There are two key reasons why many women are paring back or skipping makeup altogether. One: there just seems no need for face paint when you’re wearing a mask. And two: cosmetics may rub off on the mask and stain it, making washing a headache.
So what happens if you’re back in the office and need to look reasonably put-together, or heading out for a social meal?
Transfer-Proof Makeup to Save the Day
Don’t fret, there are many products out there designed to be smudge-proof and transfer-resistant once they set. Not only that, but ever improving formulations mean they’re highly comfortable too – lightweight, second skin-like and natural looking, with none of that heavy, cakey feel that used to be associated with longwearing, non-budge makeup.
We’ve rounded up a list of foundations, blushers and lippies with proven lasting power and won’t leave your mask looking like your three-year-old’s painted artwork.
Foundations
Revlon Colorstay Full Cover Foundation
Its mousse-like formula promises to last up to 24 hours and is resistant to both heat and sweat.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF10
Freshens up dull skin and smooths over imperfections like dark circles and enlarged pores. You can even wear it after work to the gym as it’s waterproof and sweat-resistant.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear SPF15
Maintains skin’s pH level so that the foundation’s colour stays true all day. Perlite and silica help absorb oil and mattify skin, preventing the makeup from fading or sliding off.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
It offers full coverage with a matte, skin-like finish. The silky, blendable formula has both hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients so it not only feels comfortable but also crease- and streak-resistant.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation SPF35/PA+++
This liquid foundation keeps complexion looking fresh and healthy from AM to PM, yet has an ultra-thin texture that allows skin to breathe. Contains three oil-absorbers to help it withstand water and transfer.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
This oil-free foundation is purpose-built to weather sweat and humidity. Offers buildable coverage and a shine-free finish, but won’t clog pores and has an airy-light feel. Bonus: it comes in 50 shades so you’re sure to find your exact match.
Blushers
Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
This rose-coloured tint has been around since the 1970s and is an iconic beauty product. Simply dab a drop or two onto cheeks (or lips) and blend for the prettiest looking flush that lasts for hours on end.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
It has natural clay from the Amazon River to minimise oil in greasy skin and provide hydration and nourishment to dry skin. Promises colour that won’t fade or budge for 12 hours.
Lends a sheer, rosy tinge that immediately brightens up your look. Lightweight but lasting, it stays on skin till evening and beyond. Add more layers if you’re after more intense colour.
Lips
Lasts for as long as 10 hours, thanks to its transfer-proof formula which fuses to lips and sets like a tattoo. So lightweight and comfortable you’ll hardly feel it’s there.
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment, $40
This smudge-resistant lippie’s has liquified pigments that dry quickly to a smooth, velvety-looking finish. You’ll get intense, saturated colour minus the thick, heavy feel.
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick
This liquid-matte lipstick delivers bold colour with just one swipe. Its oil complex primes lips and smooths away lines so you get up to eight hours of fresh, non-feathering colour that stays put.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, $17.90
Promising saturated colour for up to 16 hours, this is definitely one for those who pull long hours. A thin layer is all that’s needed, let it set for 30 seconds and you’re good to go all day without touch-ups.
Etude House Colorful Tattoo Tint, $17
This smooth, gliding formula spreads evenly and one application is all you need for intense colour. The needle-shaped applicator also makes it easy to create a neat outline.
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