-together in an effortless way, whilst ensuring it’s properly protected.
Concealer-wise, I love the NARS - Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Vanilla.
And I can’t live without my It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe™ Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2.
I’d strongly recommend you skip wearing powder or using setting sprays.
Lips + Masks
A light coating of lip balm is all you need. Flawless Lip is great as it’s free from irritants, and stays put brilliantly.
I may add on top a little lip colour - my go-to nude is Lipstick Queen’s Nothing But The The Truth. I fully expect to need to reapply this as my day goes on but that’s ok.
Eyes + Masks
So I’ve been a little indulgent with myself ( we need treats, right?) And that means I’ve splurged on a couple of beautiful Surratt products because eyes are really the only focal point at present. I’m curling lashes with Surratt - Relevee Lash Curler. And lining them for day with Surratt - Auto-Graphique Liner in brown. This is a wonderful product - it loses the harsh edge that a black liner can give but still delivers a hefty dose of glamour.
And then I’ll paint upper and lower lashes with the ultra-precise Surratt Relevee Mascara in Noir.
Brows are getting some newness too - I’m loving Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and I’m brushing them up with Anastasia Beverly Hills - Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette.
And finally on-the-go, I’m touching up t-zone shine with my Beauty Blender - Blotterazzi and I’ll tote the IT Cosmetics Airbrush concealer pen with me for touch-ups under the mask.
It’s far from perfect. But I believe, in the current climate, it’s good enough. And sometimes, that’s ok 🙂
