Before you start bashing me in the comments section or in Twitter, hear me out first, okay? I know some of you are thinking, what's the point of wearing makeup when half your face is covered, or it's not the time to worry about makeup. Well, those are valid opinions but for some, applying makeup gives them a sense of normalcy during these hard times. Actually, I never thought of writing a guide on how to prevent makeup from smudging on face masks until a doctor in an online beauty group asked about it. She got criticized but I'm glad a majority supported her and gave her tips. And surprisingly, there are now a handful of face mask makeup tutorials online.
I have been wearing face masks way before this pandemic, but only when I'm in crowded places like trains or Christmas Sale in malls. I am "immunocompromised" meaning I have an impaired immune system and I easily contracted diseases.
My point is, I know what I'm talking about. Below are my personal tips on how to prevent makeup from smudging on your face mask, or how to prevent it from staining.
1. Use Concealer or Tinted Sunscreen
Ditch your foundation! No matter how long-wearing or waterproof your foundation, it will smudge and leave an icky stain on your face mask. Alternatively, you can use tinted moisturizer or sunscreen since they're light and less pigmented than foundations. Personally, I prefer applying concealer on problematic areas like dark spots and dark undereyes. A BB cream will work too but it depends on the formula.
2. Focus on your eyes
Since half my face is covered, I focus on my eyes instead. As we say in the Philippines, kilay is life! Which means "eyebrows is life" in English. Use an eyeshadow, curl your lashes, whatever makes you feel good, go for it! My go-to look is the cat eyeliner, the pointier, the better.
3. Blotting Papers is your best friend
Before you finish your look, make sure to blot your entire face especially in the mouth area if you use tinted sunscreen or bb cream. Any anti-oil blotting papers will do, Fenty Beauty, Clean & Clear, whatever.
4. Seal It With Loose Powders
Some people prefer setting sprays, but setting sprays often breaks me out. So I find Loose Powders more effective and much safer on the skin when covered with face masks.
5. Lipstick is Optional
Since your face will be covered, I don't really recommend using lipsticks. But if you want, I am not stopping you. But take note, even though it's long-lasting and transfer-proof, it will still stain. I recommend using lip balms instead to prevent your lips from drying.
But most importantly, follow your mood.
Despite all these tips, I just want to tell you that, do what's comfortable with you. If you're not into glamourized eyes, it's okay. Follow your mood. I actually go out often without makeup even though I don't have a face mask with me, I only my Dr. Jart+ sunscreen and lipstick on. I just put on cat eyeliner when I'm not feeling lazy.
One more thing...
Since you're already reading this post, please help our frontliners and people who doesn't have an income during this pandemic. Below are the charities and fundraising you can participate:
You can also give your donations through Lazada and .
