Though it may have taken some time to get used to, face masks are an essential part of your ensemble these days—and likely will be for the foreseeable future. Just like you’re adjusting to this new normal, so should your makeup and skincare routine. Case in point: When half of your face is covered by a mask, you’ll want to shift the focus to the features everyone can still see. We’ll show you how.
Mask Makeup Tip #1: Add another layer of protection.
First things first: Just because a large portion of your face is covered by a mask doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen. Protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays is still very important, so begin your mask makeup routine with an application of your favorite foundation with SPF or CC+ Cream. If you’re acne-prone (or maskne-prone), opt for the oil-free versions.
Mask Makeup Tip #2: Conceal dark circles under eyes.
To instantly erase the look of dark circles and other imperfections that are still noticeable when wearing a face mask, reach for a full-coverage, waterproof concealer that delivers all-day wear. Our best-selling Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer comes in 24 true-to-skin shades, and is infused with Expression Proof™ Technology, which means it won’t crease or crack!
Mask Makeup Tip #2: Shape your brows.
Your eyebrows have the unique ability to frame your entire face—so you’ll definitely want to enhance them when wearing a mask. With Brow Power Filler. If your brows are naturally on the fuller side, this waterproof, tinted eyebrow gel may be the only brow product you need for a bit of taming and polish.
Mask Makeup Tip #3: Make your eyes pop.
Now it’s time to define your eyes. At IT Cosmetics, we’re always promoting the power of a subtle smokey eye. Try this mask-friendly version from Victoria Hines, regional education manager for IT Cosmetics:
- Start by applying a waterproof eyeliner along the water line of your lower lid. Then squeeze your eyes together so the color transfers to your top rim. Hines explains, “This is a great way to get intensity and definition without tugging at your delicate eye area.”
- After the liner has transferred, use an eyeshadow brush to blend some of it onto your lids. You can repeat this step until you reach your desired depth of color—just be sure to work quickly, as once the liner dries, it truly is budge-proof!
- Blend a bronze-toned shadow from your crease to lid. We like “Warmth” from the Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette.
- As a final step, add at least two coats of a lengthening mascara that also delivers super saturated black pigment to give you your thickest, most defined lashes.
Mask Makeup Tip #5: Lock in your look.
After all that work you just put in, you’ll want to ensure your makeup can withstand heat, oil and sweat so it doesn’t melt onto your mask. Hines recommends setting the area around your eyes with Your Skin But Better Setting Spray+ onto your face, making a “+” and “x” pattern to get your most even application. This setting spray also works as a soothing facial mist, so we suggest tossing it in your bag for a little on-the-go skin refreshment.
Follow these steps, and you can feel confident knowing you’re putting your best (masked) face forward!
